Paul was to be questioned under scourging.

Acts 22:23-24

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 “Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him.” Acts 22:23-24

In the previous posts on Acts 21:37-22:22, Paul gave his born-again testimony to the Jewish people. When he said he was sent to bring the Kingdom of God to the non-Jewish Gentiles, they said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” Acts 22:22 They were in an uproar, cried out, tore off articles of their clothing, and threw dust in the air. As followers of Jesus Christ, to say to today’s atheistic culture that they need to acknowledge their need for Jesus Christ, it would rile them up and they would in essence be saying, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!”

The Roman commander was standing beside Paul when he was sharing his testimony with the Jewish people. The commander put Paul in chains, “Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains…” Acts 21:33 This same commander is who gave Paul permission to speak to the Jewish people, “I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.” So when he had given him permission…” Acts 21:39 After the Jewish people wanted to kill Paul because of witnessing for Jesus Christ, the same commander wanted to know why the Jewish people shouted against Paul. In fact, the Roman commander decided to scourge Paul, and to whip him, to get the “truth” from him.

In today’s culture, it is extremely rare that anyone will say that they despise the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They will not confess that their feelings about Christianity are the same as the feelings of the Jewish people against Paul. Those who govern and live for today’s atheistic culture, know they are against belief in God, Jesus Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and Christians. However, they do not want to “wear it on their sleeves”, they don’t want it “written on their forehead”. That type of reputation would mar the Godly image they want to put forth. They are truly wolves in sheep clothing and living for the beast with two horns like a lamb [Satan’s version of the Holy Spirit].

While we may not be literally scourged with a whip, we are scourged with social disapproval when there is conflict with others because of our testimony for Jesus Christ. We will be brought to mediators, whether at the workplace, school, home, etc. to determine why so many people have such negative feedback towards us. Even though they may already know it’s because of our belief in the Living God, they want to hear what we will say the reason is. The last thing that they want to hear us say is that our life in the Holy Spirit solicits social disapproval. They do not want to hear criticism about their atheistic culture, which is global.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you…” Matthew 10:16-17

“…be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:1-2

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:1