Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Now the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush; so he went and gained entrance to the barracks and told Paul.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, May 20, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Today’s story reads like a good spy novel. The tribune (like a defense counsel) was determined to protect Paul from the angry crowd until he could have a fair hearing for the crime of defiling the temple. (He had brought a Gentile into the Jewish temple.) Paul’s nephew heard that about 40 Jews had joined in a conspiracy to refrain from food or drink until Paul was dead. They planned to meet with Paul under the pretense of examining his case, and then they plotted to kill him. Paul’s nephew reported the plot to Paul, who then referred him to the tribune. The tribune told his nephew to do nothing until he could formulate a plan to save Paul.
Sometimes it’s easy to think of the hurricane that was Paul blowing through the countryside with his message about the gospel and overlook the many people he relied on to make it possible. Yes, we acknowledge that passively there were supporters who helped fund his journeys and gave him food and lodging when he traveled. Rarely do we get to hear of the intricate network of family and friends with eyes and ears everywhere, ready to pivot plans in a moment’s notice.
Some of us pride ourselves on autonomy. We feel more powerful if we can accomplish great things alone. We feel weak if we admit we need people for anything. If the great missionary Paul relied so heavily on the people around him for success, then perhaps we could learn something from him. What do you struggle to ask or receive help for?
