PAUL THE APOSTLE ( PART 27 ) | THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY | LESSON FROM PHILIPPI ( PART 5 )

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3127

PAUL THE APOSTLE ( PART 27 )

THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY
LESSON FROM PHILIPPI ( PART 5 )

THE MAGISTRATES WITH CHANGED MINDS

In the morning after converting the jailor and his family, Paul and Silas were released but summoned to appear before the magistrates of Philippi. However, both of them insisted that the magistrates come and apologize to them personally because the latter had broken the Roman law by flogging and imprisoning Roman citizens like them without enquiring about their legal status or first giving them a fair trial.

The wrong done to both of them could not be undone. But it could be openly acknowledged.

Paul could have quietly walked away from Philippi, but he decided to instill some fear into the hearts of the rulers so that they would not persecute any more Christians. He informed them that they had flogged and imprisoned two men who, though Jews, were full Roman citizens. Fearful that Paul would bring charges against them, the magistrates treated him with respect from then on.

Abba Father, it was difficult to change the hearts of the Roman magistrates of Philippi. They worshipped their emperors as gods and even Apollo as the patron deity of Delphi. But Paul knew he could change their minds and he had very good reasons for standing on his dignity and forcing the magistrates to come to him personally. He would be leaving behind a little church that would need to be respected and justly treated by the authorities. Furthermore, Paul would want to come back to Philippi recognized as a Roman, not as a Jew. His admirable stand was - as always - for the sake of others. And he was vindicated by the friendly send-off by the Romans.