9:23
So far we have an almost magical progression of events (forgive the untheological language!). Saul has had an encounter with the Lord, been radically changed, and is not fulfilling God’s mission for his life. Now we see that this was mixed in with the harsh realities of life. Just as the Jews plotted to kill Jesus, so now they are plotting to kill Paul. “Jews” here, as in John’s gospel, probably refers primarily to the Jewish religious leaders, rather than the Jews as a whole. Proclaiming Christ as Lord challenged their standing. Indeed, Jesus and the gospel presents a challenge to anyone who is standing on any other authority.
9:24,25
However, God is in control, and Saul became aware of the plot. The Jews were taking steps to capture Saul if he tried to leave the city, but Saul and the disciples bypassed them by lowering Saul in a basket from window in the walls of the city. This may have been a rather ignominious departure for Saul, but it was certainly better than being killed. So we see the mixture of the miraculous and amazing intervention of God in the whole affair, together with practical steps to avoid capture. The “spiritual” and the “mundane” go together in the normal Christian life.
No comments:
Post a Comment