Acts 22:2-16
2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:
3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
Reflection
Paul explains to the angry mob that he too once hated and persecuted the young Christian movement known as the “Way” (Acts 22:4; cf. 9:2). But much to his surprise, Jesus revealed himself to Paul on the road to Damascus, forgave him (22:16), and has now called him to be a witness of what he has seen and heard (v. 15).
Paul knows what it’s like to hate Christians, but he also knows what it’s like to be changed by Jesus. Rather than abandoning his fellow Jews who still live in darkness, Paul has come to them with the light of truth in hope that they will see Jesus for who he truly is —the Righteous One (v. 14). God has sent us to help those who live in the same bondage of sin that we ourselves once suffered. Like Paul, we should be eager to see our friends, family, and neighbors come to a true knowledge of the Savior-King, Jesus Christ.
Revelation 14:6-13
6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Reflection
The first angel declares that the judgment of God has arrived (Rev. 14:7), which John refers to as “an eternal gospel” (v. 6). The reason this judgment is good news is that it means that God will not allow evil to go unpunished forever. The wicked system of this world (“Babylon”) will be brought to an end (v. 8).
The call of the third angel in verses 9–11 explains that those who worship the beast and receive his mark will face the eternal wrath of God. Once again, John calls Christians to endure by keeping the commandments of God and keeping faith in Jesus (v. 12). Those who endure and “die in the Lord” (i.e., who are Christians) will “rest from their labors” (v. 13). Those who oppose Christ, on the other hand, “have no rest, day or night” (v. 11). Because of Christ’s cross, God can show mercy, but those who refuse the mercy offered there will face his judgment.
Psalm 17:7
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
Like Paul, we who are rescued from darkness have a desire to see others rescued as well. Pray specifically for those in your life who continue to live in darkness, and ask God to show them the mercy available through the gospel.