I'm a Christian living in SoCal. I attend the church Dwelling Place Anaheim. I got an email notification late on Tuesday night that you had subscribed to my Substack publication. I actually haven't posted anything yet, but I plan to. Is there any way I can contact you separately? There was an amazing move of God that happened on Tuesday night at our church and I think it might be significant that I got that email on the same night...
However, this particular story has an even more interesting ending, for Paul refused to be released!
"But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly, men who are Romans and uncondemned, they threw us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! But coming themselves, let them bring us out. And the floggers reported these words to the judges. And hearing that they were Romans, they were afraid. And coming they begged them. And bringing them out, they asked them to depart out of the city. And going out from the prison, they entered into the house of Lydia. And seeing the brothers, they comforted them and departed. " (Act 16:37-40)
Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, and should not have been treated that badly. The judges were terrified, as being Romans they could have reported what had happened to them to Rome and they could have been killed and their city could have lost it status as a free city (which is what the word 'colony' means in Acts 16:12). This was a very serious situation that these Judges were in.
Paul however doesn't seem to take any retribution after having been apologised to, but he also doesn't just slink away after having been unjustly beaten. We should learn from his example, and use every available means to not be treated illegally and unjustly.
This is very inspiring! God can absolutely work in anyone's life if they choose to have faith in Him which I'm praying they do as we continue to plant seeds.
Hello, thedmncproject :)
I'm a Christian living in SoCal. I attend the church Dwelling Place Anaheim. I got an email notification late on Tuesday night that you had subscribed to my Substack publication. I actually haven't posted anything yet, but I plan to. Is there any way I can contact you separately? There was an amazing move of God that happened on Tuesday night at our church and I think it might be significant that I got that email on the same night...
Hi there you should be able to message me (directly). Have you tried that?
Excellent stuff, thanks for your consideration.
However, this particular story has an even more interesting ending, for Paul refused to be released!
"But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly, men who are Romans and uncondemned, they threw us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! But coming themselves, let them bring us out. And the floggers reported these words to the judges. And hearing that they were Romans, they were afraid. And coming they begged them. And bringing them out, they asked them to depart out of the city. And going out from the prison, they entered into the house of Lydia. And seeing the brothers, they comforted them and departed. " (Act 16:37-40)
Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, and should not have been treated that badly. The judges were terrified, as being Romans they could have reported what had happened to them to Rome and they could have been killed and their city could have lost it status as a free city (which is what the word 'colony' means in Acts 16:12). This was a very serious situation that these Judges were in.
Paul however doesn't seem to take any retribution after having been apologised to, but he also doesn't just slink away after having been unjustly beaten. We should learn from his example, and use every available means to not be treated illegally and unjustly.
Great insights. Thanks for sharing Martin.
This is very inspiring! God can absolutely work in anyone's life if they choose to have faith in Him which I'm praying they do as we continue to plant seeds.
Yes "choose" it's those choices each day that make such a huge difference to our own lives in our walk with God and those around us.
Thank you - great writing, great insight.
You are very welcome. Glad it helped. God is good.