The Power of YOUR STORY!

In Acts 22 Paul had just barely escaped being beaten to death by a mob. Now in the custody of Roman soldiers, the unlikely heroes of the last chapter, Paul raises a hand to speak to the mob. Any normal human, as in not led by the Spirit, would have likely cursed them. But instead, Paul shared his testimony. He presented the truth of Christ by way of his story! It's interesting that Jesus chose to speak in story form (parables). Just as culture responds to stories. Every social media platform pushes a concept called “stories”. Scientifically speaking, storytelling creates a unique emotional bond between the teller and the listener. Knowing this, and designing us this way, it makes sense that God would have spoken to His people in the story of the Bible. 

Paul's story here sparked chaos, as well as interest. The Jewish mob almost believed him, until he mentioned Gentiles. Yet, the Roman commander was interested in the truth behind it all. On the Roman side, the presuppositions were laid to rest so the truth could be found. On the mob’s side, their arrogant preconceived notions of who God is and how He works clouded their ability to see the truth. Nonetheless, Paul's love for the lost, and his would-be killers, became the theme of our narrative in Acts 22. An analogy of how God’s love for His people shines brightest when we least deserve it.