Bread – Terrorists

Readings for Friday, August 14
    from the Book of Common Prayer:
    2 Sam. 15:19-37; Acts 21:37-22:16; Mark 10:46-52
    Psalms 102, 107:1-32
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Today’s readings provide us an interesting study in terrorists and terrorism.

Paul has come to Jerusalem and is attending church.  People see him at church and get mad, because they believe that he is teaching "everywhere against our people (the Jews) and our law (the Law), and this place (the Temple).  They get so mad that they have him arrested.  Not only that, but the mob (of God-fearing people) became so violent that the Roman soldiers had to take Paul into protective custody.  As Paul and the soldiers enter the barracks, Paul asks if he can speak to the commander.  The commander is surprised because he is addressed by Paul in Greek, and then says:

"Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?" Acts 21:38

This is the first time (I believe) the word "terrorists" is used in the Bible.   The ESV and NASB translations use the phrase "men of the Assassins" for the word "terrorists."  The Amplified Bible uses the word "cutthroats" and the King James version uses the word "murderers."  In other words, bad actors.

So Paul has been labeled, essentially, a terrorist twice, the first by the church mob (he teaches against us, our standards of living, and our homeland) and the second by the commander (you are the leader of 4,000 bad people).

Paul’s response to the accusation that he is a terrorist by (a) speaking in a language the commander understands (Greek), (b) pointing out his birthplace (not Egypt), and (c) acknowledging the commander’s authority and decision-making ability to let Paul speak.  As a result of (a) hearing the facts, (b) hearing well-spoken words, and (c) hearing no threat to the commander’s authority (and in fact, hearing a deference to that authority), the commander lets Paul speak to the mob outside.

Paul tells the mob who he is and how he came to be a follower of Christ.  He then gives his post-conversion testimony, giving emphasis to his obedience to the law and to the commands of Christ.  He speaks to them in the common language of all present – Aramaic.  And then he tells him what task God has set him to – to bring the good news to the rest of the world (the Gentiles).

At hearing that God’s Word was being preached by a missionary (Paul) to the Gentiles, the listening group responded — "Rid the earth of him!  He is not fit to live!"  Acts 21:22.  The commander responded by removing Paul, subjecting him to torture (flogging), and asking him why the crowd was mad at him.

What did Paul do to justify the actions of the church mob? – nothing except to challenge their "comfort zone" with love and truth.

From this history lesson we can draw several conclusions about terrorists.  First, there really are some (the Assassins).  Second, there are those who challenge us and are therefore perceived to be terrorists who are not (Paul).  Third, there is the state (or any organization) acting logically but without common sense or compassion (the Roman army and its commander).  Fourth, there is the mob whose fundamental beliefs and status quo are challenged.

Out of this list there is only one person who is unjustly accused of being a terrorist and that is Paul.  And out of this list there is only one person who has acted in a totally civilized manner, speaking the truth in love – Paul.  And there is only one Christian – Paul.

Are you ready to be called a terrorists for Christ?  All you have to do is speak love and truth to a world which desperately needs to hear both and you will be attacked by (a) the real terrorists, (b) the state, and (c) the mob (of pseudo-Christians and non-Christians alike).

Me?  A terrorist for Christ?  Hmmm…

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Lord, help us to wisely answer the question, "Will you really lay down your life for Me?"  Lord, help us to love your Word, incarnate in Jesus Christ and written in Scripture, and to solely rely upon them as our source of information about how we should live.  Help us Lord to come to You, and once having come to You to become closer to You and to preach the Gospel to all people in all circumstances, in and out of season, as You have commanded.  Help us know that You are God and we are not.  Assist us Lord through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be willing and obedient servants.  It is only through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ that we are empowered to even make this prayer.  And so we thank You and praise You!  Amen.
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