2. 19. Identity In Christ vs the World
Acts 22:22 – 23:11 p

3. In Jerusalem Observing the purification rites as advised by James
He is recognized by Jews from Asia – causes a riot.
Rescued by Romans – Tribune Claudius Lysias (Ac 23:26)
He has just addressed the crowd at the barracks
How Paul interacts with civil authorities
Discover an interesting issue of Identity.

4. 1. A Roman Citizen Romans are trying to keep order in the city.
Tribune wants to know what is going on.
Who is Paul? What is he doing?
Orders Paul is “flogged and interrogated” (v 24)
Paul let’s on that he is a ROMAN CITIZEN
He has rights and must be treated with respect.
He was born a citizen (in Tarsus of Cilisia)

5. 1. A Roman Citizen . . .
Claudius Lysias – citizenship from Emperor Claudius.
Paul only uses his citizenship on one other occasion
At Philippi when he was flogged and jailed (Ac 16:16 f)
Did not use it to protect himself from abuse

6. 1. A Roman Citizen . . . Brought the Gospel on its OWN terms.
He did not want it associated with Rome or any authority
His protection and course of life directed by God
He was committed to the Gospel (Ac 21:13)
How far would we go?
Today: much concern for welfare and personal safety
Paul uses social conventions & civil authorities cautiously

7. 2. A Pharisee Paul speaks before the Sanhedrin
Has an altercation with the High Priest Ananias
Refers to a prophecy of Ezekiel 13:9-15 – “whitewashed wall”
Powerful condemnation of Jewish leaders who resist the Messiah
Presents the Gospel to resonate with the Pharisees
He plays the two factions against each other

8. 2. A Pharisee . . . Emphasis on the resurrection
Managed to get the Pharisees on his side
Pharisees were proud of their traditions and the Law
Not so keen to be swamped with Gentiles

9. Living It - Identity Paul was a Roman Citizen – but rarely used it
He was a Pharisee – student of Gamaliel (Ac 22:3)
He gave it all up
Passionate to make Jesus the centre of everything
Had no problem suffering for Jesus (2 Cor 11:21-29; 4:16)

10. Living It . . . Who are you? Who am I?
Paul could withstand it all though intimacy with Jesus and his vision of eternity.