The American Christian
Weapons of Words Past and Present
Lesson 2
We have seen in this series so far how Paul has stood up and proclaimed his innocence. He did not
hesitate to reveal his Roman Citizenship (holding onto it’s rights).
Acts 22:25
And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by,"Is it lawful for you
to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?"
Note -This we can correlate with our rights in our Bill of rights
Now we study the way in which he presents his case. And as we go forth, fighting our own battles; with
words on subjects to which are contrary to peoples view of our own laws, or against God’s instructions.
We can glean the wisdom from Paul in his of presentation, firmness, kindness and boldness in telling
the enemy when to stand down, because our Bible says, and our rights are; this or that.
Paul starts out gently, in courteous fashion.
Acts 23:3
Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good
conscience before God until this day.
Note -Things change quickly
Acts 23:1-3
"2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
Note-To this the reaction was to want to hit him in the mouth.
People won’t always like what we say when we defend ourselves or they don’t agree
Acts 23:3
Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me
according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?"
Note - Paul again comes back with his rights just as we have our rights which are-
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment XIV
Passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868.
Note - Article I, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of the 14th amendment.
Section 1.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens
of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which
shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive
any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its
jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Note - Paul uses his rights as ammunition we should know and use ours also.
To this the governmental body rose up, You dare Challenge us the governing body says-
Acts 23: 4-5
4 And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"
Note -They are saying “you should respect the position”. Paul clearly saw the person who was in the
position. Paul again looks to his clear senses and not the exterior facade in front of him and says as
he looks at someone who violates the positions own laws to which he is supposed to uphold.
5 Then Paul said,"I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You
shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
Note -The High Priest of the day carried themselves in a royal manner to be seen by men. It’s hard to
believe that Paul did not know this was supposed to be a High priest supposedly representing God
when he called "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the
law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?"
In Parallel - I glean if a person in position of government is acting contrary and breaking the laws to
which they are to uphold we are under no obligation to place honor on them, but to speak clearly and
boldly. They were elected by the people to carry out the law as the people established, NOT their own
agenda’s.
Many leaders and even our current President think this is the way it will be(with their own agendas,)
forcing their agendas onto the people.
We should not stand for this.
In our Declaration of Independence it says-
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
It also says Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed
for light and transient causes.
Can you think of all the transient causes that are being force fed to us? Is this the will of the people?
Those that do not adhere to our law, nor acknowledge our own heritage should not be in office or
make policies for others. Yes, that is my opinion, but it parallels the Bibles position.
Paul brings into the room the basic beliefs of his upbringing and because he did not agree with them
and for his beliefs he was being judged.
Acts 23:6
6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out
in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope
and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"
Note - This strategy works here for Paul to go to the core of it not just the false allegations.
Acts 23:7-9
7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees;
and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection -- and no angel
or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of
the Pharisees' party arose and protested, saying,"We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or
an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."
Acts 23:10
10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled
to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them,
and bring him into the barracks.
So we leave this study with him still in chains but having won a battle. Paul stands strong.
In our Country today, it is said by the President that we are no longer a Christian Nation. This is False.
It is said we were not founded on God This is False. Look at our Supreme Court walls engraved, to not
be erased. Yet many want to erase God from us our peoples, our nation. We have to stand.
Our Courts are outlawing references to God, religious symbols, stated public appeals to God (prayer).
Yet our founding fathers wrote:
John Adams-
We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by
morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our
Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious
people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
Samuel Adams-
Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.
So we need to keep looking to our Bible and to our founding fathers words and Stand Firm and push
back the tides of tyranny( cruel unjust rule).
Is this where our country is, or is this where our country is headed?
What can we do,--------
We can first of all pray for
God’s Guidance
Our sins as a Nation,that we will turn from them
Our peoples here and abroad serving for us
Our leaders, that God will place who He wants and they will look to our foundations.
Study to show thyself approved (God’s Word)
Psalm 32:8-11
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.
9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule,
Which have no understanding,
Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,
Else they will not come near you.
10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
We will continue… Scripture references are from NKJV
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