Observation: As Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin, the chief priest orders that he be struck. Paul respond by recalling the law, which forbid such actions, and points out the irony of this order ... that the chief priest is challenging Paul on the basis of the Law, while then violating the Law.
Paul knew the Law very, very well, and knew all of scripture as well. He was able to have any 'logical' discussion about Jesus, Messiah, God, and the Law. He uses that to even incite disagreement at his own trial, pitting the members against each other over the matter of resurrection and the Holy Spirit. He well understands hypocrisy that occurs when a person leverages the Law for their purposes while violating it for their other purposes. This is likely why he chose to preach "Christ crucified" and found that successful in his preaching, instead of converting Jews by logic.
Application: In most cases, discussing the love of God is more likely to influence beliefs than is a logical argument about rules, laws, and sins. This is because ... we - myself included - are hypocrites and just as likely to violate those same laws. I am more like a Sadducee or Pharisee than I am like an apostle.
How can I be more apostle-like? First would be by loving others and seeking to simply tell them of Jesus. I shouldn't try to argue, and I certainly shouldn't judge. This alone would be a huge step forward. And frankly, until I can do this, there is no second step. I need to get right about loving others at all times, and focusing my life on simply the love of Jesus. Since all other "compliance" flows from that anyway, there is no better way to live.
Prayer: Lord, again I ask it today, please guide me in my love of others. May I serve others more and more as we head into a new era of your church. Amen.
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