Acts 21:37-23:11 - Paul's address to the Jerusalem Jews

1. Theme
   1. Paul, with honor, addresses the Greek and then the Jews, defending his mission to reveal God's kingdom to the Gentiles and include them in the kingdom
   2. This passage shows us a few different ways where Paul uses his citizenship and standing within a community to quell the wiles of the people.
   3. We see two different occasions here where Paul uses language in respectful ways of speaking to present himself honorably to those who would oppress him
      1. First, with the Roman, he spoke modestly and honorably to him, requesting permission to address the Jews, but using the native tongue of the Roman.
      2. After receiving permission, he then addresses the Jews in the Hebrew tongue, to begin his demonstration that he was not a vulgar Jew but one to be treated as a brother.
   4. We also see two different ways that Paul uses his citizenship/membership in a community to preserve himself and allow him an opportunity to speak
      1. Paul appeals to his Roman citizenship to preserve himself from punishment and afford himself a fair trial, giving him more time to address the Jews and an opportunity to appeal and present the gospel to higher and higher Roman authorities.
      2. We also see Paul appeal to his Pharisaic roots in front of the Sanhedrin, testifying to the hope he finds in resurrection, which sparks a conflict between the Pharisees and Sadducees
   5. We must proclaim the gospel honorably, and not be slow to tell of how Christ has saved us. We should even use whatever means and benefits God has gifted us to do His work, including the benefits of whatever citizenship we have been gifted.