After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
I’m pretty much ready for the election campaigns to be ended. Especially the ads. I get 50 texts a day from this candidate or that one. Today I even had a voicemail on my phone from one of the candidates. Claims. Counter claims. Accusations fly back and forth. By all counts it’s worse than it’s ever been. More money spent. More ads aired. More noise. I’ve had enough.
It’s quite another matter in Rome when Paul arrives there and meets with the Jewish leaders. He offers a brief overview of his saga with the Jews in Jerusalem and his appeal to Caesar. He makes no bones about the fact that the Jews in Jerusalem were not pleased with him. He is there and in chains because of the hope of Israel, he says. He will not back away from the message of Jesus. And he wants to share the gospel with these Jewish leaders in Rome.
Their response is reminiscent of the Jewish people in Berea. They, Luke tells us, “studied the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true.” (Acts 17:11) They actually want to hear what Paul has to say before determining how to relate to him. They do say they want to hear from him because, “with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” He is not starting with a totally clean slate, but neither is he facing a preconceived conclusion of his disfavor.
It seems to me that fear is behind much of the political posturing, accusations, and vitriol. It’s not only a matter of fear mongering either. Fear is gripping people on every side of the political spectrum. People believe that if their candidate loses the future of America is at stake. That renders reasonable discourse impossible.
Of course it takes two. Not only do we need to be ready to listen. Those who speak must be willing to speak the truth. We’ve lost so much of that today. Thank God for those who do listen respectfully and those who speak truthfully. Best we all seek to get to the truth of the matter. And Jesus is the embodiment of truth.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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