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 heard a prayer this morning on The World and Everything In It podcast, and it’s worth sharing.
Father, You are kind to remind us that rain falls to the right and to the left, and that the sun shines on both sides of every aisle. I am hopeful Lord Jesus of how you are working in the world. Thank you that even though we would not have chosen you as our King, you have chosen us as your people. Thank you for ruling us wisely, kindly, and patiently. Please teach us to better reflect your character, starting with me, and starting today. In Jesus name. Amen.
I emphasized the words that were particularly impactful to me. As Paul proclaims the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus, he was exercising how God chooses us. He does this through the gospel. Paul writes, “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
Paul and his contemporaries had no control over Caesar and his policies. But his focus was not on Caesar’s unfairness or demagoguery, his persecution of Christians or self-serving exercise of power. His focus was on God’s kingdom – God’s reign and rule – and on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Much of Paul’s teaching would be on Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and God’s ultimate goal of gathering a people to himself who love him and love one another in perfect holiness goodness, faithfulness and righteousness.
I suppose that is the reason I never really comment on politics, or even call for us to pray that our country should return to its biblical foundations as “One Nation Under God.” Truth is all nations are under God. And efforts to build communities, cities, or nations which express that outwardly always fail. Think Geneva, Switzerland under Calvin’s influence (see below for a commentary on the problems there).
But I regularly point people to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of all the hopes of Israel and the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. The salvation of God has been sent. It is sent by God through people like Paul, Luther, me and you. As one Lutheran author has said it, we are Loved and Sent. And as Texas District President Michael Newman so beautifully reminded us recently:
As Christians, we are not on this earth to join the divisive and anxious narrative of the world. We are here to set the tone of the Gospel: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Salvation has been sent. Let your light shine for Jesus!
A Commentary on John Calvin’s Geneva
In John Calvin’s Geneva, Calvin aimed to establish a city governed by strict adherence to Christian principles and ecclesiastical discipline. His reforms included the creation of the *Consistory*, a council of pastors and elders responsible for overseeing the community’s moral and religious conduct. This body enforced rigid social norms, requiring citizens to attend church, maintain pious lifestyles, and adhere to Calvinist doctrine. Those who deviated faced penalties, which ranged from public admonishments to, in some cases, exile. Geneva under Calvin functioned as a theocratic state where church and civic authorities collaborated to enforce a unified moral and religious vision, but it also led to a stifling environment that restricted personal freedoms and dissenting beliefs. We have been set free by Christ from the condemnation of the Law, and from coercive manipulations toward outward obedience.
This control over both private and public life has been criticized as overly authoritarian. Calvin’s governance shaped Geneva into a disciplined, industrious city, yet some historians argue that the rigidity and strict punishments, including for minor infractions, limited citizens’ autonomy and created a tense, surveilled atmosphere. His theocratic approach also imposed a sense of collective accountability, as all citizens were expected to uphold Calvin’s moral and spiritual laws, resulting in a controversial legacy.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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