Politics Scripture, reflection and prayer.

Acts 23:6-11 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem."

Reflection. St Paul would have made an excellent politician. Elsewhere, Paul uses his being a Roman Citizen to stop himself and friends being beaten. Here he knows that different factions in the Council believe different things. Stating that he was speaking of the hope of the Resurrection caused Real consternation for some. Yet, Paul was still at physical risk. The Roman tribune intervened...But more, the Lord Jesus came and stood with Paul, comforted him and told him of his future.

Are we wise enough to use circumstances well? Something for us to consider, perhaps. By the way, religion and politics mix. They always mix.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, help us to be as gentle as a dove and as wise as a snake. Amen.