But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. Acts 24:14a NLT
The Acts of the Apostles is an account written by Luke, historically documenting the early church and the events in the years following Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is most valuable, showing Jesus, the Way, being followed most faithfully and the transformation that always occurs when we do. Paul is a profoundly powerful example.
Paul steps onto the pages of history as a self-described Pharisee of the Pharisees (meaning top of the line in understanding and devotion), and he was vehemently opposed to anything he saw as an affront to the Jewish faith. This new “cult” angered him and moved him to action.
He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. Acts 9:2 NLT
But when he had a personal encounter with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus to persecute more Way followers, everything changed. He met the Way, the Truth, and the Life. From then on, the only road he traveled was the Way. Teaching, preaching, and living the Way became his consuming passion.
Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord. Acts 19:8-10 NLT
God was moving as people believed and churches were planted. It was not easy. We read that “About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way.” Acts 19:23 NLT
Acts 24 is a detailed record of Paul’s arrest and the false accusations against him. Paul directly said he was innocent of the charges. He openly says he previously violently persecuted followers of the Way (they weren’t concerned about that) but now freely admitted that he was a committed follower of the Way, Jesus. An interesting note in Acts 24:22 tells us that Felix, the governor, was quite familiar with the Way and treated Paul kindly. However, Paul who killed followers of the Way ended up willingly dying for the Way. What a miraculous change!
Paul found that following the Way, Jesus, was the way to complete transformation. And the biggest, best story he knew anything about was his own. That will also be true for you and me.
- Jesus, may following You so transform me that my entire life is a testimony to the Way.