The Holy Apostle Hermas; the Holy Martyr Hermes (138-61)
Acts 21:26-32; John 16:2-13
Read Acts 21:26-32
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
Christ’s words about Paul, “for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16), are now coming to their concluding fulfillment. Yes, Paul joyfully suffered for the Gospel in his evangelical ministry from Jews, pagans and even his own Christian brethren, but now we begin to read about the final persecution at the hands of the Jews and then his ultimate martyrdom in Rome.
Notice the charge that is laid against him: “This is the man who is teaching men everywhere against the people and the law and this place” (Acts 21:28). This is similar to what was laid against St. Stephen (Act 6:11-14) and Jesus (Luke 23:2). Just like they accused Jesus of wanting to destroy the Temple they also accuse Paul for profaning it. If this was true, which it was not, according to Jewish Law they would be justified in administering the death penalty. This is why so many Jews were stirred up in anger against Paul for supposedly profaning the Holy Temple.
Interestingly, Paul handles this persecution with peace and joy. It was clear that St. Paul made great efforts to live with Christ and for Christ. This is why this rejection is not only of Paul, but of the One who abides in him. Paul gave his life to bringing Christ to everyone, and now he is suffering rejection like Christ. He does all this joyfully because those who suffer and die with the Lord will rise with the Lord: “If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Tim 2:11-13).