The events of Acts 22-23 provide a compelling example of Paul’s remarkable shrewdness. After being arrested in Jerusalem, Paul navigates a labyrinth of danger and intrigue with wisdom and calculated action. Despite his willingness to suffer for Christ, Paul does not recklessly throw himself into harm’s way. Instead, he uses every legal, social, and strategic means available to him to preserve his life and further the Gospel.
When Paul speaks to the crowd in Acts 22, he opens with his personal testimony, appealing to their shared heritage as a Jew and his credibility as a Pharisee. Yet when his words provoke anger, Paul doesn’t stubbornly insist on continuing but leverages his Roman citizenship to avoid a brutal flogging. His claim to citizenship forces the Roman commander to reconsider his actions, effectively granting Paul a layer of protection. Later, in Acts 23, Paul cleverly divides the Sanhedrin by declaring his belief in the resurrection—a doctrine embraced by the Pharisees but rejected by the Sadducees. This causes internal conflict among his accusers, buying him time and shifting the focus away from himself.
This narrative challenges the idea that seeking suffering is somehow more virtuous than avoiding it. Paul’s actions demonstrate that suffering for the Gospel is a willingness to endure hardship when necessary—not an active pursuit of pain or martyrdom. Paul’s ultimate goal remains the spread of the Gospel, and he uses his intellect, legal rights, and social awareness as tools to protect his mission.
As Christians, we are called to emulate Paul’s shrewdness. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This balance calls us to integrity but also to strategic thinking. We honor God not by walking into unnecessary danger but by stewarding the opportunities and resources He has given us.
Are there situations in your life where you are called to defend your faith or navigate a difficult circumstance? Do you rely on wisdom and prayer to guide your steps, or do you charge ahead without seeking discernment? Paul’s example reminds us that faith and wisdom are not at odds. Both are gifts from God, designed to work together to accomplish His purposes.
Christian shrewdness is not manipulation or dishonesty. It is the faithful use of God-given wisdom to navigate life’s complexities while remaining anchored in truth. Like Paul, we should seek to advance the Gospel with boldness and intelligence, trusting that God equips us for the journey.