The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 16:36-38, “And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, ‘The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Therefore, come out now and go in peace.’ 37 But Paul said to them, ‘They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.’ 38 The policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.”

Acts 16 is a marvelous chapter! One question it raises is, “Should Christians ever retaliate?”

Paul and his companions had entered Philippi with a Gospel of peace. They had been illegally

violated and imprisoned. But, when the authorities discovered they were Romans, they told

them just to quietly leave town. We’ll forget all about it. But Paul said, Not so fast! We have

rights under the law. You have violated our rights. Yet, his objections were not harsh. He did

everything in love, but took his time leaving the area. ~ We’re not to act like patsies; but

we’re always to respond in love. When your rights are violated, stand up for yourself, but

be loving in the process. God bless you!

Love and peace,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas