Justin Houtz

Leviticus 21, Acts 22

DateVersionReading Plan
April 21, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 21

Observation

The LORD told Moses to speak to the priests (Aaron and his descendants) regarding proper conduct in keeping themselves holy to God. A priest was not to make himself unclean by touching a dead person except in the case of a close relative (Lev. 21:1-3). A priest could not even prepare the burial of his wife as they were not a blood relative (Lev. 21:4). Additionally, the LORD through Moses gave instruction on how priests were to groom themselves, who they were to marry (only a virgin) and that no priest with a blemish could come near and offer the LORD’s food offerings. As the FSB points out, the chapter can be divided into six sections of how the priestly standards were given and “Each section closes with the assertion that Yahweh Himself is sanctifying the priests.”

Application

Since the priests performed their duties in the closest proximity to the LORD’s presence, their avoidance of profanation and remaining holy was of the utmost importance. The transcendent perfection and holiness of God means that sin and uncleanness have no place of attendance with Him. This should strike both fear in the heart of a believer—realizing that his sin places him in position of eternal separation from God— but also rejoicing at the glorious work of Christ on the cross to cover us with His righteousness. As we read of the holiness of God and the holiness to which we have been called as a kingdom of priests, may we never take lightly our desperate condition apart from Christ, to worship with all gratitude and praise our Lord who redeemed us by His blood.

Acts 22

Observation

Continuing from the previous chapter, Paul delivers a speech to the crowd arresting Paul, stating his being born a Jew, persecution of the Way to the death, his encounter of Jesus on the road to Damascus, radical conversion, commission to be the Lord’s witness and baptism (Acts 22:1-16). Paul then said that the Lord Jesus came to him in a trance to leave Jerusalem quickly because they would not receive his testimony concerning the Lord (Acts 22:18). Paul responded to the Lord, telling him that the Jews knew about his imprisonment of his consenting to Stephen’s death (Acts 22:19-20). The Lord then told Paul to depart far from there because the Lord was sending him to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21).

The Jews had been listening quietly until this point, but at the mention of Paul bringing the gospel to the Gentiles, the Jews became enflamed in jealousy and hatred (Acts 22:22-23). The commander ordered Paul examined under scourging and bound him, but he asked the centurion if it was legal to scourge an uncondemned Roman citizen (Acts 22:25). The centurion told the commander who confirmed with Paul that he was a Roman citizen to which replied that he was, by birth (Acts 22:26-28). Those who were about to examine him immediately withdrew. The commander was also afraid when he found out that Paul was a Roman citizen and because he had bound him (Acts 22:29).

The next day, the commander released Paul because he wanted to know why he was accused by the Jews. The commander ordered the priests and all their council to come and brought Paul and set him before them (Acts. 22:30).

Application

The reaction of the Jews to Paul being sent to the Gentiles showcases a crucial truth of the human heart. The Jews held the understanding that they were the exclusive race by which salvation would come, but the gospel of Christ eliminates the distinction between Jew and Gentile, “for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him” (Rom. 10:12b). Much like the Jews, believers can wrongfully conduct themselves as if the gospel does not or cannot be available to certain people. We can be quick to deem unworthy those we classify as beyond saving. But this is not to be for us. A faithful walk with the Lord involves living out the Great Commission and that salvation in Christ is available to all who repent of sin and turn toward Him in faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, how wonderful it is to be reminded of Your holiness and that, despite our sin, You made a way for us to be with You. Father, by Your Spirit, guide and embolden Your children to be faithful in their calling to speak Your gospel to make disciples of all nations.

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