Paul doesn’t live like a Roman, yet he reveals at Philippi that he’s a Roman citizen (Acts 16). He doesn’t worship Greek or Roman gods. He serves a king other than Caesar. But he isn’t exactly a Jew either.

Paul doesn’t fit into any of the categories of the times. But there is a coherence to Paul and his actions. He’s not suffering an identity crisis.

As he writes to the Corinthians, “to the Jew I became as a Jew, to those without law, I became as one without law.” His purpose is to gain both Jews and Gentiles.

What unifies Paul’s personality and actions is his commitment to Jesus. Saul of Tarsus died on the road to Damascus. Now, Paul no longer lives, but Christ lives in him. The life he lives in the flesh is a life of faith, loyalty, allegiance to Jesus.

All of us have multiple connections and many identities. These connections and identities give us leverage in different settings.

The question is: How do we use these connections and identities? Do we use them to gain personal advantage? Do we use them to advance ourselves in society? Do we use them to settle petty scores with our personal enemies?

Or do we look for opportunities to use our social powers for the sake of the gospel – to open opportunities, to protect and defend our brothers and sisters. Use your connections and privileges to seek the kingdom and its righteousness.

– Pastor Leithart