[Acts Inspiration For Transformation Series] Fight The Good FightVoorbeeld

Paul–The Rabble-Rouser

Pastor Javier Galvan

In life, we go through many seasons. The Bible tells us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV). But some seasons are harder than others, wouldn’t you agree? There are very few things that test our faith and patience like having to wait. 

Our beloved apostle Paul went through many seasons throughout the book of Acts. He witnessed boldly for Christ and even suffered beatings and imprisonment. The striking and most important lesson we can learn from him is that he used these seasons of persecution as an opportunity to witness. He wrote letters to various churches (some of the epistles we find in the New Testament) and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to both prominent political leaders of the time as well as his fellow prisoners.  

His attitude amid persecution and unjust imprisonment is a testimony of his determination to fight the good fight, to finish the race. In chapter 25, we see that Felix is no longer the governor; he has been succeeded by Festus, who reviewed this case as a priority. His accusers could not come up with evidence to support their false accusations. Paul not only knew that he was innocent of all the charges brought against him, but he also fulfilled all his responsibilities as a Roman citizen. For this reason, he had every right to petition Rome’s protection by appealing to Caesar. 

Paul saw his imprisonment as a blessing and as an opportunity to preach the gospel–it was part of the purpose God had for his life. For Paul, it was better to go to Rome as a prisoner than not to go at all. What a precious testimony of a life fully led by the Holy Spirit. Let us be encouraged and inspired to see adversity as an opportunity, to put our trust in God, and to respond to waiting seasons as Paul did. 

Respond 

Are your faith and patience being tested these days? How do you respond when your patience is put to the test? What obstacles do you face as you preach the good news and share the gospel? Pray for boldness not to compromise and water down the gospel of Jesus Christ for the sake of comfort or to appease others. We know that God is faithful and will bring to pass, in his perfect timing, the answer to our situation.