Acts - Until Everyone Knowsਨਮੂਨਾ

Acts 23

Dissension, violence, plots, and an assassination plan - this is how much of a reaction there can be to the Gospel! Ironically, we see these devout Jews abandoning the Mosaic Law (Do not kill) and the upholding of Roman law!

There is much irony here - Paul (called to be an apostle in the most dramatic way - the term ‘Damascene conversion’ is still used today), is the victim of a violent reaction to the Gospel from the Jews, while at the same time, the beneficiary of the Romans who provide protection.

Paul must have been dismayed and anxious as to his fate. He has been beaten by the crowd and only escaped further violence by the timely intervention of Roman authorities. God speaks to Paul while he is held at the barracks. "That night the Lord stood near him and said. 'Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome”’ (v. 11).

We also see God provide a way of escape through the gentle intervention of Paul’s nephew. Paul is taken to the safety of Caesarea and the relative comfort of Herod’s headquarters under the protection of the Roman governor Felix.

Isn’t it comforting when God speaks to you in the middle of a crisis? Whether you are fearing for your life or struggling with some other difficulty, hold onto God and ask Him to speak to you. His Word will carry you through, and when you experience Divine Intervention, you can testify and give God your grateful thanks.

Lord help me to live a life of honesty, morality, and good conscience, and may I only be accused of knowing the stumbling block of the Cross. Amen.

Anne Enoch