Gba ohun èlò náàActs 23:1-11 | CourageÀpẹrẹ
Courage in God’s Promises
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome’” (Acts 23:11, NIV).
The situation turns violent, and Paul is nearly torn apart. Even with Roman guards intervening, the danger is real. Courage doesn’t mean that fear disappears. It means holding firm in the middle of it.
Where is this all going? What would he face next? Would it ever end? You can imagine Paul wondering these kinds of things in a situation that swelled far beyond his control.
Paul is in danger and under Roman guard, yet that night Jesus stood near him. That night, Jesus himself comes to Paul again and says, “Take courage!” God’s presence is not just for mountaintops. It’s for prison cells, trials, and fearful nights. Remember that God is nearest when life feels most uncertain.
Jesus assures Paul that just as he testified in Jerusalem, he would also testify in Rome. God’s plans are not derailed by threats or trials. His purposes are sure. And Jesus assures him that his plan is still unfolding. True courage flows from knowing God’s promises cannot fail. When life feels out of control, Christ is still your anchor.
From here, the storyline pivots. Up until now, we’ve followed Paul on his way to Jerusalem. Now we’ll see God had bigger intentions. For the rest of Acts, we’ll follow Paul all the way to Rome.
So Paul will do what Paul has done, witness. He will live out what Jesus told his disciples they would be all the way back in Acts 1:8. Paul couldn’t control the narrative. He didn’t have to. All he had to do was have the courage to witness for Jesus, wherever events might take him. And let’s not forget. That word translated “witness” is the same word from which we get the word “martyr.” Courage.
Today
Write down one promise from the Bible that bolsters your courage. Carry it with you this week. Rest in the truth that God’s calling on your life will be fulfilled in his timing and way.
If this plan helped orient you to the ongoing work and teaching of Jesus in this world, we encourage you to subscribe to our other plans on Acts.
Nípa Ìpèsè yìí
The way of Jesus calls for courage. And Jesus will give it. This 5-day plan continues a journey through the book of Acts, the Bible’s gripping sequel of Jesus at work in the life of his followers as he expands his kingdom to the ends of the earth. It’s a journey on what it means to be a Christian. It’s a story in which you have a role to play.
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