Acts 23 - 10.2.24
Scripture
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
Observation
At this point in the story of Paul, he has accomplished great things for the Lord, taking the gospel to the Gentile nations, and bringing a large number of Gentiles to the Lord. Paul was impressed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:21) that he should go to Jerusalem. The Lord had impressed on his heart that he was awaited by “chains and tribulation” in Jerusalem (Acts: 20:23). This was also confirmed by other Christian believers who prophesied that Paul would face imprisonment in Jerusalem (Acts 21:11). His friends pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:12). But Paul was determined to go, convinced in heart that this was God’s perfect will for him, declaring that he is not only ready to be imprisoned but also to die for Jesus (Acts 21:13).
Now Paul has been dramatically attacked by Jews in Jerusalem, and has been arrested by the Roman soldiers. He was brought before the chief priests and their counsel. He faced so much hatred and attacks from his own people, that the Roman soldiers had to “rescue” him and bring him back to the barracks.
This was a very discouraging moment for Paul. He might have doubted if he had missed God’s plan for his life. Did he do the right thing by coming to Jerusalem, though warned by well-wishers and friends not to do so? The Lord appeared to him. This was not a dream or a vision, but a visitation from Jesus. Jesus personally came to Paul and strengthened him. Jesus told him to take courage, as he needed to testify about Jesus in Rome, just like he did in Jerusalem.
Paul spent the rest of his life in imprisonment and wrote almost half of the new testament from prison - 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament are attributed to him. History tells us that Paul was executed in Rome. But he was in the center of God’s perfect will concerning him, accomplishing God’s purpose for him. As he said towards the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Application
Christian life is not a bed of roses. We are not promised a life without troubles, when we give our life to the Lord. In fact, Jesus himself promised that we will have trouble in this world. But we are more than conquerors through Him (Romans 8:37). Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We read in Timothy that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12).
If you are going through a trial today, do not lose heart. When you pass through the waters, He will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze (Isaiah 43:2)
Be encouraged. Take courage. The Lord has a purpose in whatever you are going through. Cling onto Him, and He will see you through, and He will deliver you, because that is what he has promised. “Because he clings to me I will deliver him; because he knows my name I will set him on high” (Psalms 91:14 NABRE).
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you because you are always with me. Thank you because every day of my life is written in your book. Thank you because you have a purpose for everything you have allowed in my life. Help me to be obedient and to seek your face and your kingdom above all. Lead me into your plans and purposes for my life. I cling onto you and trust you, knowing that you will deliver me out of this trial in your time. Thank you because the battle belongs to you, and you have the victory. Make my life a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George
