Day 35: Acts 23

During Paul’s trial, he observed that some of the rulers were Pharisees who believed in the Resurrection of the Dead and Angels while some were Sadducees that did not. Capitalizing on this difference, he claimed that he was a Pharisee on trial for the resurrection of the dead. This caused division in his accusers and they turned on one another. The Roman Commander was afraid Paul would be torn into pieces by the rival gangs. So, he ordered the soldiers to take Paul into the army barracks.
The following night, the Lord stood near Paul’s bed and said, “Be courageous! For as you testified to the truth about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome also.” The next day, some Jews who had taken a vow to kill Paul were plotting to ambush him when he would go down to the commander. Paul’s nephew found out about the ambush and warned him. Paul had the guard take the young man to the commander to report.
The commander sent 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to take Paul in the middle of the night to face Felix, the Roman Governor, in Caesarea. He also wrote a letter to the governor explaining Paul’s case. When Paul came to Felix and the governor read the letter, he was detained while Paul’s accusers were brought in for a hearing.
It seems that there was quite a commotion over this one man. When you have to show this much force to protect one man it indicates there are some pretty big things at stake that are sure to affect a lot of people. Paul was no dummy. He was born a Roman citizen and had been sent to the best Jewish schools. He had been in danger many times before. But he did not lean on his own understanding. He gained personal comfort from the Lord. The Lord had plans for him that transcended man’s plans. As Paul trusted the Lord and kept his wits, he held the natural and the supernatural in tension with one another. As a result, the Lord came to him in person and also used other people around him to deliver him from danger. Paul was sent to the exact place that the Lord wanted him. Now Paul would have a chance to speak before the most influential man in all Palestine. A man that would eventually send him to Rome.
As you go about your day, trust the Lord and look for His presence. Keep your wits about you and be smart to find where his redemption may come from for you.