Talk about a cliffhanger! I love how there is so much emotion building. We, as onlookers, knew that something was going to happen to Paul. I was totally caught up in the story and could see it happening as if right before my eyes. To hear the angry shouts of the crowd almost deafened me. I close my eyes and I can imagine the scene almost vividly. I love it when Bible accounts come to life in my head. Watching them re-enacted on film is also sometimes helpful, especially if done well.
Despite Paul being beaten and dragged off toward the “fortress” Paul remained bold. There was so much evil hatred being born from lies it’s frightening. But Paul was prepared. As he took each blow, knowing it could be the last, I’m sure he was praying like mad. I would be. When he asked to speak after all that, I was stunned. The power of God was truly at work in him to keep his strength up to speak, much less stand and address the crowd who just demanded his death.
Paul stood ever ready for an opportunity to set the record straight and let people know the truth. He never once tried to speak down on the Jew or the Gentile. He must have seen all men as God does, equal and deserving. Loved.
Sometimes it’s hard to love everyone, especially those we are at odds with. For them, even more, grace is required. Do you have people who come to mind that just rub you wrong, that you want to avoid at all costs? Think about why you feel this way. Remember that God loves them no matter what they’ve done.
Do you stand ready to be bold like Paul? If not, what is standing in your way? Take time today to imagine you were on trial for your faith, facing the giants of life. How will you respond?
Let’s pray. Father, forgive me when I am not as bold as I could be. Forgive me when I am timid and avoid confrontation. I pray each day for new boldness to speak out and proclaim you. I am not ashamed, may my life reflect that adoration. Today I am a bit distracted letting some concern creep into my heart. Lord remove that. Cleanse me of this feeling. I claim that indescribable peace you so freely give. Thank you that you are in control and I am not.
Paul and friends have arrived safely in Jerusalem. That was Paul’s plan. You may recall Paul had many people begging him not to go to Jerusalem due to prophecies of harm to come his way. Paul is set on his mission, has listened to his own messages from the Spirit, yet knows he is where is supposed to be.
I just love how God works in and around us. Before I retired and had more time on my hands, I missed seeing God at work. He was working, but I just wasn’t seeing. I wasn’t looking. That’s really sad because I know a lot of my friends are in that same place. Going through the motions but not really seeing God’s hand at work. Not feeling his presence spark inside them.
Notice I didn’t use “Au revoir” in the title. That would be French for “until we meet again.” Paul is saying his final goodbyes here to the leaders he met in Ephesus. Maybe it’s just me, but I got a little teary as I read his words. He truly loves them, but his love for the Lord is greater still.
Paul’s ministry is so Spirit-filled and vibrant. He now has new people traveling with him. We even see that Luke has rejoined the traveling party. In so much as God is part of these journeys, evil has always been close at hand to try to thwart the efforts of these disciples and apostles. How faithful our God is to continue to fight the battle for us today. Our defense against evil must be strong enough so that it is our offense of the light that prevails.
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