February 28th, Saturday: Acts chap. 22 & 23

Acts 22

The starting point of Paul's defense is his identification with the Jews.

He associated his conversion with Ananias.

The turning point of Paul's defense was the use of the word Gentiles.

Had he not used that word, Paul might had been set free.

But the whole burden of his life was to reach the Gentiles.

Paul's arrest was due to religious bigotry, pure and simple.

His people did not realise that God was doing a new thing in the world.

Now the finishing point was the threat of a scourging, which Paul avoided by asserting his Roman citizenship.

From then on, it was one hearing after another and a delay of 2 years in Caesarea.

But God was working out His will in His time.

And Paul was willing to wait.

Acts 23

Paul was in danger.

If the Romans did not imprison him, the Jews would kill him!

What means did God use to help Paul?

Well, his integrity.

His other means God used was strategy.

Now this did not set Paul free, but it did divide the enemy camp and get the Romans to protect their prisoner a little better.

And God used advocacy.

Christ had assured him in Corinth, and He would assure him again.

Paul knew that if God is for us, who can be against us.

We'll read about opportunity.

Paul's nephew lived in the city, and by the providence of God, discovered the Jewish plot.

Only the Lord could have worked that out.

We don't know the details.

We never know what friend or relative God will use to help us.

We'll read about authority.

Paul had the protection of 472 Roman soldiers.

And the entire authority of the Roman government was behind him.

The Romans did not give Paul a fair hearing, but God still used them to protect Paul and get him to Rome, because that was God's ultimate plan – to get Paul to Rome.