Patient endurance!
Scripture reading for June 9: Acts 25
“When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”” Acts 25:7-12
Luke records Paul’s two years in prison in Caesarea awaiting justice from false charges by his own countrymen. When Felix took over from Festus, the case against Paul was again argued by the Jews. They were set on seeing Paul eliminated and brought serious charges that they could not prove. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, took to his own defense in a calm and reasoned manner. Festus, a politician, wanted to please the Jews. He offered Paul the opportunity to stand trial in Jerusalem. But Paul knew of their murderous plot to kill him and as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar for justice.
But Paul also had the leading of the Lord Jesus Who had promised before that he would testify in Rome. (Acts 23:11) As Paul had patiently waited, over two years went by and he had many opportunities to share the Gospel with the Roman authorities and soldiers keeping him. He was allowed visits with his fellow church members. Sometimes God’s promises must await His perfect timing. Like Paul, we must work while we wait! We are not to live in fear of death or depression over our current circumstances.
Have you ever received a promise from the Lord and then had circumstances that defied its fulfilment? How did Paul keep a good attitude while imprisoned for over two years? What world view did both Festus and Felix hold that God used Paul to work on?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sustaining Your people through difficult times by giving vision and understanding of Your plans. Thank You for the fruit of the Holy Spirit to patiently endure and faithfully obey Your plan to share the Good News with all! Open my eyes to those I am to witness to today. Amen.
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