Devotions

there we found brothers and sisters

Posted on September 22, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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there we found brothers and sisters

Acts 28:11-16 (JDV)

Acts 28:11 After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the Twin Gods as its figurehead.
Acts 28:12 Landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
Acts 28:13 From there, after making a circuit along the coast, we reached Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and the second day we came to Puteoli.
Acts 28:14 There we found brothers and sisters and were invited to stay a week with them. And so we came to Rome.
Acts 28:15 Now the brothers and sisters from there had heard the news about us and had come to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Acts 28:16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who kept him.

there we found brothers and sisters

I took a number of mission trips where I was alone, or had maybe one companion with me, until I reached my destination. It was such a comfort to find an entire church, or group of churches — greeting me when I arrived. We know from the last chapter of his epistle to Romans that there had already been many missionaries working in Rome, so there was already an established church there at this point in the narrative of Acts.

So, if Paul was not going to Rome to plant or establish a church, what was his mission? He had been commissioned as an ambassador to the highest levels of government, representing the kingdom of God in general, and the mission of the church of Christ in particular.

How comforting it must have been for him to arrive in Rome after such a long and arduous trip to find fellow believers there to greet him!

Thank you Lord, for the fellowship of kindred minds!

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Posted in church, kingdom of God, missions, Paul | Tagged Acts 28 | Leave a comment

caring barbarians

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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caring barbarians

Acts 28:1-10 (JDV)

Acts 28:1 Once safely ashore, we then learned that the island was called Malta.
Acts 28:2 The barbarians showed us extraordinary kindness. They lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold.
Acts 28:3 As Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand.
Acts 28:4 When the barbarians saw the wild creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man, no doubt, is a murderer. Even though he has escaped the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”
Acts 28:5 But he shook the wild creature off into the fire and experienced no harm.
Acts 28:6 They expected that he would begin to swell up or suddenly drop dead. After they waited a long time and observed nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Acts 28:7 Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
Acts 28:8 Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.
Acts 28:9 After this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
Acts 28:10 So they heaped many honors on us, and when we sailed, they gave us what we needed.

caring barbarians

Paul did not exactly visit Malta on the best of terms. He arrived as a prisoner, exhausted, soaking wet from a shipwreck, snake-bit, and suspected of being a murderer. But the locals helped him, and eventually realized that he was more than the sum of his experiences. Because they had helped him, they eventually became open to his helping them. After he healed Publius’ father, the whole island was open to his ministry.

I have many pleasant memories associated with this story, because my family had a number of times we needed the help of the locals. They may have sounded like barbarians, but they had hearts to help outsiders in need, because they are also children of our sky father. And we found it true as well that when people helped us, they became more open to our helping them, by sharing the gospel.

Lord, thank you for the care you show to us by the barbarians.

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276 throats

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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276 throats

Acts 27:27-44 (JDV)

Acts 27:27 When the fourteenth night came, we were drifting in the Adriatic Sea, and about midnight the sailors thought they were approaching land.
Acts 27:28 They took soundings and found it to be a hundred and twenty feet deep; when they had sailed a little farther and sounded again, they found it to be ninety feet deep.
Acts 27:29 Then, fearing we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight to come.
Acts 27:30 Some sailors tried to escape from the ship; they had let down the skiff into the sea, pretending that they were going to put out anchors from the bow.
Acts 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be rescued.”
Acts 27:32 Then the soldiers cut the ropes holding the skiff and let it drop away.
Acts 27:33 When it was about daylight, Paul urged them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been waiting and going without food, having eaten nothing.
Acts 27:34 So I urge you to take some food. You see, this is for your rescue, since not a hair from your head will be destroyed.”
Acts 27:35 After he said these things and had taken some bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all of them, and after he broke it, he began to eat.
Acts 27:36 They all were encouraged and took food themselves.
Acts 27:37 In all we were 276 throats on the ship.
Acts 27:38 When they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing the grain overboard into the sea.
Acts 27:39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land but sighted a bay with a beach. They planned to run the ship ashore if they could.
Acts 27:40 After cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that held the rudders. Then they lifted up the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach.
Acts 27:41 But they struck a sandbar and ran the ship aground. The bow jammed fast and stayed immovable, while the stern began to break up by the pounding of the waves.
Acts 27:42 The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners so that no one could swim away and escape.
Acts 27:43 But the centurion kept them from carrying out their plan because he wanted to save Paul, and so he ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
Acts 27:44 The rest were to follow, some on planks and some on debris from the ship. In this way, everyone safely reached the land.

276 throats

The ship Paul was traveling on was immense. It had to be to hold almost 300 people. Some of them were prisoners like Paul, being transported, others were sailors, responsible for working the sails, anchors and such. There was a large group of soldiers, led by a centurion. We don’t know how many soldiers, but the name centurion meant “commander of a hundred” so it was a large group. Then there were the rest: civilians seeking transport.

God had a mission for Paul, and he kept him alive for that mission. He also used Paul to keep all 276 of those throats breathing.

You and I have a mission as well. God wants us to carry out that mission. But he does not call us to be indifferent about the lives of all those around us. We can share the gospel without destroying our communities. It is best if we help to preserve them.

Lord, give us the wisdom to preserve our communities, so that we can continue the mission you called us to among them.

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Posted in compassion, consideration of others, discipleship, missions | Tagged Acts 27 | Leave a comment

calm in crisis

Posted on September 19, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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calm in crisis

Acts 27:13-26 (JDV)

Acts 27:13 When a gentle south wind sprang up, they thought they had achieved their purpose. They weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
Acts 27:14 But before long, a fierce wind called the “northeaster” rushed down from the island.
Acts 27:15 Since the ship was caught and unable to head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.
Acts 27:16 After running under the shelter of a little island called Cauda, we barely had strength to get control of the skiff.
Acts 27:17 After hoisting it up, they used ropes and tackle and girded the ship. Fearing they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the drift-anchor, and in this way they were driven along.
Acts 27:18 Because we were being severely battered by the storm, they began to jettison the cargo the next day.
Acts 27:19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.
Acts 27:20 For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope was fading that we would be rescued.
Acts 27:21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul then stood up among them and said, “You men should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete and sustain this damage and loss.
Acts 27:22 Now I urge you to take courage, because there will be no loss of any of your throats, but only of the ship.
Acts 27:23 For last night an agent from the God I belong to and serve stood by me
Acts 27:24 and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to appear before Caesar. And notice, God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’
Acts 27:25 So take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me.
Acts 27:26 But we have to run aground on some island.”

calm in crisis

One day, several years ago, I was in the midst of a life-threatening crisis. The thing that surprised me the most was the amazing calm that pervaded me, as if I were outside of the situation, watching it like a video. While hundreds of people were running around in panic and desperation, I was able to keep my head, and patiently wait for the way to clear before moving.

I think about that gift the Lord gave me that day. It was obvious that Paul had the same gift. The crisis was all around him, but he was able to think clearly, and act wisely. What made the difference? The text tells us that there were three realities that Paul clung to consistently, and those three realities were what he needed to face that crisis:

Paul relied on his relationship with God.
Paul sought his direction from God.
Paul focused on his mission from God.

Lord, when we face the crises you place us in, may these three realities keep us calm.

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Posted in crisis, discernment, missions, relationship with God, worry | Tagged Acts 27 | Leave a comment

shore leave

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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shore leave

Acts 27:1-12 (JDV)

Acts 27:1 When it was decided that we were to sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment.
Acts 27:2 When we had boarded a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, intending to sail to ports along the coast of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.
Acts 27:3 The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care.
Acts 27:4 When we had put out to sea from there, we sailed along the northern coast of Cyprus because the winds were against us.
Acts 27:5 After sailing through the open sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia.
Acts 27:6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.
Acts 27:7 Sailing slowly for many days, with difficulty we arrived off Cnidus. Since the wind did not allow us to approach it, we sailed along the south side of Crete off Salmone.
Acts 27:8 With still more difficulty we sailed along the coast and came to a place called Fair Havens near the city of Lasea.
Acts 27:9 By now much time had passed, and the voyage was already dangerous. Since the Day of Atonement was already over, Paul gave his advice
Acts 27:10 and told them, “Men, I can observe that this voyage is headed toward disaster and heavy loss, not only of the cargo and the ship but also of our throats.”
Acts 27:11 But the centurion was persuaded by the captain and the owner of the ship rather than to what Paul said.
Acts 27:12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to set sail from there, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix, a harbor on Crete facing the southwest and northwest, and to winter there.

shore leave

Paul was allowed “shore leave” of sorts when he arrived at Sidon. Why did he not take that opportunity to flee from his captors to save his life? By now, you should realize that Paul was still a missionary. His motivation was his mission. God had sent him on a mission to declare the gospel among governors, kings, and the emperor himself. Even when he knew that the ship he was taking would wreck, he had to stay true to his mission.

Lord, may our hearts beat to a different drum. May they be tuned in to your mission: to spread your gospel and build your kingdom.

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first to rise

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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first to rise

Acts 25:23-26:32 (JDV)

Acts 25:23 So the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium with the military commanders and prominent men of the city. When Festus gave the command, Paul was brought in.
Acts 25:24 Then Festus said: “King Agrippa and all men present with us, you observe this man. The whole Jewish community has appealed to me concerning him, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he should not live any longer.
Acts 25:25 I found that he had not done anything deserving of death, but when he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.
Acts 25:26 I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this examination is over, I may have something to write.
Acts 25:27 You see, it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.”
Acts 26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
Acts 26:2 “I consider myself fortunate, that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,
Acts 26:3 especially since you are very knowledgeable about all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
Acts 26:4 “All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem.
Acts 26:5 They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.
Acts 26:6 And now I stand on trial because of the hope in what God promised to our ancestors,
Acts 26:7 the promise our twelve tribes hope to reach as they earnestly serve him night and day. King Agrippa, I am being accused by the Jews because of this hope.
Acts 26:8 Why do any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
Acts 26:9 In fact, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 26:10 I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the devotees in prison, since I had received jurisdiction for that from the chief priests. When they were taken out, I was in agreement against them.
Acts 26:11 In all the synagogues I often punished them and tried to force them to blaspheme. Since I was terribly enraged at them, I chased them even to foreign cities.
Acts 26:12 “I was traveling to Damascus under these circumstances with authority and a commission from the chief priests.
Acts 26:13 King Agrippa, while on the road at midday, I saw a light from the sky brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me.
Acts 26:14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you chasing me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Acts 26:15 “I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord? ‘ “And the Lord replied: ‘I am Jesus, the one you are chasing.
Acts 26:16 But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a testifier of what you have seen and will see of me.
Acts 26:17 I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the jurisdiction of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of failures and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Acts 26:19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the sky vision.
Acts 26:20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should seriously change their minds and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.
Acts 26:21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and were trying to lay violent hands on me.
Acts 26:22 To this very day, I have had help from God, and I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said would take place –
Acts 26:23 that the Messiah must suffer, and that, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”
Acts 26:24 As he was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You’re delirious, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad.”
Acts 26:25 But Paul replied, “I’m not delirious, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment.
Acts 26:26 For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak openly to him. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, since this was not done in a corner.
Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.”
Acts 26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?”
Acts 26:29 “I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am – except for these chains.”
Acts 26:30 The king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them got up,
Acts 26:31 and when they had left they talked with each other and said, “This man is not doing anything to deserve death or imprisonment.”
Acts 26:32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been let go if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

first to rise

Here is another time in Acts where the explanation of the gospel centers around the promise of a resurrection. Paul repeats his Damascus vision story because in that story Jesus speaks to him and proves that he has been raised from the dead. He alludes to the Prophets and Moses as if all the scriptures obviously proclaimn that blessed promise. If we want to get the gospel right, so that it is light to both the Jews and Gentiles — we cannot afford to soft-pedal the promise of the resurrection.

Lord, thank you for the powerful promise of a coming new life through Christ, the first to rise from the dead.

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ridiculous

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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ridiculous

Acts 25:1-22 (JDV)

Acts 25:1 Three days after Festus set foot in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
Acts 25:2 The chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed,
Acts 25:3 asking for a favor against Paul, that Festus summon him to Jerusalem. They were, actually preparing an ambush along the road to take him out.
Acts 25:4 Festus, however, reacted that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly.
Acts 25:5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those of you who are capable go down with me and accuse him, if he has done anything wrong.”
Acts 25:6 When he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, seated on the platform, he commanded Paul to be brought in.
Acts 25:7 When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges which they did not have the strength to prove.
Acts 25:8 Then Paul made his defense: “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I failed in any way.”
Acts 25:9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, reacted to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried before me there on these charges?”
Acts 25:10 Paul said: “I am standing at Caesar’s platform, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you yourself know very well.
Acts 25:11 If then I did anything wrong and am deserving of death, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
Acts 25:12 Then after Festus conferred with his council, he reacted, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go.”
Acts 25:13 Several days later, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and paid a courtesy call on Festus.
Acts 25:14 Since they were staying there several days, Festus presented Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There’s a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix.
Acts 25:15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews presented their case and asked that he be condemned.
Acts 25:16 I reacted to them that it is not the Roman custom to give someone up before the accused faces the accusers and has an opportunity for a defense against the charges.
Acts 25:17 So when they had assembled here, I did not delay. The next day I took my seat on the platform and ordered the man to be brought in.
Acts 25:18 The accusers stood up but brought no charge against him of the evil things I was expecting.
Acts 25:19 Instead they had some disagreements with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, a dead man Paul claimed to be alive.
Acts 25:20 Since I was at a loss in a dispute over such things, I asked him if he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding these matters.
Acts 25:21 But when Paul appealed to be held for trial by the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”
Acts 25:22 Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow you will hear him,” he replied.

ridiculous

A casual observer of the events being described in these later chapters of Acts might wonder what happened to all the power. I mean, in the earlier chapters, every move of the gospel was accompanied by a sign miracle that either prompted a mass conversion, or delivered a faithful disciple. So, where are all the miracles now that this missionary needs them? Paul is fighting for his life here. It just seems so apparently ridiculous.

The Holy Spirit has not left the building. Instead, he is working in accordance with his plan. Paul knew that he had been strategically placed so that he could share the gospel with governors, kings, and the emperor himself. He also knew that the work of spreading the gospel to the nations was now being done by the congregations which he and his fellow missionaries had founded.

Luke records the human element of these events, cluing us in to the political shenanigans and deals being made among the powerful who seem to have Paul under their control. It is right that he does so. Believers throughout the ages will experience times like this — times when everyone seems to be in control except them. They must learn to trust God during this ridiculous phase.

Lord, give us the insight to stay true to your message, even in the ridiculous phases of life.

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Posted in dependence upon God, discernment, miracles, trust | Tagged Acts 25 | Leave a comment

two year fiasco

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

black framed wayfarer style eyeglasses on white surface

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two year fiasco

Acts 24:1-27 (JDV)

Acts 24:1 Five days later Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor.
Acts 24:2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: “We enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation because of your foresight.
Acts 24:3 We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude.
Acts 24:4 But, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing.
Acts 24:5 You see, we have found this man to be a pestilence, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the heretical cult of the Nazarenes.
Acts 24:6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, and so we apprehended him. By examining him yourself you will be able to discern the truth about these charges we are bringing against him.”
Acts 24:9 The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true.
Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul reacted: “Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me.
Acts 24:11 You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
Acts 24:12 They didn’t find me making a speech for anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city.
Acts 24:13 Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me.
Acts 24:14 But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a heretical cult, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets.
Acts 24:15 I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.
Acts 24:16 I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men.
Acts 24:17 After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people.
Acts 24:18 While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar.
Acts 24:19 It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me.
Acts 24:20 Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin,
Acts 24:21 other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, ‘Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection from the dead ones.'”
Acts 24:22 Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”
Acts 24:23 He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his own from meeting his needs.
Acts 24:24 Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 24:25 Now as he made a speech about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and reacted, “Leave for now, but when I have an available period I’ll call for you.”
Acts 24:26 At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would offer him money. So he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.
Acts 24:27 After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul tied up.

two year fiasco

Felix had many motives to keep up the ruse of a trial. He had a Jewish wife, who would have been interested in many ways, and he might have wanted to entertain her with news of this trial. He was also hoping for a bribe. And, he kept Paul imprisoned, or “tied up” as a favor to his accusers, who would have been happy to have him out of the way.

But because of this fiasco, Paul had an audience with Governor Felix regularly for two years. He had an opportunity to share about his faith in Christ, to write epistles, to encourage his visitors, to defend his actions as a disciple of Christ, to refute the words of his accusers and to explain his theology, which centered on a hope in a resurrection when Christ returns. Imagine an audience with the governor and his attendants for two years!

Lord, give us insight to see how you are working in our lives to help us share the gospel.

today’s video.

Posted in discernment, discipleship, gospel, providence, sovereignty of God, witness | Tagged Acts 24 | Leave a comment

unwanted down time

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

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unwanted down time

Acts 23:23-35 (JDV)

Acts 23:23 He called for two of his centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready with seventy cavalry and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.
Acts 23:24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”
Acts 23:25 He wrote the following letter:
Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.
Acts 23:27 When this man had been seized by the Jews and was about to be taken away by them, I arrived with my troops and rescued him because I learned that he is a Roman citizen.
Acts 23:28 Wanting to know the charge they were accusing him of, I brought him down before their Sanhedrin.
Acts 23:29 I found out that the accusations were concerning questions of their law, and that there was no charge that merited death or imprisonment.
Acts 23:30 When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you right away. I also directed his accusers to state their case against him in your presence.
Acts 23:31 So the soldiers picked up Paul during the night and brought him to Antipatris as they were ordered.
Acts 23:32 The next day, they returned to the barracks, allowing the cavalry to go on with him.
Acts 23:33 When these men entered Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.
Acts 23:34 After he read it, he asked what province he was from. When he learned he was from Cilicia,
Acts 23:35 he said, “I will give you a hearing whenever your accusers also get here.” He ordered that he be kept in Herod’s palace.

unwanted down time

David Young Jr. wrote “In the midst of trial, the best thing to do is to be faithful. God has not abandoned us, and will see to it that in the final assessment, true justice will be carried out. His children, wrongly accused, will be vindicated. He alone will be the final judge. In the meantime, consider the possibility that God is granting you an opportunity to share the gospel with one who is doing you wrong. You never know who it is that needs to hear the message of Jesus.”*

Paul was imprisoned for a long time although it was admitted that he had no charge against him that warranted the detainment. But God used that down time to give the gospel to his captors.

Lord, we trust you to use our unwanted down time for your purposes.

* Maranatha Daily Devotional “God Cares for his Own” Wednesday, January 20, 2016.

Posted in discernment, faithfulness, sovereignty of God, trust | Tagged Acts 23 | Leave a comment

no coincidences

Posted on September 13, 2020 by Jefferson Vann

Photo by Supushpitha Atapattu on Pexels.com

no coincidences

Acts 23:12-22 (JDV)

Acts 23:12 When it was morning, the Jews formed a mob and bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
Acts 23:13 There were more than forty who had formed this plot.
Acts 23:14 These men went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse that we won’t eat anything until we have killed Paul.
Acts 23:15 So now you, along with the Sanhedrin, make a request to the commander that he bring him down to you as if you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly. But, before he gets near, we are ready to take him out.”
Acts 23:16 But the son of Paul’s sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul.
Acts 23:17 Paul called for one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander, because he has something to report to him.”
Acts 23:18 So he took him, brought him to the commander, and said, “The prisoner Paul called for me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.”
Acts 23:19 The commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and inquired on his own, “What is it you have to report to me?”
Acts 23:20 “The Jews,” he said, “have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they are going to hold a somewhat more careful inquiry about him.
Acts 23:21 Don’t let them persuade you, because there are more than forty of them lying in ambush – men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they have taken him out. Now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”
Acts 23:22 So the commander let the young man go and directed him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have informed me about this.”

no coincidences

Paul had been rescued from danger before by God’s miraculous power. Why did he not simply trust God to rescue him that way again, instead of sending his nephew to the Roman commander? There are some good reasons. Remember, God had already told Paul that he would not die there, because his mission included proclaiming the gospel in Rome. When Paul saw a way for his captors to become part of that plan, he knew that was just like God. When Paul got the visit from his nephew, he knew God was in that too. There were no coincidences.

God’s plan and direction in our lives is a complex thing — always hard to figure out. But when we finally do start seeing some light, we will recognize that even many of the things we considered obstacles happened to us so that God’s plan could be accomplished. We will also realize that we wasted a lot of time being angry at obstacles that were not really obstacles.

Lord, we trust you with each step we take. Give us insight not to be angry at everything we might see as an obstacle.

Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, insight, plan of God, Uncategorized | Tagged Acts 23 | 1 Comment

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