Pastor's Pen

Beloved, seemingly everywhere Paul went he faced hostility, opposition and outright persecution. Most of the opposition came from unbelieving Jews—a fact that deeply grieved him. At other times it came from Gentile followers of false religions. In this latest episode, Paul is standing before Festus, the new Roman governor of the area, who was a member of Roman nobility.

The Jews who had accused him over two years ago of sectarianism (against the law of the Jews), sacrilege (against the temple) and sedition (against Caesar) were demanding a new trial in Jerusalem. It was all part of their plot to assassinate Paul. In the midst of all this chaos was God’s will that Paul be taken to Rome.
Remembering and focusing on the will of God allowed Paul to appeal his case to Caesar. By doing so, Paul’s case would be brought before the Emperor Nero in Rome and the fulfillment of God’s will in Paul’s life.
Like his ancestor Abraham, Paul “considered him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11b). Paul’s job was merely to walk in faith what the Lord had promised to him.
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Beloved, remember that we walk by faith and not by sight!