PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 25:1-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:11)
Does Paul appeal to Caesar to be set free, or to avoid an ambush by the Jews?
“As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11)
Paul knows he is destined for Rome to share God’s message of grace.
He’s not afraid to be imprisoned, or to die… so long as he can share Jesus.
Do we seek – or avoid – opportunities to let people know who and what we believe?
Do we see our circumstances as opportunities to show the hope and love of Jesus?
If we spend time in the hospital, as a time to show the hope and love of Jesus?
If we meet someone who wants to know more about our faith?
If we are challenged at university for being a Jesus follower?
If we are asked about what we did on the weekend?
Paul is not appealing to Caesar for his own sake, but for the sake of the gospel.
“Always be prepared… to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
I do not need to push my faith on anyone, but if anyone asks me, I am ready.
Will I look for and take the opportunities today to share the reason for my hope?
PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see how you are setting me up everyday to either show you to others through my actions, or to share you with others through my words.
Paul understood what his accusers were up to when they could not make any of the charges to stick in front of Festus. He knew they would try the ambush trick again and Festus might just allow it to happen to get rid of Paul and please the Jews. So Paul appeals to Caesar – which is his right as a Roman citizen: I think in a way that must of been hard for Paul to do when Caesar is considered to be a ‘god’. Yet Paul knew that Caesar was nothing – also in God’s control. It was a way for Paul to get protected passage to Rome – for his accusers were ready to ambush him at anytime. Paul is ready to testify the Good News wherever He would be permitted to go!
No charges could be proved to sentence Paul.
He was a living witness proclaiming the good news wherever he went and as a Roman citizen demanded justice.
Paul was upright and true to His ministry proclaiming the gospel.
I too need to be a witness of that gospel, a living epistle, living for Jesus. Each day as I meet and greet those I have contact with I need to show the love of Christ by my words and actions standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ my King
Through eternal ages, let his praises ring
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing
Standing on the promises of God
Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God, my Saviour
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God