Paul’s missionary adventure show us the progress of Christianity. The gospel could not be confined to one corner of the world. This was a faith that offered hope to all humanity. We too should venture forth and share in this heroic task to witness for Christ in all the world.

Through imprisonment, beatings, plots and riots, Christians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles. But the opposition became a catalyst for the spread of Christianity. Growth during times of oppression showed that Christianity was not the work of humans, but of God.

God can work through any opposition. When severe treatment from hostile unbelievers comes, realise that it has come because you have been a faithful witness and you have looked for the opportunity to present the Good News about Christ. Seize the opportunities that opposition brings.

23:2-5. Josephus, a respected first century historian, described Ananias as profane, greedy, and hot-tempered. Paul’s outburst came as a result of the illegal command that Ananias had given. Ananias had violated Jewish law by assuming that Paul was guilty without a trial and ordering his punishment. Paul didn’t recognise Ananias as the high priest, probably because Ananias command broke the law he was pledged to represent. As Christians, we are to represent Christ. When those around us say, “I didn’t know you were a Christian”,? We have failed to represent him as we should. We are not merely Christ’s followers, we are his representatives to others.

23:6-8. Paul’s sudden insight that the council was a mixture of Sadducees and Pharisees is an example of the power that Jesus promised to believers(Mark 13:9-11). God will help when we are under fire for our faith. Like Paul, we should always be ready to present our testimony. The Holy Spirit will give us power to speak boldly.

23:16 – This is the only Biblical reference to Paul’s family had disowned Paul when he became a Christian. Paul wrote of having suffered the loss of everything for Christ (Phil.3:8). Paul’s Nephew was able to see Paul? Even though Paul was in protective custody, because Roman prisoners were accessible to their relatives and friends who could bring them food and other amenities.

23:23-24 – The Roman commander ordered Paul sent to Caesarea. Jerusalem was the seat of Jewish government, but Caesarea was the Romanian headquarters for the area. God works in Amazing and amusing ways. There were infinite possibilities of wAys God could use to get Pail to Caesarea, but he chose to use the Roman army to delivery Paul from his enemies. God’s ways are not our ways. Ours are limited, his are not. Don’t limit God by asking him to respond to your way When God intervenes, anything can happen, so much more and do much better than you could ever anticipate.

24:2. Tertullus was a special orator called to present the religious leaders case before the Roman Governor. He made three accusations against Paul:

1. He was a trouble maker, stirring up riots among the Jews around world,
2. He was the ringleader of an unrecognised religious sect, which was against Roman Law and
3. He had tried to desecrate the temple. The religious leaders hoped that these accusations would persuade Felix to execute Paul in order to keep the peace in Palestine.

25:23. Paul was in prison. But that didn’t stop him from making the most of his situation. Military officers and prominent city leaders met in the palace room with Agrippa to hear this case. Paul saw these new audience as yet another opportunity to present the gospel. Rather than complaint about your present situation, look for ways to use every opportunity to serve God and share him with others. Your problems may be opportunities in disguise.

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Clara Radhakrishna