Acts 23 & 24
Paul in the middle of strife keeps his cool and keeps his focus on the main game – i.e. getting to Rome. I think Paul is so cool under pressure. He sets the cats amongst the pigeons (as the saying goes) and cause chaos in the council of the Temple (Sadducees vs Pharisees) – an interesting sideline is that in the church we still have division along the lines of non-resurrection and purity people! Anyway…Paul is very wise in what he does and doesn’t say – a good thing because while in the midst of the chaos life can be very precarious. The Romans come to the rescue and cart Paul away. These two chapters would be great scenes in a movie – mob scenes / rescueing officers / secret messages / midnight manouvers / court scenes / politics and religion in full flight!!! The timing of these two chapters over two years is also a point to note…that God’s timing is always purposeful and God makes good out of bad situations.
For me these chapters encourage me in the jouney of life that God calls us to – their is risk – their is trouble but also that there is purpose and opportunity in the midst of all that goes on. [Prayer - LORD give me the wisdom and courage to take the opportunities that are presented in life whether in the midst of chaos or peace, to witness to the hope and truth of life in Christ. Bless all those who this moment are in prison unjustly or because of their faith in YOU. In Jesus name - AMEN]
