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Paul and God's Providence - Acts 25
Paul and God's Providence - Acts 25
We will never understand all of the providential acts of God. So many things happen that are seemingly unimportant and unconnected to later events, and yet they set the stage for such future events. Paul was born a Roman citizen. So what!? Now, many years later we see him in a totally new setting. Now he is being condemned under Roman law.
The Jewish leaders have mounted a steady and serious plot against Paul. Their aim is simple: he must DIE. But, they themselves are under Roman jurisdiction. They could, as done with Stephen and even as was done to Paul in Lystra (Acts 14), take him out and stone him to death. BUT, he has now been handed over to the Roman judicial system. While such a system is not like our American system, there are a few parallels.
Earlier, it was stated that “… it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges.” (Acts 25:16)
There were also a few differences like the right to appeal unto Ceasar. We have a right of appeal, but that moves the case up in the system and is under yet another judge. With Roman law, it takes Paul’s case to a one-man judge whose decision is final. [Of course, I would not like the situation knowing that someone like Nero was that judge!]
Back to the idea of providence, it is also interesting that the Roman authorities included the men Festus, Felix, and now Agrippa. Particularly with Agrippa we find one that was actually familiar (somewhat) with the Jewish thought (cp. Acts 26:3).
What I am getting at is simply that so many aspects that resulted in Paul taking the Gospel to Rome were based upon events and situations that happened long before the events here in Acts 25. More are going to come (the trip to Rome, the storm and shipwreck, etc.) I know one can argue that such was just happenstance, but being able see all of this in hindsight brings a different picture to me. God is sovereign. God has worked to bring about these events to further the spread of the gospel.
That gives me hope, comfort, and strength to trust God when life doesn’t make sense. When I don’t understand the events in my life, I can trust God.
Hugh DeLong
