Articles
You Must Testify In Rome - Acts 23
You Must Testify In Rome - Acts 23 -
In writing to the Romans Paul had indicated that he had a desire to go to Rome: "
For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Rom. 1:11-12).
As we turn to Acts 21 we find that he is in Jerusalem but things don't look good. A mob attacks him on false supposition that he had brought a gentile into the temple area. The Romans, trying to keep some semblance of order, 'rescue' him by seizing him and binding him with two chains as a trouble-maker (Acts 21:33).
In the meeting before the Roman Tribune, the Jews again become violent towards Paul. The Romans again take him by force out of the hands of the mob of Jews (ch. 22). It is at this point that Paul is told he WILL go to Rome. "The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (Acts 23:11).
There is a plot by the Jews to assassinate Paul, but he again is rescued by the Romans and taken by night to the seaport city of Caesarea. Here he is kept in prison for two years because Felix thought he would receive money from Paul (24:26). At the end of two years he has another hearing.
It is interesting to see that after two years the Jewish leaders are STILL wanting to do harm to Paul! When Festus made a visit to Jerusalem, they laid out their 'case' against Paul. With yet another 'trial', Paul has to make his appeal to stand before Caesar instead of being taken back to Jerusalem and tried. A Roman citizen had such a right of appeal and upon making it, was guaranteed the privilege to present his case before the Emperor.
He is taken under guard on a long boat trip. The boat spends days in a huge storm and finally wrecks on the island of Malta. There Paul is bit by a viper. After spending the winter on the island, the next spring they make the trek to Rome.
In Rome, "he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:30-31).
This whole story reminds me of Joseph and his brothers. At the end he could say: "you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good" (Gen. ). Here God does bring Paul to Rome and the gospel is preached in the very heart of the Roman Empire. In all of this God yet allows for the free-will choices of those involved. The Jewish leaders have no excuse for their behavior and will answer to God for their rebellion. Paul 'gets' to testify about Jesus not only to the Jews, but also to many of the Roman leaders: Felix, Festus, Agrippa, and perhaps the Emperor. He spends years in Rome, the center of the empire, and has opportunity to preach the gospel to all those who would travel through the city.
It was Paul who said: "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God". Through such tribulations, God is with His people. Out of such tribulation, those who are faithful to Jesus have great opportunity to proclaim Him as the Christ. In all of this tribulation, Paul maintained his godly and upright behavior – never stooping to the same moral level of his enemies.
God will accomplish His purposes. He uses both those who serve Him (Paul) and those who oppose Him (Jewish and Roman leaders). Those that serve Him will be blessed, but those who oppose Him will be condemned. Each is given the right of choice, but God, as the Sovereign Lord, will rule through judgment.
Hugh DeLong
