The Story - Chapter 30 - Paul's Final Days

There was a plan underfoot to ambush and kill Paul. He was being railroaded and unjustly charged. It would appear the people were so afraid of him and his words, they needed him to disappear.

"...the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. (Acts 23:12)  

Paul was innocent of all charges and boldly told his accusers so. "Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well". (Acts 25:10) 

Have you ever found yourself accused of something you did not do?  Have the words to your defense fallen on deaf ears?  Then you know some of the feelings Paul must have felt.  Reading this portion of Acts is eye-opening for this writer.  Once again, we can see the hand of God in motion.  A few chapters ago we read, "...the LORD stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (Acts 23:11)

God said it and Paul could take it to the bank.  He would not die yet; he was going to Rome to bear witness to the truth there. Those words, Take Courage, we have heard before in various Old Testament readings.  It is a theme for us to embrace.  We have lots of work to do for Jesus' sake and it is going to require Courage; the kind of courage that only comes from faith and love.

Paul was faithful and he loved God and he loved others.  That was all that was needed, obedience to the two greatest commands of the One to whom he was testifying.

Read Acts 25:1-12

Listen to Acts 25:1-12