Sat.’s Devo - Paul Fulfills His Mission

Read: Acts 20:4-38; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23:1-35
In Acts 21:4 we read that Paul was warned by the disciples in Tyre, through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. Paul traveled from Tyre to Ptolemais and Caesarea. While in Caesarea, he visited with Philip the evangelist. A prophet from Judaea, named Agabus came and prophesied over him that the Jews at Jerusalem would bind Paul and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. Paul now had his marching orders. When the people tried to dissuade Paul, he couldn’t be frightened. He knew it was now time to go to Jerusalem and he knew what awaited him when he got there. He also knew that it would be a great opportunity that God was setting up to spread the gospel to an even greater crowd than he had yet faced. All his missionary journey’s had prepared him for this moment and he was not about to miss it because of a few chains.
In find it amusing that neither Jesus or Paul recognized the High Priest. Maybe it was because Jesus was the High Priest so this man was an imposter and maybe Paul was so heavenly minded he didn’t notice men trying to act the part of Jesus, but for some reason both offended the High Priest.
In verse 5 of Acts 23 it says that Paul “perceived” that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees. That word “perceived” is the same one that is used when it says that Jesus “perceived” what the disciples were discussing among themselves. It was the use of the gift of knowledge which is to know something spiritually that is not naturally known. God showed this to Paul so he could use it in his argument for the resurrection of Jesus.
Paul got his next assignment when he was pulled away from the angry mob and put in prison in the castle. He was told to have courage because he was going next to Rome. If he thought Jerusalem would be intimidating Rome was the ultimate. He was taken to Rome with an entourage of 270 soldiers to make sure he made it. That is God’s protection.
Lord, when we are tempted to be afraid when we don’t understand, help us to remember the great courage of Paul.