Sat.’s Devo - Paul Arrives in Rome -

Read: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3 When Saul died, all Israel recognized David as their king. It had been him who had led Israel and defeated their enemies. They made a covenant with David in Hebron and anointed him their king, just like Samuel had prophesied. *** David went to Jerusalem and took it from the Jebusites. He promised that whoever led the charge would become his chief and commander of his army. Joab led and became his chief. David made Jerusalem his home and called it the city of David. David became stronger and stronger because the Lord was with him. *** David had three mighty men named Eleazar, Jashhobean and Joab and their deeds were recorded. Abishai, Joab’s brother was leader of the thirty mighty men who were also listed. Then there were the men who had been with David in his time of running from Saul. They were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen but they fought for David. They were expert bowmen that were so adept they could use both hands equally as well. Their names were also listed. *** Some of the mighty warriors of Gad also joined David. They were experienced warriors who excelled in fights with their spear and shield. They were especially trained to fight in the mountains. They became officers in David’s army along with some of the men from Benjamin and Judah. *** In Acts, they learned that the island they ship-wrecked on was Malta. The people were very kind and built a fire to welcome them because it was cold and rainy. Paul helped them gather sticks for the fire and was bit by a viper that fastened itself to Paul’s hand. He shook it off into the fire. When nothing happened to his hand, the native people thought he must be a god. *** The chief of the island was Publius who entertained them for three days. His father was very sick with a high fever. Paul prayed for him and the Lord healed him. Then all the people who were sick came to Paul and were healed. *** They stayed there for three months and when they left, the people gave them whatever they needed. They made several stops on their way to Rome. When they arrived in Rome, brothers came to meet them. Paul thanked the Lord and was encouraged when he saw them. Paul was allowed to stay by himself with a guard. *** There days later he was called by the local leaders of the Jews to a meeting. Paul explained his plight and why he had to appeal to Caesar. His own people wanted him killed for no reason. The Jews had heard nothing about this but only a little about his views and wanted to hear more. They made a date where he would share his views with them. *** On that day, many came to where Paul was staying to hear what he had to say. He testified all day about what God was doing and about Jesus. Some believed while others didn’t. Paul quoted what Isaiah had said about his people. With the truth right in front of them, they would not be able to see it. But, Paul told them that though they didn’t see it, the Gentiles would. *** Paul lived in Rome for two years proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus freely. *** Lord, may we be as at peace with our circumstances as Paul was with his. He prospered and continued his mandate to preach the gospel no matter his circumstances were. May he inspire us to do the same.