Unexpected protection
The argument became so violent that the commander was afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces. So he ordered his soldiers to go down into the group, get Paul away from them, and take him into the fort.
That night the Lord stood by Paul and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! You have given your witness for me here in Jerusalem, and you must also do the same in Rome.’ (verses 10, 11)
Read Acts 22:30 – 23:11
The Lord often works in mysterious ways through unexpected people. We would have expected the Jews to protect one of their own against the ‘nasty’ Romans. Instead it’s the Romans who unknowingly protect God’s messenger from being torn apart by God’s own people. The Jews thought the Romans were the bad guys, but in reality the Jews were the ones opposing God’s message.
Unfortunately, some Christians give Christianity a bad name by the way they treat others. Yet, despite this, God’s message will not be stopped. People will still be sent to witness about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in extraordinary places and situations.
Sometimes you may feel that if you witness about Jesus in your words or actions you may bring trouble between you and your family, friends or work mates. But perhaps Jesus will protect you with people you would least expect. And you may be surprised how far your witness, done in faith, travels.
Dear Lord Jesus, help me to trust in your protection as I witness to others by my forgiving words and actions. Amen.
by Stuart Kleinig, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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