In Acts we've been reading about the incredible travels of Paul. God's blessing is upon him everywhere he goes as he speaks and preaches the gospel boldly for the glory of God. However, in this chapter we read how Paul's message made such a stir that the whole city was MOVED against him!
In fact, as the Jews had stirred up such a tumult against him, they are trying to kill him when the Chief captain gets word and orders his solders to arrest Paul. So he's literally carried to safety in the arms of the solders. However, even as they are carrying him up to the safety of a castle, Paul pleads to be allowed to speak to the crowd one more time. Yes, he still wants to speak to the very crowd that was just beating him and about to kill him a few minutes previously.
This is what impressed me from this passage...
Although Paul was almost killed, he still isn't worried about his safety. His main concern is the salvation of those who are trying to kill him. "Just give me a chance to share what God has done," he seems to cry. (And in the next chapter, he does just that!)
Paul knew before he came to Jerusalem that it was most likely that he was going to be arrested and have problems. It had been foretold by a prophet while he was still in Caesarea. As a result, his friends with much weeping, tried to keep him from going to Jerusalem. But this was Paul's response: "What mean ye to weep and break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Think of the radical change that has taken place in this man's life, to go from being a persecutor of Christians, to being willing to die for the sake of Christ!)
His spirit of surrender and peace is evident in the storm, as despite his nearly being killed, he continues to seek to reach out and preach salvation.
Ellen White comments: "In the midst of the tumult the apostle [Paul] was calm and self-possessed. His mind was stayed upon God, and he knew that angels of heaven were about him. He felt unwilling to leave the temple without making an effort to set the truth before his countrymen." Acts of the Apostles, p. 408
Wow! What a confidence. This confidence could only come from one who is completely anchored in Christ. When anchored in Christ, although the whole world moves against us, we will not be moved by any storm. Let us cling to our Anchor!
Tomorrow's Reading: Num. 26-27 and Acts 22
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