We’re back to Acts. When we last left Paul, he had shared his testimony of coming to faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. We pick up in Acts 22:30; please read through 23:11.
Paul stood before the Sanhedrin, the ruling Jewish council – a mixture of Pharisees and Sadducees – who were united in their hatred for Jesus and for His followers. But they were separated on certain theological issues, one of which was the resurrection of the dead. Paul, himself once a Pharisee, called out to his fellow Pharisees to defend – not him – but the doctrine of the resurrection. A fierce dispute ensued which turned into a violent physical attack on Paul. The commander, concerned for Paul’s life ordered him taken away to a safe location and kept in isolation.
But Paul was not alone. The Lord was there. “The Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (v. 11). He had a plan that was bigger than Paul or the Sanhedrin, or the entire Roman army. Jump back to Saul’s conversion in Acts 9. The Lord sent Ananias to tell him that he was His “chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings . . .” (v. 15). Now He was about to use all this chaos, hatred, and persecution to propel Paul into His God-ordained purpose. In Rome. Peek ahead to Acts 28:14: “And so we came to Rome.” God’s plans never fail, not matter how the situation looks or feels. Perhaps this is where Paul learned the truth of Romans 8:28.
Don’t button this verse up just yet – there’s something else I want you to see. Not only was Jesus in the room with him, but He “stood near Paul.” The original word indicates a wind. Maybe I’m being poetic but, in my heart, I believe he was so close to Paul that the apostle felt the Lord’s breath on his face. Why do I say that? Because I have sensed Him that near and felt a breeze as He spoke comfort and assurance to my heart. I need Him to come near again.
Life will take you to all sorts of places, some good, some hard, some shattering. But Paul and I will tell you, the Lord is near. He will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Jos 1:5). Jesus said He would be “with you always” (Mat 28:20). That, Beloved, is a promise on which you can rest your weary soul.
Deeper Roots 