Acts 23:11

New International Version (NIV)

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

For meditation

“Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to leave”, their cloaks and dust flying in the air, mingled with their screams.

The man who had once been their enforcer was now their premier enemy. Considered a turncoat, they couldn’t wait to tear him apart, but for the Roman authority. At the word of the Commander, the short and balding man from Tarsus was readied for flogging and interrogation.

But, no one lacks wisdom when they steadfastly stand for the Lord and moves in accordance to His plan.

“Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty”, Paul said to the Centurion (25).

The breaking news was reported to the Commander. Fear and tension filled the air. The Sanhedrin assembled for his interrogation the following day, and Paul put on his theological and legal hats. Knowing there were two sides on the bench who hated each other, Paul played them well by raising the issue of the resurrection. The accused became part of the audience that listened to a screaming argument on the subject. But as the debate turned violent, the commander retrieved Paul to the barracks.

What a day that had been! How much controversy and tension could the man take?

With his tiny, aging body slumped in bed that night, snoring with bewilderment, the Lord spoke to Paul.

“Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome (23:11).”

1. Isn’t that great? What other voice would have soothed Paul’s heart than that of our Lord Jesus?
2. Do you see why He is called, “Wonderful” (Judges 13:18)?
3. Has He not given us this faithful promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Heb. 13:5)?” And so we confidently declare in all circumstances, “The Lord is my Helper, what can mortals do to me (6)?”
4. And, do you remember these assuring words in Isaiah 43:2? “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
5. What waters, then, are you passing through? What river is swelling around you? What fire has engulfed you? Have you become Joseph in Egyptian jail (Gen 39:19-20), or the three Hebrew boys in Nebuchadnezzar’s oven (Dan. 3:22-23), or Daniel in the lions’ den (6:16-17)?

I pray you will see the Lord standing by you today and whispering into your ears, “Take courage! As you have stood for my name in this matter, so you must stand for me everywhere you go; for I am your Helper and Keeper, who never slumbers” [Acts 23:11; Ps. 121:1-8 Paraphrased].

So: May you be still and know that Jesus is God (Ps. 46:10); and may He exalt Himself in your situation by delivering you from everything that has risen against you; for His name’s sake and glory, amen!

Shalom