Wow! What a story we read today in Acts 23-28! The story surrounding the apostle Paul includes arrest, imprisonment, assassination plans, rescue in the dark of night, soldiers, horsemen, spearmen, rides with the cavalry, travel over hundreds of miles, more ambush plans, accusations of insanity, audience with kings, house arrest, sailing, northeaster storm, shipwreck, saving of the crew, collection of firewood with islanders, snake bite, healing of the sick, and even a happy ending. All of this in a few short chapters. Can’t you just imagine the movie that Steven Spielberg could make with this?

Luke writes this story in great detail. Why? What do we learn from this besides the historical information? My overall impression of this account is Paul’s behavior. He remains steadfast throughout the hardships. He refrains from the simpering flattery that the Romans employ when speaking with their governors, he merely speaks the truth of the events with simplicity. Paul endures physical difficulties while preaching about Jesus. He shares his story without shame or embellishment – he simply speaks the truth.  He speaks with equal sincerity to kings, politicians, jailers, Jews and Gentiles.

However, while Paul is a pillar of strength, the general population is severely divided as to their beliefs regarding the resurrection. The Sadducees do not accept resurrection, the Pharisees do. They argue back and forth in the beginning of the story, leading to Paul’s arrest, imprisonment, and their plans to assassinate him. At the end of the story, after all of Paul’s preaching and speaking and all the events of the previous years, they are still arguing. Chapter 28, verses 24-25 say “Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave…”

It was not Paul’s job to stop the disagreements or to control the end result. Paul’s work from the Holy Spirit was to preach and witness. The end result was not for Paul to control, that was and is, for God.

What Biblical truths does God show us in these verses?
Ultimately, God is in control. He gives us gifts to use according to His will and we are to use them to the utmost, regardless of the consequences or results.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today I will do my best to listen to God’s will for my actions and use the gifts he has given me in the best way possible. I will not worry about results, but will place my trust in God’s grace.

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