Daily Thought

Hard on the heels of the Lord’s promise to Paul comes another attempt on his life. We are reminded that the enemy is constantly active in trying to thwart the purposes of God. In this instance he has more than forty willing accomplices. Like Paul in unconverted days, they are fanatical in their opposition to the gospel, and will go to any lengths to eradicate it. Their plan was simple and, humanly speaking, fool-proof, for there would be no reason for the captain to mistrust their intention.

However, the Lord who had guaranteed safe passage to Rome to His servant would not fail him now. The plan was overheard and made known to the captain, and steps were taken to move Paul safely to Caesarea in high security and secrecy, v. 23. May we never lose sight of the fact that the Lord has His hand upon us at all times. He is in control of all our circumstances, and His will and His promises cannot be thwarted.

The letter that the captain sends to Felix the governor is interesting. We note with irony how he makes much of his own heroism and patriotism in saving a Roman citizen from death at the hands of the Jews, remembering that the reality was somewhat different. Yet, amongst it all, he writes that there was ‘nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds’, v. 29. This is to be a recurring theme over the next chapters, testified by various individuals, but still Paul remains bound. Why? Simply put, because it was the Lord’s will. Many times in life we cannot understand the workings of God, reasons for events that take place, or why certain trials are not lifted when we want or expect them to be, but we may be sure that He has a purpose in it all, as He had for Paul. If we submit ourselves to Him that purpose will be worked out for His glory.

Under cover of night they bring Paul to Antipatris, just over half way to Caesarea as the crow flies and, the most dangerous part of the journey now lying behind them, the soldiers head back to Jerusalem and the rest of the party carry on to Caesarea. Paul’s background evidently made some impression on Felix, v. 34, reminding us again of the Lord’s hand in all things. In addition, he was to be kept in the praetorium - the officers’ quarters.