Confidence in Jesus’ Unstoppable Kingdom: 7 Days in ActsExemplo

Unstoppable despite plots to kill

Read Acts 23:11-35

By Acts 23, Paul is back in Jerusalem, having spread the good news about Jesus all the way to Europe—including to Athens, the intellectual heart of the Roman Empire. He’s now facing the second of five trials. This one is in front of the top Jewish religious leadership—the religious council (Sanhedrin) and chief priests (22:30-23:10). The trial falls into a violent argument, and Paul only escapes death when the Roman commander takes Paul to the barracks for his own safety (23:10). But in the middle of the chaos, Jesus gives Paul a hugely encouraging message: “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (23:11).

This doesn’t mean that the opposition is over! The next morning, more than 40 men form a secret plot to kill Paul, taking an oath to not eat or drink until they succeed (23:12-13). Their plan is that the religious leadership get Paul transferred to the Sanhedrin, so they can kill him on the way. We’re left wondering if Paul will really get to Rome. Will God’s protection be enough? Yes! Paul’s nephew hears about the plot and remarkably, the Roman commander is willing to listen to this young man and take him seriously.

Not only that, but the Roman commander is willing to do something about it. He acts with the full force of the Roman army, and he doesn’t wait around. He gets Paul out of Jerusalem that night, well before the ambush is due to take place (23:23). And he gives Paul a huge armed escort, including 200 soldiers and 70 horsemen, plus horses for Paul himself. We never hear what happens to the hungry and thirsty plotters!

Paul may look weak and vulnerable—one man facing a huge number of enemies—but Jesus' kingdom is full of power. In fact, Jesus can co-opt the might of the Roman army to protect His gospel. Whatever we face, we can be fully confident that the Lord will get His people wherever He wants them to be, so that the gospel can keep spreading.