The Pilgrim Path---Acts 23: 23 – 35

Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” And he wrote a letter to this effect:

“Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium.

…BRING HIM SAFELY TO FELIX

The LORD of Glory had Paul’s nephew inform the Roman Tribune of the Jews murderous plot against the apostle. The Tribune (Claudius Lysias) prepares a capable “force” to get Paul to Caesarea. He went big. No Jews were going to get the better of him in this situation (all God’s doing). Claudius had an obligation to protect Paul because he was a Roman citizen. God’s sovereignty on display. The governor Felix had the authority to release Paul---once the apostle was in his custody. Yet, King Jesus had already told Paul, “You must testify also in Rome.” This is merely a “step” along the path. Felix was acquainted with The Way---the LORD determined that he was to get a more detailed explanation concerning the truth of the Gospel. Ole Felix did not realize his soul was in jeopardy. He needed to hear this message about Christ and eternal life. Felix would think himself the freeman while he was dealing with the Apostle Paul. Felix was really the prisoner---the prisoner of sin---and death---and hell---as long as he was “outside” of Jesus Christ. It is fascinating how lost people (and tragic) believe they are ”free”---this side of eternity. This passage begins to open to us the fact that eternal matters do not “matter” to people---unless the Spirit of God moves within---and upon them. The LORD God Almighty preserves Paul to tell many---that they are unprepared for what is ahead: eternity! Only Jesus Christ prepares for eternity…

From John Flavel: As you reflect on the providence of God, consider the instruments employed for you, for the finger of God is clearly seen when we pursue this meditation. Sometimes great mercies are conveyed to us by very improbable means, while more probable ones are laid aside. A stranger might be stirred up to do for you what a near relation by nature has no power or will to do for you! Jonathan, a mere stranger to David, was closer to him, more friendly and useful to him, than his own brothers who despised and slighted him. Ministers have found more kindness and respect from strangers than from their own people; “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own hometown” (Mark 6: 4). Sometimes God uses the hand of enemies. He has bowed the hearts of many wicked men to show great kindness to his people (Acts 28: 2). Sometimes God makes use of instruments for our good that were intended for evil and mischief. Joseph’s brothers designed his ruin, but God used it for his advancement. The design and scope of providence must not escape our consideration.

From John Duncan: Faith has been well defined (by Andrew Gray) as a continual traveling between our own emptiness and Christ’s fulness.

HYMN:

Come to the Savior now, he gently calleth thee;

In true repentance bow, before him bend the knee;

He waiteth to bestow salvation, peace and love,

True joy on earth below, a home in heaven above.

John M. Wigner, 1871

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason