“The Lord Will Protect You…!”

“The Lord Will Protect You…!”
The Jews would have had their way with Paul, but since he had Roman citizenship the commander knew it was his responsibility to protect Paul until he had a fair trial under Roman law. He prepared a mount to guide Paul so that he could defend himself before Governor Felix at Caesarea.
In his letter to the Governor, the commander stated inter-alia, “…I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.”(Acts23:23-35).
It should be everyone’s prayer to have such a commander in our day. A commander who when he sees a person about to be killed innocently takes him into protective custody! A commander who when he realises that the accused has another citizenship ensures that the accused is brought before the Governor who governs his region! A commander who provides all the security for an accused so that he cannot be ambushed by those who are bent on killing him! Such a commander who tells the accusers to present their case before the Governor!
Governor Felix exhibited fairness when he told Paul, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” What a Governor! Felix however kept Paul in prison for two year until he was no longer Governor. He frequently sent for Paul “hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe…” – you may say they are all the same!
The good side of it is that Paul had opportunity to talk to the Governor and his wife Drusilla about Jesus Christ. He also talked on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come which caused Felix to be afraid.
Everything that happened to Paul was through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Acts of the Apostles ends with Paul preaching in Rome testifying about Jesus Christ the risen Lord! Acts ends with the words, “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ”(28:31). This was surely in fulfilment of the words of the Lord to Paul when he was just arrested. The Lord had told him, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Yes my friend, it will be when it will be if it is in God’s plan!
Prayer: Lord give us objective commanders who can protect accused persons who do not deserve death or imprisonment! Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!