Context
This was the beginning of the end for Paul. He would spend two years in Caesarea Maritima, then be taken to Rome. He would be released and minister again for a brief time before he was re-arrested and executed by Nero. But this arrest and the series of trials that ensue is the beginning the end of Paul's missionary work.
The sovereign hand of God is seen here, as the plots of Paul's enemies come to nothing through God's silent, guiding hand.
Devotional - Living without Scheming
I heard a definition of faith one time (from my dad - not sure where he heard it), that faith is "living without scheming." It's a pretty good definition - essential if not technical.
As you read this passage, contrast the behavior of Paul with that of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They engage in lies, in political schemes, and in plots of destruction. They work in secret and they make confidential plans. They manipulate and work the system.
Paul speaks the truth of God and trusts God with the consequences.
The religious leaders schemed to get Paul arrested, made up a series of charges against him based on lies (just as they had done to Jesus), made a secret plot to kill Paul and sealed it with a hunger pact. Paul did not fight fire with fire.
It happened again this morning (I'm writing this devotional well in advance because of my mission trip). In a discussion with another believer, she referenced the behavior of the "other side" as justification for the sinful behavior of those on her side. "Hey, they started it." And we can't just be doormats, right? If they engage in these awful tactics we have to fight back, to stand up, to fight fire with fire.
Do we? Do we?
What about the scripture that says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." Do we believe that? Paul just did the work of God and trusted God to take care of him. That is what God did. He arranged that "by coincidence" a nephew of Paul's would hear about the plot and report it. Paul's life was spared and he continued his service to God.
Paul didn't stay up nights stressing out. He didn't plot and scheme and manipulate. He just did the work God called him to do and trusted God to guide him and protect him. He fought fire with love and power and grace and joy, not with fire.
Remarkable concept!
As you read this passage, contrast the behavior of Paul with that of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They engage in lies, in political schemes, and in plots of destruction. They work in secret and they make confidential plans. They manipulate and work the system.
Paul speaks the truth of God and trusts God with the consequences.
The religious leaders schemed to get Paul arrested, made up a series of charges against him based on lies (just as they had done to Jesus), made a secret plot to kill Paul and sealed it with a hunger pact. Paul did not fight fire with fire.
It happened again this morning (I'm writing this devotional well in advance because of my mission trip). In a discussion with another believer, she referenced the behavior of the "other side" as justification for the sinful behavior of those on her side. "Hey, they started it." And we can't just be doormats, right? If they engage in these awful tactics we have to fight back, to stand up, to fight fire with fire.
Do we? Do we?
What about the scripture that says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." Do we believe that? Paul just did the work of God and trusted God to take care of him. That is what God did. He arranged that "by coincidence" a nephew of Paul's would hear about the plot and report it. Paul's life was spared and he continued his service to God.
Paul didn't stay up nights stressing out. He didn't plot and scheme and manipulate. He just did the work God called him to do and trusted God to guide him and protect him. He fought fire with love and power and grace and joy, not with fire.
Remarkable concept!
Father, may I truly walk by faith, not by the flesh, or by scheming and manipulation, not by human wisdom or power, but simply by obedience and faith in you.
Think and Pray
Think about how the life of faith in God would confront all of these behaviors. If you truly lived by faith in Jesus daily, how would your life change?
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