Reading in Acts 23:12-35, a plot by forty men to kill Paul was being set up but God rescues Paul from this guerrilla attempt by destroying the scheme. The son of Paul’s sister was put in a position to overhear the planning of the plot which gave Paul a warning. Behind the scenes, God protects His people. Remember in our reading before today’s passage that God appeared near Paul in prison and told him “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome (v. 11).”
Once Paul was told by God to take courage, it seems as though there was a peace within Paul because he knew that God was with him and would continue to be with him in his time of need. This gave him the poise needed to accurately think through his situation.
After thinking through the situation, Paul told one of the centurions to take his nephew to the commander in order to explain the plot. Paul knew that the chief commander would then get him safely out of danger. Sure enough, the chief commander provided soldiers and horsemen to take Paul to Governor Felix who ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace (v. 35).
Even in turmoil and unrest, Paul could remain confident because God was on his side. Things fell into place and happened for his benefit. It is the same for us today. God is at work in this world to make sure things are set up for His people. We can have confidence amidst turmoil and unrest because the God of the Universe is much bigger than any plot the evil one has against us.
This day with You God, even when some may be against us, we know that you are bigger than any scheme to destroy us. We have poise because of Your protection even in turmoil or during unrest. We are composed and ready to think through the plots of the evil one. Behind the scenes, You are setting things up for our benefit and we are thankful. In Jesus name. Amen.
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