SUNDAY February 25, 2024
Kind Liberty
And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.
Acts 27:3-6
Paul was a prisoner of Rome, and Julius, the Roman centurion, was in authority over him. Yet God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was working in his life as we see that he favored the Apostle. He liked Paul and trusted him enough to allow him freedom to visit his friends on the ship.
Once Paul arrived in Rome, he was never left alone again. Wherever he went, he was closely guarded. Paul always remained chained to two Roman soldiers. Within the house of Caesar, he would give the Gospel to the different soldiers who guarded him. The guard was changed every four hours. Paul was always looking for opportunities to share the Gospel with someone, despite his adverse circumstances.
In Philippians 4:22, we read: All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. Think about it. Paul had great influence, despite his chains. He ministered to others as if he were not in chains. Why? Paul knew the Gospel had no limits: This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained (2 Timothy 2:8-9 NIV).
In America, as a Christian, you will not suffer as much persecution for your faith as seen in other countries. It is rare to be placed in chains. Without much hindrance, we enjoy our Christian liberty. So why not take every opportunity, while you still can, to share your faith with others?
God's plan for enlarging His kingdom is so simple - one person telling another about the Savior. Yet we're busy and full of excuses. Just remember, someone's eternal destiny is at stake. The joy you'll have when you meet that person in heaven will far exceed any discomfort you felt in sharing the gospel.
~Charles Stanley~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
