Journey Through The Bible
    Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 17-20
    New Testament Reading: Acts 23

The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage! For as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11).

Over forty furious Jews fasted for one reason; they were committed to assassinating Paul. However, the Lord stood by and reassured Paul He was with him. Several times in the past, during difficult times in his ministry, Jesus appeared to Paul. Now, when Paul was certainly at a low point in his ministry, Jesus appeared once again to encourage and instruct him.

First, Jesus told Paul to have courage! God told Joshua four times to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, & 18). Over and over in Scripture, we read about the Lord’s comforting presence in the lives of those who trusted Him, including Abraham, Hagar, Jacob, Elijah, Daniel, David, Mary, Peter, Paul, and many others. As it was with them, so it is with us. God doesn’t remove His people from crises, but He is with us always. We can always take courage in times of difficulty because the Lord is with us and will see us through.

Next, Jesus reassured Paul by commending him on his testimony, as you have testified about me in Jerusalem. The Lord did not rebuke Paul for going to Jerusalem. Rather, He commended him for the witness he had given. Even though that witness was not received and left the Sanhedrin in confusion, the Lord was pleased with Paul’s testimony. And that is all that really matters.

Third, Jesus promised Paul He would fulfill his earthly longing; it is necessary for you to testify in Rome. What encouragement and confidence this must have given Paul. This had been Paul’s desire for months (Acts 19:21, & Rom 15: 22-29) and now he had confidence it would be fulfilled.

Despite the cuts and bruises he had suffered from the mob and the Sanhedrin, he must have slept well that night. The Lord did not tell him all the things that he would have to suffer before he reached Rome—imprisonment, further hearings, storms at sea, and a shipwreck. All of us can be thankful that the Lord does not reveal to us the many things the future holds. He knows that would be a burden heavier than most of us would want to know or be able to bear.

Jesus’ words, remember, I am with you always (Matt 28:20) are certainly a great assurance for all believers during difficult times. Hudson Taylor said, “Many Christians estimate difficulties in the light of their own resources, and thus attempt little and often fail in the little they attempt. All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence with them.”

May we all take encouragement from the example of Paul and take courage, knowing that Jesus is standing by us. As we continue walking by faith with Him, we can accomplish mighty things for God.