Acts 24:1-27
Paul has been arrested and is in prison in Acts 24:1-27 and he's now before Felix, the governor. As we start out our passage, the Jewish leaders present their case against Paul and then Paul responds. So case over and decided--right? Nope. Apparently there were no speedy trial rules back in Paul's day. So Felix drags things out and refuses to issue a ruling. Paul was in captivity for two years and when Felix left office, he left Paul there in prison. Now I'm thinking Paul had to be disappointed. Yet, there's no outward indication of that, even as we read down through Acts 25.
Paul was a trooper and his example was truly an encouragement to me today to hang in there and stay the course concerning some things I've been praying about and dealing with for a number of months now.
So how do we develop an attitude and mindset like we see Paul demonstrating here? Any "trooper" experiences you'd like to share? Tami W.
The mindset that Paul demonstrates in Acts 24 is one that has been forged through the years of service and devotion to Jesus Christ. Paul truly believed what he wrote when he wrote that his life was not his own, that he was bought with a price. Paul saw himself as having no claim to his life. Therefore, if God wanted to leave him in prison, then he would serve God in prison. This attitude is absolutely essential for us, yet so difficult to live in real life.
Paul's faith was absolutely incredible; he never doubted God's plan for him, and never despaired, but was always willing to serve in any circumstance. A truly inspiring example for all of us to follow.
Something that struck me as I was reading this passage is that Paul was as highly educated in religious matters as anyone ever was. When God revealed Himself to Paul, Paul truly understood how wrong he had been, and readily did an about - face. This attitude he carried into whatever situation Paul found himself in.
God reveals Himself to us too, and gives us something to hang on to during the tough times. Those experiences are often very personal.
My friend has extreme health issues. Even after brain surgery she has never missed going to the prison to minister to the women there. She has totally surrendered to Christ. She has the quiet and gentle spirit that I long for. It is evident in her life with family and church.God bless you BttB and thank you for all the wisdom your bring.
Paul knew God's faithfulness, We should by now be fully aware of His faithfulness to us. Satan will try to place obstacles in our path but we must believe that God will take those obstacles away from us and we must not allow ourselves to be side tracked. Call on His name when we need Him and trust that He will never forsake us. Keep in His Word and pray without ceasing.