‘The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”’ (Acts 23:11 ESV).
Paul had testified one last time before the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, but their hearts continued to be hardened. After being arrested by the Roman authorities, he heard Christ’s call to be encouraged and to set his sights on Rome. The criminal charges and chains were really the means for his mission to testify of Jesus before governors, kings and even Caesar himself.
Paul had planted churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece, but his final mission was to represent Christ before Caesar. If one viewed history only through a 1st-century lens, it would seem that Paul’s mission was a failure. For according to the writings of early church fathers, Paul appeared before Caesar, but it ended with his execution. However, by the 3rd century, the Roman empire, including its emperor, had embraced Christianity.
Our testimony of Jesus is often strongest when we are at our weakest. As the apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).
PRAYER: Dear Father, strengthen and encourage us to testify of Jesus at all times, but especially when we are weak. Help us to be content in all situations, knowing that You are in control. Direct our words and our steps. In Jesus’ name, amen.