10 “And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11 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 23:10–11)
In writing to the Church in Rome, the Apostle Paul stated, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB95)
The truth of that verse is illustrated in the life of the apostle. This was certainly the case when he faced the Jerusalem mob in Acts 22, and certainly when he spoke to the Sanhedrin in Acts 23. The Lord caused all things to work together for His ultimate good and purpose in the life of Paul. What was true in the apostle’s life is true in our lives as well.
The situation in the Sanhedrin council setting turned from a theological disagreement between the Sadducees and Pharisees into a dissension of violence. Therefore, the Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26), fearing that Paul would be killed by members of the council, commanded his soldiers to take the apostle away and bring him into the Roman barracks.
It was while Paul was incarcerated in the barracks, that the Lord Jesus stood beside him and said, ““Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “This encouragement given by special revelation from the Lord assures Paul of his survival to bring the gospel to the imperial capital, as Christ granted him a similarly encouraging vision in Corinth (Acts 18:9-10). A host of obstacles—assassination conspiracies, legal delays, storms, shipwreck, and snakebite—would arise to threaten this promise, but none could prevent its fulfillment (Acts 27:23-26).”
Believers in Christ today need to also take courage that the same LORD of heaven and earth is also causing all things to work together for our good and His ultimate glory. Be strong and courageous today, my friends.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 