Paul had received a promise from God that he would testify in Rome, but two years later he was still languishing in prison and would remain there for even longer. Usually, when we are in situations like this, we try to force things forwards in some way and Paul had the opportunity to do this. Luke indicates here that Felix was open to a bribe from Paul (24:26). But Paul’s approach to the Governor was so different to that of the Sadducees and their lawyer who tried to use manipulation and flattery to get their way (24:1ff). Paul could have tried this. In those times when Felix called Paul up from the prison to hear him speak, how tempting it must have been for Paul to use those opportunities to talk his way out of prison. Paul was a clever man, and the opportunity was clearly there to manipulate his way out of prison. This is one of the things about Paul that is so remarkable and why he is such a great example: he had this unswayable focus on his calling in every situation. He was so mission minded. He never tried to take control of situations and force a solution. He didn’t lose hope in God, even after two years in gaol with no end in sight. Instead, he used every opportunity to do God’s work. The only thing that can get us off God’s path is our own unwillingness to trust God and walk forwards into the unknown with him. Stick to the mission and God will get you to where he wants you to go. Let him be God.
God is teaching you to let him be God. Entrust yourself to him.
Read Acts 24:1-27 again
