Have you ever been crippled by discouragement? Discouraged believers can lose the sensation of God’s presence, doubt their purposefulness, and struggle to cheerfully press on in faithfulness. In times like this, we need more than an emotional boost. We need to know that we have real reasons to take courage.
The second half of Acts 23 can be a great help for disheartened believers. As we learn from Paul’s life, the God who encourages us also stands by us in our troubles.
An Encouraging Visit
Despite the best of intentions, since arriving in Jerusalem, everything seemed to be going wrong for Paul. He tried to be a witness for Christ to the people he loved. They responded with vitriol: “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live” (Acts 22:22). Paul was truly persona non grata in the Jewish world. At this low point in Paul’s life, the Lord kindly encouraged his servant and friend.
Jesus’s Presence Inspires Courage
God allowed lonely Paul to sense his presence—“The Lord stood by him” (Acts 23:11; cf. Acts 18:9; 27:23, 24). What a special gift! And not only for Paul. By faith, the experiences we read about in Scripture become ours. Jesus promises to never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). And, in texts like this, he pictures that promise in real-life circumstances.
Jesus Commands Courage
Luke’s word for “take courage” is commonly used in seemingly hopeless situations. When a sick woman had “spent all her living on physicians” and could not be healed by any (Luke 8:43), Jesus said to her “take heart, daughter” (Matt. 9:22; cf. Mark 6:50). Jesus isn’t just speaking a positive word; he’s commanding against hopelessness. Christ exhorted Paul to beware of his attitude and to stir up his soul by faith. God’s abiding word, not our changing circumstances, must moderate our courage.
Purposeful Living Assists Courage
Jesus promised to preserve Paul’s life until he testified about him in Rome. Paul knew that God’s purposes for him could not be thwarted! God doesn’t reveal all the specifics of our futures. But he does assure us that we too have a mission. Don’t lose sight of God’s plan to use you as an instrument of his redeeming grace. Look beyond yourself and take up opportunities to serve. Trust God enough to obey. Purposeful living is an antidote to discouragement.
After Jesus encouraged Paul to press on, his life was threatened by religious zealots. God’s encouragement didn’t guarantee an easy existence. But, even as Paul faced grave danger, God was working behind the scenes to protect him. The details of our stories will differ. But the God who commands courage is also working his providence in our lives.
Encouraging Providence
Since the trial the night before, forty of Paul’s opponents solemnly vowed to kill him should the Roman commander release Paul for another “trial.” Paul learned of the plot and relayed the news to the tribune who, in turn, made preparations to transfer him under heavy guard out of Jerusalem to Caesarea into the care of the Judean Governor Felix.
Luke’s duplication of the tribune’s letter to Felix is important for at least two reasons. First, it is a formal defense of biblical piety; in Paul’s fervent Christianity, there was nothing contrary to natural law—“nothing deserving death or imprisonment” (Acts 23:29). Second, it records—in a legal document—God’s providential deliverance of one believer through Roman rule. That evening after dark Paul and the letter began their journey under armed guard away from the dangerous city. Upon arriving in Caesarea Paul was informed that he would receive a trial once his accusers had arrived.
This story, coupled to Jesus’s encouraging meeting with Paul, can teach us principles essential for taking courage in God’s sovereign care.
Courage Requires Trust
Though God told Paul to “take courage” (Acts 23:11), he didn’t immediately smooth out Paul’s path before him. Quite the opposite. If you knew that forty zealots had vowed to kill you, you might panic—unless you trusted God’s providence. If you are optimistic, brave, and loving only in favorable situations, what makes you different from an unbeliever? True courage flows from trust in the triune God.
God Is Able to Rescue His People
Paul shared the outlook of Daniel’s three friends: “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us” (Dan. 3:17). God did rescue them. His ability to rescue doesn’t bind him to do so; eventually, Paul’s rescuers would execute him. But we must know that the God we trust is actually able to save, even if short-term rescue isn’t always his will.
God Always Keeps His Promises
God promised Paul that he would testify in Rome. That seemed unlikely. He could no longer give a public speech without risking his life. But nothing could break the promise of the God who cannot lie. Paul not only got to Rome, he was magnificently escorted by the world’s top military power! When you are struggling to trust God, remember Jesus’s promise to Paul and how he gloriously fulfilled it.The story of Paul’s relocation from Jerusalem to Caesarea may be summed up like this: “There is no hope in circumstances, there is no help in man. But the Lord is committed to us, and we may be quiet.”
Footnotes
G. Campbell Morgan, The Acts of the Apostles, 501.
