Word for the Week...NOV 7---13 / 2005

(V.16)"And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard:but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. (v.17) And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem unto the hands of the Romans.(v.18) Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.(v.18) But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar: not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.(v.20) For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you, because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain." 

'House arrest' was not as bad as many of the trials Paul had already suffered, comparatively speaking! Paul was chained by the wrist to the soldier, but was given a good measure of freedom and permitted to maintain his own dwelling.

[1] There were a number of synagogues in Rome, but Paul could not visit them, due to his arrest. For this reason he summoned the Jewish Leaders.

[2] Paul violated none of the traditions of the Jews, his brethren. He upheld them all.

[3] An innocent man; Paul was delivered into the hands of the Romans, who wished to release him ! Is this not a similar scenario to that of Jesus' arrest and trial??? 

[4]  The Jews opposed the Roman's desire, so Paul appealed to Caesar as a way of escape. After all, he was a Roman citizen !

[5] Even though he was the victim of unjust treatment, Paul chose not to accuse the Jews of any wrongdoing....(In this context, we can consider 2 Cor.5:21).

[6] The true fulfillment of The Hope of God's people was/is  in Christ Jesus Alone. The day will come when the nation will accept Him as their Messiah...(Zech.13:1).

Paul had clearly related his heart's desire 'to know Him ...and the fellowship of His sufferings...' to the Church at Phillipi; (Phil.3:10). The Lord answered his prayer, and was with Paul through it all, to the end and beyond ! "Delight thyself in The Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thy heart".(Psalm 37:4), the Psalmist tells us ... Paul did this and obtained the results !

May The Lord Bless you.    . 

Powered by Church Edit