November 20, 2025
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 2 Kings, Acts, & Hebrews? Here’s today’s reading:
Acts 23 (NIV)
1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”……Continue Reading
Paul’s discernement from God really allowed him to read the room here. Rather than having one group ready to kill him, his words divided the group so they were instead fighting each other. God’s consistent protection over Paul is pretty amazing even when his situations seem so grim. We see it a second time when the plot to kill him is ruined and he is delivered safely to Caesarea….God has a plan for him to talk to the Romans and when God has a plan it will happen with you or in spite of you!
It is interesting to see here the various means in God’s economy that foster His will and Paul’s protection. First we have our own wits…or in this case Paul’s. Paul knows his accusers and knows what will get them more focused on each other than him and maybe even engender some identification with him from them. Next we have the protection of authority both here and at the end of the chapter. The commander cuts in to protect Paul and then sends a large contingent of soldiers to whisk him away to Felix. Thirdly we have the direct intervention of God. What a provision this is for Jesus Himself to stand by Paul and assure him. Fourth we have the right people in the right places. How fortuitous that Paul’s nephew hears of this plot against Paul. So many things at God’s disposal to provide for us. Other than that, I couldn’t help but think these men were making the same commitments that Paul would have made before he met Jesus…and I wonder…did they ever eat or drink again? And it is also funny how the commander definitely makes himself look better in his letter to Felix than he actually performed in his actions. But that is pretty typical of people to make themselves look as best as they can. Our reference point should always be honesty and integrity.
Acts 23
Acts 23
Acts 23
Acts 23
Psalm 30; Jeremiah 10; Acts 23
”But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”“
Acts 23:11 NKJV
Is this the physical Jesus standing by Paul? Jesus tells Paul the plan.
I would assume it was, Amy, or else another description would be given….as in saw a vision…had a dream…etc…
Paul causes quite an uproar by stating truth to the Jewish leaders. He does so in a calm matter-of-fact way. And “the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, you must also testify in Rome.” Soon after the plot to kill him is revealed, he is protected by a Roman centurion, commander, and governor. God is faithful. He will always carry out what He says He will do and He will be with us when we testify about Jesus’ death and resurrection.