Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Friday, February 18, 2022
We found brothers and they begged us to stay with them (Acts 28:14).
During his trip to Rome, Jehovah helped the apostle Paul on many occasions through his brothers. For example, Aristarchus and Luke, two loyal friends of Paul, decided to accompany him to Rome. They were willing to risk their lives to be with Paul, although the Bible does not say that any of them personally received from Jesus the promise that they would reach Rome. It was later, in the middle of a storm, when they found out that they would be saved. When they arrived at the port city of Sidon, Julius allowed Paul “to go and visit his friends and have them take care of him” (Acts 27:1-3). And later, in the city of Puteoli, Paul and his companions met some brothers, who begged them to stay with them for seven days. While those Christians waited on travelers,Surely they were overjoyed at the encouraging experiences Paul told them (compare Acts 15:2, 3). w20.11 15, 16 pars. 15-17
How did Governor Festus help Paul?
In the year 58, Paul was still a prisoner in Caesarea. Festus had replaced Felix as governor. The Jews begged him to take Paul to Jerusalem to stand trial there, but Festus refused. Perhaps the governor suspected that the Jews "were plotting an ambush to kill Paul on the way" (Acts 24:27-25:5).
What did Festus do when Paul appealed to Caesar?
Shortly thereafter, Paul was tried at Caesarea. Since Festus wanted to make a good impression on the Jews, he asked Paul: “Do you want to go up to Jerusalem and be judged there before me for these things?” The apostle knew that if he went to Jerusalem, he would probably be killed. And he also knew what he had to do to save his life, get to Rome and continue preaching. So he said, "I appeal to Caesar!" After consulting his advisers, Festus replied: "You have appealed to Caesar and Caesar you will go." Festus's decision to send Paul to Rome put him beyond the reach of his enemies (Acts 25:6-12).
What encouraging words of Isaiah might Paul be meditating on?
As Paul waited to embark on his journey to Italy, he may have pondered what the prophet Isaiah inspiredly warned those who opposed Jehovah: “Prepare a plan, but it will be frustrated! Say what you want, it won't work out, because God is with us!" (Isaiah 8:10). Knowing that Jehovah would help him must have strengthened Paul for the trials that lay ahead.
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