February 17, 2019: SOAP #3363:  Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Observation:  When Paul was first converted, God had spoken to Ananias that Paul was a chosen instrument to go to the Gentiles and their kings. (Acts 9:15) Now he was in prison.  And when first arrested, the Lord appeared to Paul saying that he would testify in Rome. (Acts 23:11)   But with no concern about Paul’s importance to God and to the church, Felix kept Paul in prison for two years!!!  Then passed Paul on as a prisoner to Festus!!!

Prison time is not only hard time, it is slow time, with no mail, no magazines, no radio or television.  I do not see Paul as a person willing to sit around.  He moved from place to place.  He was a traveling man.  Day after day in prison would not be easy for Paul.  But God was with Him.  God’s will would be fulfilled in Paul.  God would be glorified in Paul, even in prison.  He might not be able to preach, but he could write.  He might not be able to go, but he could send letters.  He was limited, but fruitful.

Application: I like the song by G.A. Young; I think Paul could have written it:
God leads His dear children along. …  Some through the waters, some through the flood. Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.

The Holy Spirit was with Paul in prison, just as He was with him while preaching and healing the sick in the cities to which he traveled.  The anointing was upon him as he wrote letters in prison the same as when he was preaching in Corinth.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, you are the same today.  And you are with me every day, as you were with Paul, through good times and hard. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!