At Liberty

We should make the most of the opportunities God gives us.

In this chapter there is an interesting turn of events in Paul's life. Up until this point, the centurion overseeing him had been quite helpful and gracious to him. This man is now replaced by someone quite the opposite. And the Caesar to which Paul had appealed to, well, lets just say that he was not so favorable either.

Paul could hope for little justice from the Caesar to whom he had appealed. Nero was more debased in morals, more frivolous in character, and at the same time capable of more atrocious cruelty, than any ruler who had preceded him. The reins of government could not have been entrusted to a more despotic ruler. The first year of his reign had been marked by the poisoning of his young stepbrother, the rightful heir to the throne. From one depth of vice and crime to another, Nero had descended, until he had murdered his own mother, and then his wife. There was no atrocity which he would not perpetrate, no vile act to which he would not stoop. In every noble mind he inspired only abhorrence and contempt. pp. 486, 487

From a human perspective, Paul was pretty much doomed, yet we have to remember this is Paul we're dealing with here. He was not afraid. He knew that God would take care of him, and you know what, He did.

 And God did shield His servant. At Paul's examination the charges against him were not sustained, and, contrary to the general expectation, and with a regard for justice wholly at variance with his character, Nero declared the prisoner guiltless. Paul's bonds were removed; he was again a free man. pp. 487, 488

This happened just in time too. For soon after Paul's release and departure from Rome (would you stick around?) the infamous Nero did what he is now infamous for. He burned Rome and blamed the Christians.

Paul was now getting up there in years, and he knew his time was short, so he now worked that much harder to win souls and strengthen those in the faith.

Our opportunities may not be as dramatic as Paul's, yet we can make full use of the advantages given to us. If we are faithful in the little things, Jesus said, we will be faithful in the big ones as well.