Paul Spends His Final Days in Rome Preaching

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. 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 into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 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. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Acts 28:16-20, 28-31

Steps: 11, 12

As he had done all through his time of recovery Paul continued to preach the good news of recovery. Paul was now at Rome and as long as he lived he would preach what it was that God had shared with him. Now he preached to the Jews in Rome and anyone else who would talk with him. He shared his experience, strength, and hope as long as there was life in him.

Prayer for Today: God, our time is coming when we must speak our testimony of what You have done for us. Thank You for all that You have done for us and help us to be willing to share with others as You bring us in contact with them.

Paul Finally Arrives at Rome

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. 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. Acts 28:11-16

Steps: 11, 12

After much trial and difficulty Paul arrives in Rome. Now he will experience the next phases of his journey and he will be given opportunity to testify of his experience, strength, and hope in the world's capital city - Rome.

Prayer for Today: God, help us to be willing to go where You want us to go, do what You want us to do, and say what You want us to say. Thank You for another opportunity to do service for You and for Your people.

Paul is Bitten by a Snake on an Island

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. Acts 28:1-11

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

In God's providence Paul, and the men on the ship sent to Rome, were shipwrecked and escaped to an island called Melita. The people of the island treated the men well and while making a fire to get them warm Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake. The people of the island thought that Paul must be a criminal seeking to escape justice. They expected him to die for no lived after a bite by this kind of snake. But Paul showed no harm and then the people changed their minds and thought Paul must be a demi-god. Paul ends up healing all of the people on the island and thus brings the good news of salvation to all of these peoples. Shortly after this experience they continue on their way to Rome, where Paul has an appointment made by God.

Prayer for Today: Please Lord help us to take advantage of any crisis that occurs around us and help us to be able to preach about You and Your power so that people are convinced of Your love and grace.

Paul Prophecies Shipwreck

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. Acts 27:21-26

Steps: 11, 12

God is now sending Paul to Rome to testify for him. He is on a ship with 276 other soldies, prisoners, and sailors. They are in the middle of a storm and they don't know if they live or they will die, but God gives Paul a vision and tells him again that he will arrive at Rome to testify of Jesus and that God will save all people aboard. None the less there will be a shipwreck and all of them will be cast upon an island. So God wanted to share this message to all on board to give them hope. God always wants to be gracious to all of His people.

Prayer for Today: Help us God to be faithful to you even in the middle of a literal storm and literal ship wreck. We need Your help and we need Your guidance. Grant us Your grace, Your wisdom, and Your compassion while we are walking this earth. Thank You again.

Paul Appeals to Caesar

Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. Acts 25:1-12

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12

Paul has been in prison now for several years. He hears that the Jews are requesting him to come to Jerusalem to stand trial. Paul knows that if he is sent back to Jerusalem that he will die at the hands of the Jews. So when Festus, the Roman governor is not inclined to defend him Paul appeals to the highest Roman ruler - Caesar - Nero. He knows that he might die at the hands of Nero but he knows for sure that he will die at the hands of the Jews. In addition Paul remembers the words of Christ in Acts 23:11 that God has said he needs to testify in Rome. So Paul throws his life onto the words of Christ and is willing to go to Rome to testify and die if necessary.

Prayer for Today: God, grant us the serenity to do what You would have us to do. Help us to have the peace which fear can not shake. Help us to be willing to share our experience, strength, and hope, with anyone who will listen and enter into recoverey with us. Thank You for Your love and grace.

Paul Waits for Justice to be Served

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Acts 24:22-27

Steps: 11, 12

Paul has been taken into captivity by the Romans, to defend him against the murderous intent of the Jewish leaders. Paul continues to defend his position and protests that he is not breaking anyones laws, Gods, the Jews, or the Romans. He states that he is simply doing what God has called him to do. Yet God has placed him where he can preach the gospel to the leadership of the area. While there he has the opportunity to testify for Jesus for over two years, and yet has not been justly cared for. By the laws of the land Paul should have been released yet in the providences of God Paul has been kept in jail to preach this holy gospel.

Prayer for Today: God, grant us the serenity to be at peace with You even when things do not unfold for us as we had planned. Help us to trust You that Your plans are unfolding each and every day and that people will be blessed, and brought into recovery, if we will trust You and wait on Your plans. Thank You for Your grace.

God States that He will Send Paul to Rome

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11

Steps: 11, 12

Paul has been through many things and when he arrives in Jerusalem he is accosted by the Jews and they try to kill him. But God rescues him through the Roman soldiers. Then God tells him that no matter what happens he will end up at Rome to testify for Him in the capitol city of the world.

Prayer for Today: God has many blessing in store for us even when the way looks difficult and almost impossible to get there. Grant us great peace and joy as we walk the difficult path.