This past month Audrey has walked you through Paul’s missionary journeys. You’ve seen how he planted churches and then revisited to encourage, correct and be encouraged. I’d like to camp for a few minutes on the idea that in some ways, Paul had another missionary journey—and this one was a State sponsored trip! No need to tent-make or raise support from the sending churches—Rome foot the bill for this one!
It starts innocently enough in Acts 22. Paul is giving his testimony and when he mentions that God has sent him to the Gentiles, the listening Jews get angry and shout, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” (22:22) As a result Paul is stretched out to be flogged.
Paul: Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?
When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “This man is a Roman citizen.” The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”
“Yes, I am,” he answered.
Then the commander said, “I had to pay a big price for my citizenship.”
“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.
Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.
(Acts 22:25-29)
God Himself encourages Paul and tells him “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) God has a plan! God desires the hierarchy in Rome to hear the Gospel, and that is exactly what happens. Because Paul was mistreated as a Roman citizen, the door was opened to plead his case, which included his whole story: conversion, following Christ, and the Gospel itself.
“He [Felix] ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.’ At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so hesent for himfrequently and talked with him. When 2 yearshad passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favour to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” (Acts 24:23-27)
Paul is on a State sponsored missionary journey. He camps in a home under guard but with some freedoms and his friends (fellow Christians) are able to take care of his needs. You can be sure that each of those guards heard the Gospel from Paul. He was the prisoner but they were the captive audience.
In some ways, God has a sense of humour. But the real impetus behind the story is God’s desire that the Gospel goes to each and every person. Whether a Sadducee, Pharisee, rich or poor, slave or king, the offer is there—God loves you, and sent His one and only Son to die for your sins. (John 3:16)
It was true in the time of Paul, and it is true today. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Life doesn’t always go as planned. I’m certain Paul never desired to be flogged, imprisoned, shipwrecked and almost drowned—but God had a bigger plan and used this willing servant to be His messenger of the life-giving message.
Next time things don’t go quite as planned for you, stop and ask God, “Are you behind this? Is there someone on my changed journey that needs to know about your love?” See it as your God sponsored short term mission trip!