For His Good Purpose

Acts 23:33-35 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor Felix and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that Paul was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
 
ACTS tells us of many people who are noted in other historical records. We mention this to once again affirm Acts – and the Bible – is an authentic account with historical accuracy. Most Christians will assume this, but we have heard some Christians doubt the reality of the events in Acts. We must know Luke wrote this for the benefit of all early church members. God had called him to give some details of the magnificent work the Spirit did in Israel and then to Asia, Africa and Europe, so the gospel could go to the world.
   Felix is the third Roman procurator mentioned in the New Testament. Pontius Pilate and Porcus Festus are the other two. Felix had his position from 58-62 AD. He was a former slave who rose to authority. Felix was known for his harsh, limiting force and corrupt self-importance. Felix was a man driven with evil desires. Paul needed to be prepared to meet the enemy.
   Notice again there was no charge against Paul. Still he was imprisoned to await his accusers from Jerusalem. Rome’s corruption to consider the Jews’ desires above the truth would cause Paul to remain under Rome’s control for years even when some wanted to free him.
   What was Paul thinking during these proceedings? We can easily believe he could have complained, “Unfair!”
   But it is more likely Paul was content in his situation for two reasons. For one, he knew the politics between Rome’s and the Jews’ rulers. Paul had been an experienced, influential Pharisee. He understood the Jews’ authority over the common class Jews was crucial to help the Romans rule effectively in Israel. More importantly, Paul also remembered the prophecies that he would have trouble in Jerusalem and be in bondage. Instead of being frustrated, wondering, “What will happen?” Paul knew the truth of his words in Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  
   Paul had learned to faithfully submit, knowing God was using him for God’s good. When you know this, you never say, “That’s unfair!” You say, instead, “Thank you, God, you love me so much you are working for my good. Even when it was grossly unfair, you sent you Son to die for my sin.”