February 10, 2025

When Paul was standing before the council, he offended Ananias with the truth by saying he had lived in good conscience before the Lord, so Ananias had him smacked in the mouth. Things became heated between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, so the chief captain removed Paul, and he ended up spending the night in the castle. There, Jesus visited him in his dream, stood by him, and said: “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Acts 27:11

If you ever have to defend the name of Jesus or your actions on his behalf, you can be sure he will stand beside you. I find that so comforting since we are entering a time when the name of Jesus offends so many people. As Christ-followers, our ways are often looked down upon because so many people are jealous of our freedom, even though, like them, we are slaves to government authorities. 

A faction of forty people had determined to take Paul out of existence, but a young man heard of their plot and reported it to Paul. The young man was sent to report it to the chief, who called for two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to accompany him to Caesarea to deliver him to the governor. Jesus wasn’t kidding when he said he was there with him. He ensured he would eventually make it to Rome to testify for him. Set your mind to remember that if you are ever faced with persecution, Jesus is right there with you. You can rest assured that whatever happens, you are in the hands of the Lord.