Paul Arrested in Jerusalem

Christianity was spreading all over the region. Everywhere Paul went, he and his group found a group of believers. Isn’t it encouraging to find a new sister or brother in Christ? I found it interesting that some of the disciples there in Tyre and in Caesarea urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem because the Holy Spirit had revealed to them that he would be bound. Some may read this and think that Paul was being warned not to go by the Holy Spirit but I believe he was just being warned of what was going to happen. God knew Paul’s heart and that he was ready and able to handle such news. I know that I would have run at the thought of some of the things I have had to face in my life. It was better that the Lord didn’t tell me it would happen.

Paul, Luke and the rest of the group arrived in Jerusalem and were welcomed by the church there. They shared their stories of what God had done among the Gentiles and praised God. Paul then, attempting to prove he was not against the law, began the purification process along with four other men (he paid their expenses). Before the seven days were over a riot broke out against Paul and he was arrested but not before they tried to kill him. They were so angry at what Paul stood for. It is amazing to me that after the crowd had nearly beaten him to death he still took another chance to preach the Gospel to them. He tells them of his conversion from a persecutor to the persecuted. The crowd listened until he mentioned the Gentiles. Paul wanted so badly for the people there to repent but God had plainly told him they would not accept his testimony. Maybe he just wanted them to know that they were told one more time.

As Paul was about to be tortured during interrogation he asks them if it is legal for them to flog a Roman citizen without a trial. They had to release him and then brought him before the chief priests and the members of the Sanhedrin. Paul’s opening statement provoked a reaction from the high priest to have him stuck on the mouth. Paul then says, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!” This council was the same council that accused Jesus. Ananias was a corrupt high priest.

I found 23:6-8 very interesting. Paul happens to bring up the one thing that would divide the Pharisees and Sadducees in turn taking the focus off him. This statement about having hope of the resurrection of the dead got the Pharisees on his side. The next night the Lord visited Paul in his jail cell. The Lord told him…
“Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

The next day a group of 40+ men plotted to kill Paul. They vowed not to eat or drink until Paul was dead. God used three people to save Paul’s life. Paul’s nephew heard about the plot from someone and then he told the Roman commander. God can use anyone to fulfill his purpose even if they are not saved, like the Roman commander. He is then sent to Caesarea and put under guard at Herod’s palace. He used the Roman army to move Paul out of Jerusalem. God works in amazing ways.