Grace Over Opposition

Devotion from the last chapters of the book of Acts

Have you been with people who are not for you—who want you to be in chains? Paul was with such people. After multiple trials before kings because of the false accusations of the Jews against him, he appealed to Caesar. He wanted to be on trial before Caesar so that he could escape the cunning accusations of the Jews who hated him.

To meet Caesar, he was sailing with the guards. More than two hundred people were travelling with him. He warned them not to take the voyage, as destruction lay ahead. The officials failed to listen to him but trusted the words of the captain and began the sailing. As Paul prophesied, a storm came. But Paul reacted in a godly way when these people lost hope. He encouraged them and told them that God had revealed to him that they all would survive.

I was thoroughly impressed by this beautiful, godly character of Paul. Firstly, they didn't listen to him. They acted as if his words didn’t matter to them. But Paul prayed for them to God, and the angel told him that God spared everybody’s life for his sake. It can be seen in the following verse from chapter 27:

“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’”

Do we have this attitude of Paul when we are with people who ignore us—people who act as if our opinions don't matter? When such people are in a difficult situation, can we encourage them? Are we willing to revive their spirit? More than all, are we willing to pray for their well-being and their safety? How humble Paul must have been to show such compassion to his fellow travelers of the voyage.

Selflessness of Paul.

In a very similar way, when the ship landed safely, he met the Malta islanders. They thought he was cursed when a snake bit his hand, but later they thought he was a god when he remained unharmed. The following verse says they brought sick people to him so that he could pray.

9 Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed.He prayed for their healing, and God healed them.

Paul was completely selfless and was not focused on his own needs. He was interested in bringing Christ to others, no matter what they thought of him. We can see him loving, forgiving, praying for his enemies, and doing good for his enemies in the chapters of Acts. Simply, he lived his life by applying what Jesus said.

May God give us such grace to testify to everyone—even before people who are not fond of us.

Dear Father,

We come into your presence. Bless us with hearts that can extend help to our enemies when they are in need. Bless us with wisdom like Paul—to humble ourselves in places and before people, to present your Gospel. Use us, dear Lord, to bring healing and transformation to many, and draw them closer to you.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.