June 23

But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. — Acts 25:25 BSB

Paul had been promised that he would testify for Christ in Rome. But the journey to Rome was a long one for him. He was kept in prison, unable to reach his destination quickly. Yet, we can trust that no time was truly wasted.

God’s plans often move slowly, and when we try to rush them, we only cause harm.

The Roman courts were the protection God provided for Paul. His appeal to Caesar saved him. If he had been left in the hands of the Jews, they would have killed him. But Roman justice shielded him. Paul’s mission was to go to Rome as a missionary, and Rome itself would take him there.

God’s hand is in all the events of the world. During that time, Paul’s situation was a central concern. The Jews demanded his death, but Festus found no charge against him that deserved attention. So, Paul’s appeal to Caesar kept him safe from his enemies.