Submitting to God even if you don't understand
Luke wrote about the birth of the church and the new ministry of the Holy Spirit for Theophilus. Paul arrived at Jerusalem and met with James, who was the leader of the Jewish church, which now numbered in the thousands. Paul brought the Jerusalem collection for famine relief that he collected from the churches in Greece and Asia (he mentions the collection efforts in 1 & 2 Corinthians and Galatians and asks for prayers for its positive reception in Romans). He was now arrested by the Romans because of false accusations. Paul makes his defense to the people in their native Aramaic, which they listen to until he mentions that salvation has come to the Gentiles, at which point they rioted and renewed their zeal to have Paul killed.
Luke has consistently portrayed in Acts that Christians were wrongfully accused and persecuted by the Jewish leaders and Romans. The Christians broke neither religious nor social laws and did not try to incite rebellion against the emperor.
Paul was warned by Agabus through prophecy that he would be arrested by the Romans when he got to Jerusalem. Paul said that he would not only be willingly arrested but would die for Jesus. Now, the prophecy is fulfilled. Paul pleads his case unsuccessfully, which will involve him being imprisoned for several years. Eventually, Paul is beheaded by emperor Nero according to church tradition. Paul did not understand why he was arrested and imprisoned. Not once is it recorded that he cursed God or blamed Him for his predicament. He defended himself vigorously. But he never doubted God. He submitted to God's will and whatever process The Lord had for him.
Since we live in a fallen world, we all will face trials and tough circumstances. We have the grace of God to rely on and cling to. He promised that He would not let us be tempted or suffer beyond what we could bear. We have to recognize God's sovereignty and trust Him. We have to submit to whatever process The Lord has for us. Through it all, He will never leave us and will refine us until the day He takes us home.
Created 3 months ago
