But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him.” So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.” “Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man. Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.” (Acts of the Apostles 23:16-24)
Paul's nephew was strategically placed by God so he could hear the plans of the Jewish men who planned on killing Paul. He reported to Paul the plot. Paul, then, calls the centurion (Roman officer over 100 men) to ask him to take his nephew to he commander. The centurion takes him (Paul's nephew) to the Roman commander. The centurion explains, to the commander, that Paul had sent him to bring the nephew so he could share something with the commander. The commander called Paul's nephew aside to speak privately. Paul's nephew shares the story. As a result, the commander orders two centurions to take their 200 soldiers, along with 200 spearmen and 70 horse mounted troops to take Paul to Felix. Wow! What a force to have escort you out of town. God provided the best for Paul. The gospel needed to reach Rome. Rome was the epicenter of the known world. It was the political capital and largest city of the time. No matter what Satan tried to do to Paul, God always made a way out. Until God was finished with His purpose in Paul, he was invincible. Paul was taken by night, from the city in Jerusalem, to the Roman Procurator (Governor) Felix. Felix was a corrupt leader that was susceptible to bribery. We will deal more with this tomorrow. The plot of the Jews was spoiled and God had future plans for Paul. Today, no matter what you are facing, if you are trusting in God and walking in His will, He has planned a way out of the situation. He will deliver His children!
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March 2020
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