In short, Paul, the Roman citizen, was imprisoned in Cesarea by the Jewish Governor, Felix, for being a troublemaker. He worshipped the Lord. He told others across the globe about Jesus and followed Him. There was nothing more. Paul was sidelined and as a result given opportunity to preach the Gospel to the “Head of State.” He was able to share the message frequently for the 2 years to guards, soldiers, the Governor, and his wife.
Still, it seems as though the enemy had won the battle. Paul was imprisoned and could not continue to share the Gospel across the world. Truth is, Paul continued to impact the world then and now. The letters from Paul to the various churches have blessed the lives of believers for nearly 2000 years. Those letters were penned while Paul was imprisoned. Further, as Paul was in captivity, others within the body of Christ stepped up and carried on in the work of spreading the Gospel. It was never the “Paul Show” it was and is always about our Lord.
The critical point of trusting God to complete the mission for which we are called, is realizing that the long-term victories are the result of short-term battles. Paul was probably very frustrated as he languished in prison, but he remained faithful in sharing the Gospel with all whom would listen.
Like Paul, we must also remain faithful even when there seems to be overwhelming opposition to moving forward. In the Great Commission, Jesus said, “As you are going, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Teaching them to do all I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always.” Matthew 28:19-20.
Paul was completing that commission; both in his missionary journeys and in prison. Like Paul, we are to complete that same mission no matter what we are doing. We simply do not have time to worry or fret. We need only to speak of Christ while we are going. Never giving up, never giving in, and never trying to outguess God in the path set before us.
God Bless You
Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so, we seized him. [7] [a] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Walking With God 