Lesson 13 September 22-28
Sabbath Afternoon
Memory Text: “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar” (Acts 27:24, ESV).
Paul had long wished to visit Rome, but his arrest in Jerusalem changed everything. By giving in to the legalistic pressure of the Jerusalem church leaders, he ended up in Roman custody for almost five years, including the time he spent on the sea journey to Italy. This change represented a severe blow to his missionary plans.
Despite the setback, Jesus Himself promised that the apostle would still testify of Him in Rome (Acts 23:11). Even when we fail Him, God may still give us another chance, though He does not always spare us from the consequences of our actions. Not only was Paul taken to Rome as a prisoner, but there is no biblical evidence that he ever went to Spain, as he had hoped to do (Romans 15:24). After being released from what is known as the first Roman imprisonment, Paul would be arrested again, this time to suffer martyrdom (2 Timothy 4:6-8) under Nero in A.D. 67.
Yes, Paul made it to Rome, and while waiting in his house-prison to be tried before the emperor, he spoke, despite his chains (Ephesians 6:20, Philippians 1:13), without hindrance to whoever came to him (Acts 28:30, 31), including important figures from Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22).
