Rejoicing in Christ
Philippians 1:12–20 If anyone had a reason to ask, “Why me?” it was the apostle Paul. No one who followed Christ suffered more for the gospel than he did (2 Cor. 11:22–31). Luke wrote extensively about Paul’s trials, defenses, and imprisonments in the book of Acts. Through it all, Paul continually rejoiced in Christ. For many years, Paul had wanted to preach the gospel in Rome (Rom.Get More Articles—Subscribe Today!
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Paul knew that he would arrive in Rome, regardless of all circumstances and challenges. He knew that because Jesus told him so. “And that night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified for Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”
And when God says something, it shall be done.
Also, if Paul had not appealed to Caesar, he could have been set free because he broke no law. King Agrippa, Bernice, Felix, Festus, and the other authorities could not find any fault in Paul.
“And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and also the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them. And when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” Then said Agrippa unto Festus, “This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed unto Caesar.”
But it was God’s will.