By Shane Kastler
The Apostle Paul was preordained to proclaim the gospel in Rome. This was not in doubt; because the Lord Himself appeared to Paul and told him this would be so. The book of Acts records, “But on the following night, the Lord stood near him and said, “Be courageous! For as you have testified to the truth about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome also.” (Acts 23:11 NASB)
Paul's circumstances at this time were extremely rough, yet they were ordained of God. He was a prisoner, in what appeared to be imminent threat of death. The Jewish leaders were set to assassinate him, with several having taken a vow to not eat or drink until they had killed him. He was being held in Roman custody, albeit as a prisoner of the Jews. It was a very unique situation, in that Paul had a direct summons from the Lord saying he would testify in Rome. Yet from a human perspective it's hard to see how he will escape Jerusalem alive. And in this seemingly impossible situation, we see both the sovereignty of God and the actions of Paul transpiring. With the ultimate result being his testimony at Rome. Just as the Lord had said.
God's sovereignty and man's action are not equal in their certainty or power. God is always supreme to man. Yet doesn't always (or even often) “miracle” things into being. Typically he uses the course of human events to bring about His divine will. Such is the case here.
Paul's nephew gets wind of the plot to kill Paul and tells him. At this point, Paul could have just played the “sovereignty card” and ignored the plot, surmising that the Lord told him he would appear in Rome, so the plot against him was destined to fail. But this is not what Paul does. He has his nephew report the plot to the Roman commander. Who in turn orders a large detachment of soldiers to transfer Paul to Caesarea for his safety. The commander is not purposely trying to fulfill God's will; but fulfill it he does. Caesarea is not Rome; but it is the next step in Paul's ultimate destination.
In Caesarea, Paul is questioned by the governor and accused by the Jewish leaders. Once again, he asserts his innocence and once again the Jews hatch a plot to kill him. They request his trial be moved back to Jerusalem, since the charge against him is essentially a religious one. And the governor is willing to consider this; but Paul is not. “If, therefore, I am in the wrong and have committed something deserving death, I am not trying to avoid execution; but if there is nothing to the accusations which these men are bringing against me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” (Acts 25:11 NASB) The governor, Festus confers with his advisors and then declares, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.” (Acts 25:12) The die was cast. The decision was made. The Lord's will would be fulfilled. Paul was going to Rome.
Anywhere along the way, Paul could have refused to act; knowing that the Lord told him he would appear in Rome. When his nephew told him of the plot to kill him; he might have blown it off and said, “They can't kill me because God says so.” He could have waited for his miracle. But instead he used “human means” to accomplish God's will. Indeed, it is usually through human means that God accomplishes His will.
When faced with the prospect of returning to Jerusalem (to be killed) or appeal to Caesar (and go to Rome); Paul used his status as a Roman citizen; both to spare his life and to set his sights on Rome. He wouldn't be coming to Rome as a conquering Christian hero; but as a prisoner of the Jews. Nevertheless he would do exactly as the Lord told him he would do and he would testify in Rome.
Sometimes God uses means we know nothing about to accomplish His will. But sometimes we are very aware and active in the outworking of God's will. Our job is not to passively wait for God to “miracle” us into His will; but rather to purposely seek His will and act accordingly. Sometimes His will is hidden from us and we're uncertain how to proceed. During such times we prayerfully trust that God will “work all things for good.” (Rom. 8:28) Other times, God shows us clearly what we are to do and we are faced with a decision of obedience or disobedience. Ultimately, God is big enough to accomplish His purpose with or without our obedience. He is not reliant upon us. But what a privilege it is to be used of God in such a way that we can boldly yet humbly say, “The will of the Lord be done.” And rest in the knowledge that this is so.
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