God's Works Are Timely

We have come to the point where our focus is taken to Acts 23: 24. Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.

Indeed, this text certainly does not seem to speak about our topic, but God’s wisdom is real and this is His time to show us more about His undeniable wisdom.

In the midst of a conspiracy to take Paul’s life, there is another plan afoot to save Paul’s life from these conspirators. Who are the conspirators, who are adamant that Paul must be killed and be killed at once? They are the Jews, Paul’s own people, who cannot wait on the law to deal with Paul. As far as they are concerned, the timeliness of the law is not meeting their immediate need and desire. The law is taking too long, and they must do something to have what they desire of the law, come to pass, immediately. These Jews have gone to the chief priests and elders, the holy men of the Sanhedrin, with their petition, having pledged their lives to ensure Paul’s death. We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Acts 23: 14b.

Their plan is to have, the powerful and highly respected men of the Sanhedrin, trick the commander into sending prisoner Paul to them and on the way, they would ambush the contingent and kill Paul. Bear in mind at all times that this is happening because the law is taking too long to bring about Paul’s demise. However, unknown to them, just at the right time, a young man heard it all. Who is that young man? He is none other than Paul’s nephew, who straightway goes to Paul in the barracks, where Paul is being held. He tells it all to Paul.

When this conspiracy plan is told to Paul by his sister’s son, Paul sends the young lad directly to the commander of the army. Here are a few points which need to be highlighted.

Point to note! This commander is not a Jew, passionate about the death of Paul, neither is he a member of the Sanhedrin in any form or fashion.

Point to note! This commander is not a Jesus follower, not one who has been converted under the preaching and teaching of Paul, or any other servant of Jesus. He is not a believer with Paul, in Jesus Christ, in any form or fashion.

Point to note! The commander is the earthly authority at the moment, who holds Paul’s life in his hands. At this precise point in time, Paul is under his watch as commander of the Roman army. Paul is his prisoner.

Point to note! The commander is respected for his authority, as both the prisoner and his pursuers demonstrate. Paul’s enemies, those murdering conspirators, those who have already killed Paul with their thoughts and words, know that the only way to complete this in deed and in truth, is to trick the commander. It is through deadly deceit, cunning conspiracy and lethal lies that the Sanhedrin, that auspicious religious body, agrees to trick the commander. They will not get to kill Paul through any other means, since the commander, who is working by criminal laws, has him so well guarded. On the other hand, Paul, the servant of Jesus Christ, is wise enough to respect the authority of the commander and ensures that he knows about the deadly conspiracy. Paul knows that his Lord and Master will work through a non-believer, for He is Lord of all and over all

Point to note! The commander is not at all hesitant or phased in his actions. He has been in command, and is still in command. He devises a plan to save Paul’s life from his present conspirators.

Point to note! The commander is not at all phased. Without warning, without planning, without discussing with anyone, the commander makes his decision and gives orders to his men.

I ask you, has God given up His Word to Paul that He will be with him and keep him? Can you see the timely Hand of God at work in His servant’s life?