Paul was uniquely appointed by God. He was trained by the best Jewish scholars and had once persecuted the church, so he knew the mind of those who opposed Christ. But he was also a Roman citizen, and more than once this privilege saved his life. Yet testifying before the emperor would bring things to a whole new level. Though his citizenship brought him rights, he was still an accused criminal.


I’ve traveled in countries hostile to the Gospel, and whether through youthful ignorance or generous Christian confidence, I was not afraid. The worst they might do for preaching would be deport me. But if I ran afoul of my own government, what would I do? My U.S. passport gave me confidence overseas. What if I had to defend myself to my own president?


God gave Paul confidence and told him to have courage. The mission was the Lord’s, not Paul’s, and God would be his defense. There is no document or advocate greater than our advocate in Christ and the power of His Word. What more could we need in the hour
of trouble?