Introduction

In last week's study titled "GOD IS FAR AHEAD OF THE ENEMY" we saw Paul exhibiting character worthy of emulation. We also saw how God frustrated the plans and intents of the wicked by divinely placing Paul's nephew at the scene where a Paul's was being planned. We also learned how information when properly processed could lead to the fulfilling of one's destiny as it did Paul. Today's study is a catch-up study concludes last week's study; as we go on, we will learn a number of invaluable lessons we need for our walk with God and we will also see The Master Planner unfolding His plans unhindered.

1.       RESPITE FOR PAUL DIVINELY ORCHESTRATED Vs 23-24 

"The captain called up two centurions. "Get two hundred soldiers ready to go immediately to Caesarea. Also seventy cavalry and two hundred light infantry. I want them ready to march by nine o'clock tonight. And you'll need a couple of mules for Paul and his gear. We're going to present this man safe and sound to Governor Felix."

Jesus in Matt 11:28 said for us to come to Him and He will give us rest. At last Paul was getting some respite after a spell of difficult times.

2.       FEAR TORMENTS! IT CAN CRIPPLE A MAN AND BECLOUD ONE'S JUDGMENT Vs 25-30

 "Greetings! I rescued this man from a Jewish mob. They had seized him and were about to kill him when I learned that he was a Roman citizen. So I sent in my soldiers."

 Fear is bad; for the fear Claudius had, he twisted the truth ever so slightly "They had seized him and were about to kill him when I learned that he was a Roman citizen. So I sent in my soldiers"

If memory serves me right I believe it was not because he was a Roman citizen he sent his soldiers". We should not be afraid of men but God. The fear of men will lead us to hell by our actions influenced by fear but the fear of God will take us to heaven.

3.       DIVINE PROTECTION & "FAVOR" FOR PAUL Vs 31 - 35

In verse 11 God assured Paul that he would testify in Rome; in these verses we see God unfolding that plan by protecting him. O how sweet it is when we see God's promises unfolding in our lives. Vs 35b says, (NIV) . "Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace. "

Paul was safely transported to Caesarea; no longer in chains and then sent to the palace! More like house arrest.

CONCLUSION

As we journeyed through these verses we saw God unfolding plans. His plan was not for Paul to die untimely, so He provided a way of escape for him. He will do what He wants to do and no man can hinder Him. God can also put our fear in the hearts of men! God made Moses a god to Pharaoh, Exodus 7:1; he made Paul a god to Claudius Acts 22: 29, the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. Joshua 6:1. But we should not be afraid of man ourselves but God only!