Today we end our look at the life of Paul and how he handled the persecution he received for Christ. Yesterday we read that Paul was being lead to go the Jerusalem. Read all of chapter 21. Paul is now heading there but stops off at a friend’s house. There a prophet tells the people that Paul will be bound and terrible things will happen. The people do not want Paul to go. Look at Paul’s response to them in verse 13. Wow just amazing his love for Christ and devotion to living for Him. As you read on through the chapter you see the story unfold. Look at verses 27-36. As people find out that Paul is in Jerusalem a riot breaks out. The Bible says that whole city was in a uproar. They drag Paul out and start to kill him. But a Roman commander and his guards stopped them. They ordered Paul bound and the commander asked the crowd what Paul had done. The riot begins again the soldiers rush him to their garrison. As you continue to read you see that Paul attitude toward persecution never changes. He has one goal in mind and that is to live for Christ (Phil 1:20-21). Today what is your attitude toward persecution?
Father I admit at times I do not want to face persecution. Actually the thought of enduring such treatment as Paul terrifies me. However, I know that you give strength to the weak. I want to be able to stand for you no matter the cost. I want to be able to say like Paul, “for to me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Give me strength to stand today.
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