October 9, 2025 - Acts 22-26

How about a bit of recap of Paul’s ministry to this point?  Paul has been arrested at the temple, and he is allowed to speak to the people.  He told about his own training in the Jewish law and his standing among its leaders.  He acknowledged his persecution of the church.  But he also told about his conversion after the stoning of Stephen.  The people screamed at him, he was prepared for a flogging, but escaped the flogging when his jailers discovered he was a Roman citizen.  Brought before the council, he made his defense before the high priest, reasoned with Felix and told him the gospel, came before Festus, testified to Agrippa, and ultimately appealed to Caesar.  And so, he was off to Rome to appear before the emperor.   After embarking on the ship to Rome, Paul faced many trials, but eventually arrived in the great city where he would die.  But Rome must wait for the last two chapters.  Before we get there, we are reminded, once again, that against all obstacles and opposition, God will have the gospel preached.  We see that, today, all over the world as faithful witnesses stand up, even to martyrdom, to make the gospel known.  At Baxter, Westte often prays for and reminds us to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.  They have found something in the gospel more precious than gold or silver, more precious even than earthly life.  With Paul, so many, with joyous anticipation, can look forward to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

You saints, who here in patience

your cross and suff ’rings bore,

shall live and reign forever

when sorrow is no more.

Around the throne of glory

the Lamb you shall behold,

in triumph lay before him

your shining crowns of gold.   -- Laurentius Laurenti (1700)