The traveler (1–14). This farewell journey brought both joy and sorrow to Paul, but life is like that. He knew what lay ahead of him but kept going (Luke 9:51). Years before, the Lord had told him to get out of Jerusalem (22:18). Was he wrong in going back?
The peacemaker (15–25). Paul moved from “the will of the Lord be done” (v. 14) to “do what we tell you” (v. 23). So anxious was Paul to bring unity to the Jews and Gentiles in the church that he agreed to the plan. Was he following “wisdom from above” or “earthly wisdom” (James 3:13–18)? Not every decision we make turns out to bring peace.
The prisoner (26–40). The plan almost worked; on the last day, however, trouble started (v. 27). Of course, their charges were absurd; yet the mob lives on “suppose” and not fact. Paul had been careful not to cause any unrest in the city (24:10–13), but his efforts had been in vain. He would spend the next five years as a prisoner of Rome.
Sometimes our plans and good intentions seem to bring only trouble. But God is still in control! He used Paul’s trials to accomplish His purposes so that His servant got to Rome (23:11). He can do the same for His people today. Walk by faith!
