“The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot.”– Acts 23:12–13
The apostle Paul seemed to go through one challenge after the other. Persecutions, opposition, imprisonment, floggings and conspiracies were common in his ministry. Indeed, this was part of his calling. The Lord Himself had declared, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).
“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”” (Acts 9:15-16)
As a matter of fact, none of us is exempt from the challenges and sufferings that come with serving the Lord. But I find it mind-boggling that in Acts 23 we find more than forty men binding themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
Beloved, it is important to note that this is how much you are hated by the enemy. Make no mistake: the devil and his cohorts will go to any length to get you destroyed.
The truth is, you are on the enemy’s “hit list”—yet here is the good news: “He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success” (Job 5:12).
Fortunately, their plot backfired, and Paul was given a military escort of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to be guarded safely to Governor Felix.
“Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, ‘Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.’” (Acts 23:23–24)
Wow! Glory to God. This will be your story too: you will be divinely protected from every evil onslaught of your enemies. The Bible says, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19).
Be rest assured: those who are with you are more than those who are against you.
– Rev. Simon Ampofo
