On the verge of shipwreck, Paul the Apostle as a prisoner of Rome is with a crew of sailors, soldiers, and prisoners on a vessel bound for Italy. They were about 276 persons in all. By the revelation of the Lord Jesus’ presence that Paul was to go before Caesar. To answer false accusations, but also to bring his testimony before Gentiles. Some Gentiles of which were of considerable influence and were being made accountable before the living God. They were made accountable in the hearing of Paul’s testimony while appearing before king Agrippa, governors Felix and Festus, and emperor Caesar. He witnessed that the Lord Jesus was pressing upon them the meaning of God’s kingdom as spoken of by Himself and the prophets.
Throughout Acts, from Pentecost all the way to Paul’s missionary journeys, the Holy Spirit was bringing to life Gentiles throughout numerous far-off locations. As the good news of redemption through Jesus made its way beyond the Jews, Paul the Apostle through great hardship carried the gospel to the common person.
So as commissioned by the Lord, Paul fully obeyed and sought to honor our Most High King. Among 276 souls and through distress, fear, uncertainty, beatings, imprisonment, and poisoning, he was brought through by what Jesus had him do. For His glory and for the people claimed for His kingdom.
That even when the Lord’s originally chosen people would not accept the prophets or Himself, His apostles would take the gospel to the common people, and the Lord would breathe His Spirit among them and bring them to life.
As it is written:
“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.] And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” -Acts 28:28-31
