Take courage.

Acts 23:10-11, And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

Again Paul is nearly assaulted by the mob stirred up by religious zealots who have only their own selfish interests at stake. He had to be wondering what would come next; the Lord Jesus gives him this tremendous assurance that no matter what happens he is going to bear witness to Him at Rome. No doubt this was of great value to Paul in the coming months as he is bound as a prisoner, sent before kings and judges and shipwrecked!

We thank You for Your promises, that all things work together for good for those who are called according to Your purpose; for Your promise never to leave us nor to forsake us.