“After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.“
Acts 28:11-16
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JUNE 27, 2025
Finally! Several years after declaring his plan to go to Rome, more than two years after God confirmed that he would testify in Rome (see Acts 19:21; 23:11), and several months after embarking on this journey to Rome, Paul has arrived! God’s promise has been fulfilled, as it always is, even if it is not exactly how he envisioned. Even though he is in prison, Paul can now testify about Jesus in Rome. And testify he does! With all boldness and without hindrance Paul shares the gospel with Jews and Gentiles (Acts 28:17-31) and even the whole palace guard (Philippians 1:13-14). As a result, more and more people came to Jesus, including some in Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22). During his time, Paul also pens the “prison epistles,” Spirit-inspired letters known to us as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Here Paul records some of our most treasured truths from God.
Let’s read some of these precious promises with a deeper appreciation and understanding of what Paul endured before he wrote these words:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus….
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:4-7, 11b-13
Paul is not speaking figuratively here. On his journey to Rome, he endured harrowing circumstances, going without food for two weeks. Yet his actions on the boat support his words to the Philippians. God gave Paul peace that transcended understanding, as evidenced by his composed demeanor, wise advice, bold encouragement, and even a calm reaction to a snakebite! He testified that the God to whom he belonged and whom he served would save them as He promised. He did all these things through Christ who gave him strength!
Thankfully, the situations Paul faced were far more dire than most of us will ever endure. But we can learn his secret to being content whatever the circumstances. We, too, can trust God to deliver us. And we can be encouraged by His presence, power, and promises, testifying along with Paul that we can do all things through Him!
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What promises of God have you seen fulfilled in your life?
- What promises of God do you find difficult to trust?
- What circumstances are you facing right now that either encourage or challenge your faith in God’s promises?
- How can you remind yourself of God’s promises? Perhaps you can start by memorizing the passage from Philippians above!
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, June 27: Deuteronomy 32; Psalm 119:121-144
- Saturday, June 28: Deuteronomy 33-34; Psalm 119:145-176
- Sunday, June 29: Joshua 1; Psalm 120-122