You must bear witness in Rome

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome." – Acts 23.11

Remember when Paul said 'I must go to Rome?' Remember that heartfelt desire we talked about? Well now it looks like he is going to get to go.

There had just been a major ruckus between the Parisees and Saducees (what else is new?). It got so bad that Paul was taken to the military barracks for his own protection.

It looked like another diversion of delay. But the Lord came to him and encouraged him. 'Don't worry Paul. Just like you testified about me here you will testify and bear witness of me in Rome '

Paul didn't have to go to Rome for a holiday. When he said 'I must go to Rome' I think he already knew why he had to go.  Rome was Paris, London, and New York all wrapped up in one. There was a great need for the gospel. If the gospel could be planted there it would go all over the world!

Plus there was a group of believers there. From all appearances they were doing the best they could without formal teaching. Paul had written them a letter yearning to be with them. He had probably only just written this letter so it was fresh on his mind.

And now God says ‘Don’t fret Paul, you are going to get to go!’

It may not be what Paul once envisioned, but God was granting Paul his desire to go to Rome to preach the gospel!