Never Alone [Acts 23]

11But 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."

Acts is an historical account written by the same man who wrote the gospel of Luke. The book of Luke ended with the death of Jesus and Acts picked up with the birth of the church at Pentecost and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Luke (the author) documented the people, places and events that occurred in the early stages of the church as the apostles and others spread the gospel to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.
    Paul played a staring role in Acts as he became the main person who initially carried the message of Jesus to the Gentiles. His role took him through journeys, trials, prison and amazing adventures. People tried to kill him and yet he kept on pressing on for Jesus and eventually he became one of the major authors of the New Testament books. Here in Acts 23, Paul had an encounter with Jesus, the One whom he served so faithfully. Jesus told him to take courage and that he was going to continue to be a witness for Him.
    According to the Bible, Jesus was with Paul. However, the Bible also teaches that Jesus is with me always. I am never alone even when I feel all-alone. Jesus walks with me and encourages me and directs me just like He did with Paul.

We praise you God that we are not alone even when we feel so alone. Cause us to grow in our faith that Jesus is right next to us and in us encouraging and directing our every step. Cause us to serve You, Lord and spread the gospel so as to be a small part of the great story of Your church.

Beth Warlick, 8/2/2009