So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.

We see here that God has given Paul another opportunity to share the gospel with Governor Felix. But not him only. He was able to live out the gospel for all of the over 200 soldiers who transported him (either part or all of the way on the journey). And he also will likely get the opportunity to share his faith in word and in deed to the staff and soldiers of Governor Felix.

It is no coincidence that all of this happened to Paul, rather it was by God’s divine plan. Something else that is interesting here: a strange detail gives Paul initial favor with Governor Felix — his birthplace, Cilicia. He likely was also born there or thought favorably of the people there because, instead of throwing Paul in jail, he allowed him to be under guard in Herod’s palace, a much more comfortable accommodation, no doubt.

As I look at all of the Godly intention behind the travel of Paul to Governor Felix, and all of the lives he was able to model Jesus to, I stand in complete awe!

Do I see my mistreatments or hardships as a way to model Jesus and spread the gospel? Will I set my mind to “Ambassador mode” and realize that this world is not my home, and I don’t need to get what I think I deserve here? Instead, I will gain heaven and the rewards God has waiting for me there. Also, an eternity with God — such gifts a sinner like me could never deserve.

Lord, thank you for your faithful servant Paul. You had planned all of these stops along the way to his final destination in order that he could be a light in the darkness and a witness to the lost and hurting. May I, too, be such a light, and such a witness by the power of your Spirit inside me!