Paul walks in faith: Fully understanding the context of Acts 23:11 is key to interpreting this passage. Paul honors the Lord through his courage to stand up boldly in Jerusalem during his arrest, proclaiming the saving message of the gospel. Paul chooses to walk in faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).
Paul wants to reach Rome: Paul eagerly desired to travel to Rome to proclaim the gospel (Rom 15:23), but had never had the opportunity to do so. The Lord tells Paul to take courage…he would get the opportunity to testify of God’s saving grace in Rome (23:11), just as He had done in Jerusalem.
Stand strong and courageous: Joshua 1:9 reminds us to be strong and courageous in everything we do. Paul fully depended on the Holy Spirit to stand strong and courageous before the Sanhedrin. Will you stand strong and courageous in everyday life? You can if you choose to have faith in your creator and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Walking in faith includes corresponding actions. Walking in fear leads to corresponding inaction. Choose today to walk in faith, not by sight. Overcome the paralyzing power of fear as you depend on the filling of the Holy Spirit. Do not surrender to fear, choose to live in faith at work, in the middle of relational conflicts, and at times when nothing seems to be working. Be like Paul…walk in faith!