Take 💪 Courage!

“Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” — Acts 23:11 (NIV)

Hey friends 👋

We’re continuing through Acts

so open your Bible and study along with me 📖

Paul had arrived in Jerusalem

where a crowd turned against him

and Roman soldiers took him into custody.

But even under arrest

Paul saw an opportunity to speak about Jesus 🗣️

Acts 22

Standing before the crowd,

Paul shared his testimony.

He once persecuted followers of Jesus

convinced he was serving God.

But everything changed on the road to Damascus

when the risen Jesus confronted him ✨

Blinded by the encounter

Paul was led into the city

where Ananias came to him.

Paul explained how God had called him to be a witness.

“You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard” (v. 15) 🌍

Paul didn't hide his past

He shared how Jesus had completely redirected his life ❤️

He also recalled how the Lord had sent him to the Gentiles. (vv. 17–21)

The crowd erupted again.

The Roman commander ordered Paul to be questioned by flogging

but stopped when he learned Paul was a Roman citizen.

Acts 23

The next day, Paul stood before the Sanhedrin.

His words about the resurrection divided the council

and the argument grew so violent that soldiers had to rescue him.

That night, the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (v. 11) 🙌

God had not forgotten Paul,

even in custody ❤️

Soon, more than forty men plotted to kill him.

But Paul's nephew heard about the plan and warned the Roman commander 🛡️

Soldiers escorted Paul safely to Caesarea

where he would stand before Governor Felix.

Paul faced angry crowds,

threats, and an uncertain future.

Yet Jesus was still with him,

and his calling was not over ✝️

Sometimes courage isn't the absence of fear.

It's trusting Christ enough to obey Him through it 🙏

Whatever lies ahead, take courage. God is still at work 🙌