Let us examine what Paul said unto the Jews in Acts, chapter 23, while being under extreme pressure because of their accusations against him. You will see how he was accused unto death, but did he let go of his faith or stop the preaching? The answer is No. You will find out as we read, starting with verse 1. It is written, “and Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.” (Acts 23:1-5) Not only did Paul say that he lived under a good conscience before God, but also told the high priest that he would be smitten by God because he commanded people to smite him. And here is the truth, my friends, if a person hits or does harm against God’s servants, they will be smitten by God also. It may not be in this life, but those who revival against God’s holy witnesses will have a special place prepared for them in hell. There will be much crying and gnashing of teeth. And then once judgment is set upon the wicked, they will be thrown into the lake of fire. There is no rest for evil ones on that day, for they shall suffer and forever wish they followed God’s counsel.
It is written, “but when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” (Acts 23:6-9) God always makes a way out for His servants on earth, especially if their work on the earth is not finished yet. And that is why Paul was prompted here to explain to the portion of the people listening that he is a Pharisee. This meant that he believed and taught about the resurrection of the dead, angels, and the Holy Spirit. Praise God, for this is the true doctrine of Jesus Christ, if of course, it includes the rest of Jesus’s teachings and His holy apostles. Of which Paul kept to throughout his ministry. It was when Paul said this that the Pharisees could no longer see any evil in Paul. It is because they could deny God’s hand in what he was doing, especially if an angel of the Holy Spirit was working in his life. For fighting against Paul, would be fighting against God. This is true for anyone who fights against God’s people, for they also fight against God, and His wrath is upon them, lest they repent.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will begin to respect and listen to Your servants on earth. There is always a message for every onlooker if they would just open their ears to hear. Surely, every true witness has Your message in their hearts at all times, ever ready to share the hope of the gospel. As for me, I am so happy that You have led me in the harvest over the years. I have seen many people come to faith, along with people be healed of their sicknesses. The homeless have been fed, people have been prayed for, Bibles have been passed out in lots, along with thousands of gospel tracts passed out. All this was for Your glory God. Even recently, You have elevated my ministry to preaching and teaching on street corners. With this new PA System (Microphone and speaker), I know that I can now reach more people for Your kingdom. Soon, I will be in Utah, come April, with my dear friend and brother in the faith, Patrick Roy. There, we will go forth and declare the gospel to every person that has ears to hear. I know that we will be in Mormon territory, but my desire is to lead them and anybody else to know You, Jesus. This will not come soon enough, but until this happens, continue to lead me in the harvest, here in Boise, Idaho. Help me to reach many more people for Your kingdom, while I am walking the streets. There is much more to be done, but oh so few workers to be found. So I pray that people will awake to their callings You have for their lives. Lead them also to pack the trunks of their cars with gospel tracts, bibles, water, hats, gloves, and more. Then, will they also be ready to help those who are really in need. And what is better than to pray with them and lead them to know You through the gospel message of the cross? Nothing is. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Amen those who persecute or hurt or fight against God and His servants will be punished as they should be if they don’t repent.