Acts 23 shows God’s care for Paul. Step by step, God took care of everything. It starts in the Jewish council.

God gives Paul the realization that the council was divided, with both Pharisees and Sadducees present. He joins himself to the Pharisees because he was a Pharisee, a fastidious keeper of the law. God had appointed Paul’s life perfectly for all that was to come. Paul knew full well on what points there was dissension among them and says that he is on trial because of the resurrection of the dead. He doesn’t mention Jesus at this point. He makes it about the beliefs of the Pharisees.

The wild thing is that the dispute that follows turns violent when the Pharisees start to side with Paul.

Paul was caught in the middle of the fight to the point they were afraid he’d be torn to pieces. The Lord uses the Romans to rescue him again. He’s brought to military barracks. It doesn’t matter where they take him. Jesus will be there with him. In fact, Jesus shows up. Paul had been ready to die in Jerusalem, but Jesus tells him that he’s going testify “to the facts” in Rome as well.

Paul is about to be taken to the Praetorium, which is where they took Jesus before they killed him. It seems like a perfect time to explain he wasn’t going to die.

Then step by step God stays ahead of those out to kill Paul. They won’t be able to until his hour has come.

Paul’s nephew happens to hear of a plot against Paul and in perfect detail tells the Roman official. The Lord has given Paul favor by his being born a Roman citizen. He is guarded and taken safely away from those trying to kill him. In fact, he’s given the royal treatment. Paul has walked thousands of miles; now he’s given a mount to ride and a large military escort.