“After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” (Acts 28:11-22)

Paul finally makes it to Rome – the purpose of the book. God uses Paul’s time in Rome as a catalyst to begin spreading the gospel across the world to the ends of the earth. Side note: can you imagine the spiritual warfare going on as Paul’s sandals crossed into the city? What a major milestone in the plan of God for the world!

Once there, as was his usual mode of operation, he connects with the local Jewish contingent and let’s them know what happened and what to expect as he moves forward with his appeal. And then something really interesting happens; the local Roman Jews share that they never heard any of this from the Judean brethren. Thus, after all the miles traveled, the death threats, the arguments in court, his accusers didn’t come to Rome! We don’t know if at some point they showed up, but they hadn’t yet and they did send word. That is incredible! As far as we know, Paul would go into his appeal to Caesar with no accuser and no competition as he shares the gospel! Only God could set this up.

There is no question that Paul faced a difficult journey, but if you ever want confirmation that God was behind the whole thing, then this is it. Once he gets to Rome, he has clear sailing to share the gospel with everyone with no opposition. Spiritual battle won by the Holy Spirit. And what’s more, not only have they not heard from the Judean cohort, but they are curious to learn more about Jesus! God set it up perfectly for Paul.

What can we learn from this? The journey may be difficult, but as He shows up with Paul’s journey, God is setting up our journeys just as perfectly – we just have to be patient as the masterpiece He does in our life unfolds.