Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

22 July 2025

Reading From Acts 23:16-35

“Claudius Lysias,

To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

Greetings.

This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.”

–Acts 23:26-30

     It was interesting to me that Acts 23:16 introduces us to Paul’s nephew, the son of his sister.  I had never in my past readings of the book of Acts noticed this mention of his family.  Paul’s background as a Pharisee, his knowledge of the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic languages, and his Roman citizenship uniquely prepared him to share the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles.  His Roman citizenship, highlighted here in Claudius Lysias’ letter to Governor Felix, bailed him out of a near fatal jam.  Without this cross cultural upbringing, his ministry would have looked very different and most likely would not have went past the borders of Judea.  But Paul was prepared by the Lord for such a time as this, and so are each of us.  Every son and daughter of God has been uniquely prepared through socioeconomic, ethnic, linguistic, educational, religious and other cultural factors to become who we are and communicate His love and message in wonderfully diverse ways.  It takes all kinds to change the world. 

“God, thank You for making each of Your children so very special.  We are each uniquely called and qualified through the work of Your Holy Spirit to obey the Great Commandment and fulfill the Great Commission.  Thank You for showing us and enfolding us with Your love.  We are grateful that You have made us worthy of Your love and redemption.  In the Name of Jesus the Christ I pray these things.  Amen.”

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

—Esther 4:14