"For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar." (Acts 24:11)
It is a sad day indeed when a Covenant person has to, "appeal to Caesar," against other Covenant people. Yet Paul new that if he went back to Jerusalem, he would most likely be killed; hence, "I appeal to Caesar."
I also suggest another reason, however, for Paul's, "appeal to Caesar." It is found in his letter to the Philippians, "All the Christians here would like to send their best wishes, particularly those who belong to the emperor's household" (Phillip's N. T.). The Book of Acts takes us from Jerusalem to Rome, eventually right into, "the emperor's household." Paul took "the battle for the hearts and minds of men" right into the living quarters of the Empire's "chief executive."
Paul's previous journeys had taken him to major cities of the Roman Empire. You will remember Athens, Capitol of the Ancient Greek Empire, center of intellectual rebellion against the Living Triune God, but where Paul led the "seekers" of Mars Hill to Jesus, and Corinth, capitol of the Achaia Province, "which included southern Greece." And, it is written of our Lord Jesus, "And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem." Now we know that He was, "journeying toward Jerusalem," because, as He said, "....it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem." But why? In a sense, Jerusalem had become a stronghold against the reign of God in Israel, and it was there Jesus, "destroyed the works of the Devil." Another reason? Jerusalem is the Capitol of, "city of the great King," to which He will return. All this reveals that God is God of "strategic" cities. I believe this is the reason that He charged me with Jerusalem, Berlin, Washington, DC.
I believe also there is something to be said of state capitols and county seats. Have you ever considered prayer journeys to yours? Why have capitol cities been the ultimate objective in war? They are the seats of authority, power, the laws, and the place where all decisions are made which affect a people group. Impact the capitols and you impact the culture. Precedent? In just 3 centuries the Followers of Jesus took over the Roman Empire.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray for provision to continue to storm the capitols. Amen.
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Excellent Article on America and "The Arab Spring": www.apf327.blogspot.com
Unreached People Group: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
