Even though Paul was a prisoner, he continued to hope that God would use him, whether by imprisonment, in life, or even in death. He looked for an opportunity to do the work of the Lord at every occasion, whether or not it seemed like the ‘right’ occasion. This was no exception. As a prisoner, facing trial before the Emperor, he “received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence” (Acts 28:30-31). After only three days in Rome, Paul called the Jewish leaders to him to persuade them about the gospel. Though they had never heard of him, they were intrigued that a Jew of his prominence had converted to Christianity, the “sect…that it is spoken against everywhere” (Acts 28:22). So, they came to him and listened to what he had to say. And, like he had done in every other place, he began to preach the gospel to them. 

It wasn’t Paul’s plan to come to Rome as a prisoner. He didn’t expect to have to stay in a house, guarded by a Roman soldier. But, years earlier, when it became clear that Paul would be arrested, he ignored the warnings of his brethren telling him not to risk imprisonment (Acts 21:12). We might have pleaded with him the way they did. None of us would have wanted Paul to be taken captive, but that’s the way God decided things would be and Paul accepted it. Look at what was accomplished as a result. While he was in Rome, Paul wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon that are part of our New Testaments today. During the time he was a prisoner, he preached the gospel before kings (Acts 25:23), governors (Acts 24:10), centurions (Acts 27:1), and likely even Caesar (Acts 27:24). Because of his unfortunate circumstances, lives were saved from shipwreck (Acts 27:42-44), the gospel came for the first time to Malta (Acts 28:1), and letters were written that encourage even us, thousands of years later.

Often times we want things to work out our way. We make plans and worry about whether everything will happen the way we want it to. But truly, “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9). James 4:7 admonishes us, “Therefore submit to God.” Paul had learned to do just that. His aim was always to do God’s will and to do it God’s way. At every opportunity, preaching the gospel was on his mind. He wasn’t worried about whether or not he would eat the next day. It didn’t matter to him if he was imprisoned or even put to death. What was important to him was that God’s will be done. 

Things won’t always work the way we plan. But, never forget that God is in control, and His wisdom and power combined with our humble submission can make great things happen even in the worst of circumstances.