The Vision in the Castle of Antonia
F. G. Marchant. Acts 23:11-35 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem… Learn that — I. FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE PAST IS REWARDED BY THE COMFORT OF CHRIST'S MANIFEST AND MARKED ENCOURAGEMENT. Rewards of Christian service are not all kept for heaven. We may not have the crown here, but we may feel the grasp of the hand that shall presently put it on (Isaiah 41:13). We may not, while on earth, see the Saviour "as He is"; we may nevertheless feel His presence. 1. The Lord's way of comforting His servants is by His presence. When a little child is in great sorrow, only a mother's comfort suffices. Servant's, and sister's, and even a father's comfort are not enough. So we want the mighty volume of His sympathy who alone is sufficiently "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." 2. The Lord's words of comfort are words of direct encouragement. How characteristic of the Saviour this language is. "Fear not," and "Be of good cheer," are words constantly on His lips. To Abraham, to Moses, through Isaiah, God whispers, "Fear not." To Mary, Joseph, the women, Zacharias, Jairus, the "little flock," the daughter of Sion, John in Patmos, etc., Christ and His angels say, "Fear not." Christ spake it to the man sick of the palsy, to the frightened disciples in the storm, and to the suffering Church which in the world must have tribulation. II. THE FAITHFUL SERVICE OF THE PAST IS A QUALIFICATION AND COMMISSION FOR THE DIFFICULT DUTIES OF THE FUTURE. "As thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must," etc. 1. The past had qualified Paul for the future. Jerusalem, and all that went before, would help him to preach at Rome. The trials here would make him strong before Nero, and his hearers would look on this well-tried servant, and become stronger in his past fidelity and deliverances. 2. His past was also his commission for the future. This new service was the reward of the old fidelity; this new battle the honour conferred for the past victory. Marlborough's minor victories in 1702 make way for Blenheim in 1704 and Blenheim in turn makes way, later on, for Ramillies. So Talavera, and Salamanca, and Vittoria are but Wellington's preface and commission for Waterloo. Nelson fought St. Vincent and the Nile only to go on to Trafalgar. So our Lord is wont to say to His servants: "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many"; "Thou hast been faithful at Jerusalem, reward is to testify at Rome." They who fight their smaller battles well, will find larger field s and nobler victories. III. THE WORDS WHICH CHRIST SPEAKS AS TO THE FAITHFUL PAST, GUIDE AND STRENGTHEN HIS SERVANTS IN TRIALS GET TO COME. Christ's words — 1. Guided Paul as to his after appeal to Rome. When Festus asked, "Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem" (Acts 25:9), Paul replied, "I appeal unto Caesar." Some good men have accused Paul of weakness and error here. No! Paul felt clear about his duty, and had no regret when Agrippa said, "This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed unto Caesar." The Saviour Himself had said, "Thou shalt bear witness at Rome." 2. Gave Paul patience during a long and tedious course of waiting. The apostle's heart had long been set on visiting Rome. His enemies were playing into his hands and were undertaking the charges of his journey. But for two whole years Festus kept Paul bound. But the Saviour had promised Rome, and that was enough. Thus patience was born of former faithfulness. 3. Afforded assurance to Paul amidst the terrific dangers of the journey. 4. Was strength to Paul in Rome. (F. G. Marchant.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. WEB: The following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, "Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."