God's Stamp of Approval On Ministry

The unbelieving Jews became enraged when the apostle Paul emphasized that Gentiles did not have to become Jewish proselytes to be saved. For them, self-righteous works and physical lineage secured a right standing before God. This provided the assembled Sanhedrin the opportunity to hear the Gospel once again as Paul stated his case that his conscience was clear in having told the whole truth of God. He presented the Gospel and explained he had never taught against the temple or the Law. He had not violated Judaism as had been given by God. The charges against him involved his violation of what were traditions and teachings added by the rabbinic authorities over the years. Paul never turned his back on his Jewish identity nor did he show disrespect to positions in Judaism as established by God.

The occasion then moved Paul to an exchange with the Roman authorities and he began his confinement in prisons that would last through the rest of history as recorded in Acts.

God's stamp of approval for Paul's witness in Jerusalem and his commission to take that witness to Rome would be by means of his confinements. Paul would continue to be obedient and pleasing to God as his faithfulness with the Gospel continued in what might otherwise seem a restricted environment. The gospel was not enchained or hindered in any way as Paul's proclamation continued wherever he went or was taken.