Because Festus had not granted the Jewish leaders' request for Paul to be sent to Jerusalem, the plan to ambush Paul on the way there was thwarted. In a proper legal proceeding, Paul answered his accusers and shared the truth about his original rescue by Roman soldiers that led to his imprisonment. The bottom line on all the schemes, shenanigans, and manipulations attempted by Paul's adversaries was straightforward: They couldn't prove their charges because they were untrue. Paul was both protected by the Roman justice system and also unfairly jailed and held overtime. Paul's situation is a reminder to us of three realities:*

1. Our hero, Jesus, suffered unjustly and was abused and crucified. As his followers, we shouldn't be surprised that we have to endure difficulties, hardship, persecution, and possibly even martyrdom. Most of Jesus ' original apostles seem to have shared their Lord's fate as martyrs.
2. God can use our hardships to accomplish his will, bless others, and lead people to Christ if we are willing to be his person regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
3. If we suffer hardship or mistreatment as followers of Jesus, it should be because we have done what is right, not what is wrong, hurtful, or evil. God uses unjust suffering to change lives and reach hearts with his grace.

* See our Related Scripture Readings for the points made in the devotional Thought.