I Appeal to Caesar

Acts 25:11 (KJV) “For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.”

We are going to look at one phrase, “I appeal to Caesar.” What is Paul doing? Why would he do that? Doesn’t that sound like it could be more trouble than it was worth?

We find Paul on the ship looking like he and everyone on the ship were going to die when an Angel came and stood by Paul and told him he must stand before Caesar. Standing before Caesar was God’s plan for Paul’s life all along. A huge part of Paul’s ministry, and seemingly the end of his ministry, was to be done in the city of Rome.

We saw that the people of God tried to persuade him not to go. Agabus warned him what was ahead, but we clearly see that Paul really knew, by the Holy Ghost, he was to stand before Caesar in Rome. When it comes down to it, only you can know what God wants for you in your personal life.

Not many will have the experience Paul did on the Road to Damascus, or visitations from the Lord or even angels, but we will all have to be led by the Holy Spirit like Paul taught in the book of Romans. Romans 8:14 and 16 say, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” That is how he knew, at first, to appeal to Caesar, and that would later be confirmed by an angel in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a potentially sinking ship where everyone was sure to die.

Do not miss the supernatural knowings of your life’s course because they are not spectacular. You must be sure of those leadings because many people, even those who love you, will try to pull you off course. The Lord will help you with more distinct leadings if you need them.

Remember this, you are His sheep, you know His voice, and the voice of a stranger you will not follow. You may never have to appeal to Caesar to be in the will of God, but you might have to stay at a certain company when you have a better offer, you may have to go on a missions trip when no one wants you to go, and you may have to attend Bible Institute when it is not convenient.

Whatever He says, just do it!