The Family of God

After Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, he lingered for years in a prison in Caesarea until finally he exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar in Rome.  The authorities had no choice but to transport him to the capital so that his fate could be decided by the highest court in the land. 

                Paul had never been to Rome.  In a letter to the brethren there he expressed his desire to visit, certain that seeing the Christians in Rome would be encouraging both to him and to them (Rom. 1:11-12).  His plans at the time were to deliver the humanitarian relief he had collected on behalf of the saints in Judea and then travel to Rome en route to Spain (Rom. 15:24-25).  Unfortunately, the apostle’s plans were interrupted by an arrest and several years of incarceration. 

                Instead of traveling voluntarily to Rome as a missionary, Paul was brought in chains as a prisoner.  As we read about his approach to the city, we come to one of the most touching passages in all of Scripture.  Luke, who was traveling with him, writes: 

…after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.  There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.  And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.  (Acts 28:13-15) 

Paul had never met these brethren in person, but on seeing them, he “thanked God and took courage.”  It is a beautiful scene. 

                If you are a Christian, you are a part of a worldwide family.  You have a close, spiritual bond with people in every country whom you have never met.  Should you get into trouble away from home, you could contact the brethren in that area, and they would come to your assistance.  If you have to move, more than likely you will be able to make new connections relatively quickly because of the Christians who live in your new location. 

                Paul says, “You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).  We are part of a family of God.  With this family we are one in the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13; Phil. 1:27).  We share an eternal inheritance (Rom. 8:15-17).  We have a common salvation (Jude 3).  We practice the new commandment of “love one another” (John 13:34-35). 

                No matter where you are, somewhere close by you have a family of brothers and sisters who love you, even though they do not know you.  What a blessing!

Drew Kizer