Scripture gives us no details about the prisons Paul was frequently put into until we come to his final trip to Jerusalem. He was bringing a gift from Gentile assemblies for needy saints there. As he went, the Holy Spirit told him not to go, warning him everywhere that chains and tribulation awaited him there. Yet Paul, who loved his Jewish countrymen, went on.

At Jerusalem, James and the other elders counseled him to make himself more acceptable to the many Jews who were suspicious of him by going into the temple with four men who had taken a vow, and paying their expenses. Some Jews from the province of Asia stirred up the crowd there and dragged Paul out of the temple.

The Roman commander rescued Paul from the violence of the crowd. As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he requested to be allowed to address the riotous mob. Standing on the steps, he gave his testimony. The crowd heard him in silence until he mentioned that the Lord had sent him out of Jerusalem to the Gentiles. This set them off again, so he was taken into the barracks to be examined by scourging. As they got ready to begin, Paul asked whether doing this to an uncondemned Roman man was legal, and then let them know that he was a Roman citizen.

Observe Paul’s conduct in challenging situations. He was willing to sacrifice himself to bring salvation to his fellow Jews. He was calm in danger, ever ready to speak of his Lord. He quietly asserted his legal rights, making no demands. Let us do likewise!