Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him."— Acts 23:16-17

There are a couple of things about this text and the next section that are interesting.

First, we learn that Paul has a sister and a nephew that lives in town. How do we not know this? All of a sudden, Dr. Luke inserts some of his family into the story. And we learn that Paul's nephew hears about the plan of the 40-men who want to kill him and that he is going to rat them out.

But even more interesting to me, you will watch three groups trying to do what they perceive to be right. Each group has its own justifiable reasons for its position. Jews believe they are right and justified. The Roman government is doing what they believe is right and justified. And Paul is doing what he believes to be right and justified. And stubbornness leads to a stalemate. As we read ahead, you will see that Jews are not going to give in, the Roman government is not going to give in, and Paul is not going to give in. And because of this, Paul will remain under arrest for about two years while this stubborn stalemate plays out.

Right now, you might feel like you are in a season of life like this. Where everything is stalled because there seems to be no answer. The stubbornness of all parties involved has led to a stalemate. And this can be frustrating. If you are here right now, I want to pray for you today. So will you do me a favor? Just post a short note in the comments below, so I know how to pray for you. Share where you feel stuck in a stalemate, and let me pray that God would release you from this prison.

But you also need to know this. If you are a follower who feels imprisoned by the stubbornness of others — that this stalemate is purely a temporal reality. It is one born by sin and selfishness. For regardless of how much you feel imprisoned by the stubbornness of others, there is another reality that you must embrace. It is a heavenly truth that supersedes your present circumstances. Jesus said it this way.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. — John 8:36

ASK THIS: Where in your life do you feel stuck in a stubborn stalemate?

DO THIS: Share your stalemate in the comments below.

PRAY THIS: God, release me from this prison. Rescue me.

PLAY THIS: Rend Collective - Rescuer.

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