There is no record of all the events of Paul’s imprisonment and trials in Rome; but this episode was clearly dramatic.  The apostle was being tried in a criminal court, and no Christian wanted to stand with him to support or testify in court.  All human fellowship had gone.  Yet like Jesus (Luke 23:33-34) and Stephen (Acts 7:59-60), Paul asked Father God not to hold their sins against them.  Physically he was alone, with the death sentence hanging over him – death by ferocious lions, in an arena watched by jeering crowds who saw it as sport.

But he was not alone, because he knew that the Lord Jesus was standing there right alongside him.  He had known this before when the Lord reassured Paul that he would be kept safe on the ship which was to be wrecked on Malta (Acts 27:23-24).  The presence of the Lord was real and the apostle was strengthened to give a potent witness.  At the same time, the Lord held back the lies of his accusers - preventing an instant guilty verdict at the first hearing.
 
Instead of crumbling before the intimidating atmosphere of the trial, Paul was bold in explaining the gospel to all the officials and lawyers in open court.  No doubt he told them about Jesus Christ the Son of God who died as a sacrifice and was raised as a victor.  The experience had not weakened his resolve to preach the gospel; rather, it had made him bolder and more detailed.  Paul also hoped that it would be an encouragement to Timothy when he faced similar dilemmas.  For the apostle, death was inevitable sometime; the only uncertainty was when and how.  But its threat would never deter him from speaking about Jesus, because Paul was confident that when death came, God would safely bring him into His presence for ever.  Until then, Paul was determined to continue preaching so that Christ would be glorified.
 
Although it is good to have support from believing friends, it is never guaranteed.  Nor is fellowship absolutely essential for us to serve the Lord.  Yes - team ministry, personal encouragement, mentoring and accountability relationships are very helpful … but there will be situations where nobody else is there to reassure you and spur you on.  Although it is wonderful to be part of the Body of Christ, our essential connection is with Him who is the Head of the body.  He never leaves us and will never forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Even if everybody deserts us, the Lord will stand by our side. So even if nobody else stands with you for Christ where you work or live, He stands with you!  So do not be disheartened or afraid.