Paul had been imprisoned, although with the freedom to welcome personal visitors, for over two years. He was first tried by Governor Felix and then Governor Festus with the same outcome: they did not know what to do with Paul. He had committed no crime and should have been set free (Acts 26:32). However, if they had released him, the religious leaders would have killed him proving that Roman military power was weak – and the governors may have lost their jobs.

So Paul lived in the Roman fortress in Caesarea until somebody could devise a solution which was both just to Paul and would appease the religious leaders. Those men had the opportunity to press charges against Paul but they did not, because they knew that Festus would demand evidence which they could not supply.

Eventually, when Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen, and refused to be transferred back to Jerusalem for yet another trial, he appealed to Caesar. It was the highest court in the empire; but Paul was not seeking justice – simply the opportunity to witness for Christ before the emperor (Acts 9:15-16) . He was not afraid to die for his faith (Acts 25:10-11) but he wanted the gospel to be clearly heard first: and he was not ashamed of the gospel or of Jesus (Romans 1:16).

There are times when we feel we are trapped by circumstances. But really we are being held in safety, awaiting God's next direction. The timing is in God's hands too. He is protecting us for many things which might harm us or divert us from God's plans for us. Meanwhile other people will not know what to do. But the Lord does: if we trust His timing and do not get frustrated by apparent injustice He will keep us safe until He commands us to make the next decision.