He came over to us, took Paul’s belt, and tied his own hands and feet with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘This is how the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will tie up the owner of this belt. They will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ”
The night before Herod was going to put him on trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Lookouts were posted at the entrance to the prison.
Right away those who were about to question him backed off. Even the commander was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.
May the Lord show mercy to all who live in the house of Onesiphorus. He has often encouraged me. He wasn’t ashamed of me, even though I was being held in chains.
“Whether it takes a short time or a long time,” Paul replied, “I pray to God that you and everyone listening to me today may become like me—except for these chains!”
“I told them that’s not the way Romans do things. We don’t judge anyone before they’ve had the chance to face the people bringing charges against them and answer for themselves.
The commander wanted to find out exactly what the Jews were accusing Paul of doing. So the next day he brought Paul out of prison and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to meet together. Then he led Paul in and had him stand in front of them.
It’s right for me to feel this way about all of you. You have a special place in my heart. Whether I’m being held in chains or standing up for the truth of the good news, either way, all of you share together in God’s grace with me.