Kindness From Julius
“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. … and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.” Acts 27: 1, 3
Julius the Centurion was a high-ranking Roman soldier with 100 soldiers under his command. A man of authority and influence, he single-handedly determined the fate of his troops and whoever was in their custody.
Acts 27 reveals that he was in charge of conveying a set of detainees to Rome for final prosecution at Caesars’ court, one of whom is Apostle Paul.
In Verse 3, the Bible said: “…and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.”
Julius was not a Jew or ‘convert’, rather, he was a top Roman soldier, and they were known to be ruthless, yet he chose to show kindness to one of the detainees.
What if Paul decides to run away with his friends. It is not on record that he extended this privilege to the other convicts. However, against all odds, regulations, customs, protocol, tradition, and even common sense, Julius showed kindness to ‘convict’ Paul.
When God is with you, he will cause even your enemies to favour you, and everything will work together for your good. The favour of God is not subject to human regulations or permutations. It does not require family alliance or religious affiliation. When the favour of God rests on you, you will receive help from anyone and everyone with no strings attached.
And remember, “…God’s favour lasts a lifetime.” Psalm 30:5.
God is with you, and the glory is back in your life. You are a candidate for the lifetime favour of God.
Even if you have become battle-weary, the favour of God will find you.
Maybe you feel left behind or forgotten, grace and favour will show up for you.
Maybe you are at your wit’s end, and all hope seems lost, grace and favour will locate you.
Daniel had Cyrus, Mordecai had King Xerxes, and Paul had Julius in his hour of need.
God’s word for you in Isaiah 60:10a is that “Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you.
Your God-ordained destiny helpers will locate you with favour. Amen.