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Why did Paul Appeal to Caesar?

I just finished Acts of the Apostles. The intriguing account of the beginning of the church. It seems like that every time that I get near the end of this story I want to jump into the scene where Paul appeals to Caesar. In my thinking, if he hadn't done that he would have lived another ten years or so and could have written 3 and 4th Corinthians and maybe a letter to Jerusalem or something like that. Can you imagine that? 

Of course my thinking is nothing but silliness. But I often wonder what would have happened if he had survived a little longer. 

Paul is one of those bigger than life characters that is hard to relate to. He seems to be in a class all his own. He wrote the Bible for Pete sake. Oops. He wrote the Bible because he was one of those authors who was moved by the Holy Spirit. 

Paul was one of those whom Jesus had said would testify before kings. Could it be that he even shared Christ before Nero? 

Guessing aside, we do know that Paul was God's chosen vessel to bring the gospel to the gentiles. Which, if my guess is right, means you my dear readers. Though I often think that no one reads my posts. Paul was a complex person but his message was crazy. He preached the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah. This message is still very valid today. Jesus, the Christ, took your place when he laid down on that rude cross. 

So, Paul didn't need to live longer than he did. His days were numbered, just like yours. He ran his race, he finished his course and he was ready to leave this realm. Are you? 

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