• Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper
    The Watchtower (Study)—2020 | November

    • HELP FROM INDIVIDUALS IN AUTHORITY

      8. How did Jehovah help Paul by means of a military commander?

      8 What help did Paul receive? Back in 56 C.E., Jesus assured Paul that he would reach Rome. However, some Jews in Jerusalem planned to ambush Paul and kill him. When the Roman military commander Claudius Lysias learned about the plan, he came to Paul’s rescue. Quickly, Claudius sent Paul​—protected by many soldiers—​to Caesarea, along a route that was about 65 miles (105 km) from Jerusalem.

  • Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper
    The Watchtower (Study)—2020 | November
    • Paul and other prisoners standing on the deck of a ship. A Roman army officer protects them from another soldier who is wielding a dagger.

      As he did in the past, Jehovah may move people in authority today to protect his servants (See paragraph 12)

      12. How did Julius treat Paul, and what may Paul have discerned as a result?

      12 In 58 C.E., Paul began his voyage to Italy. Being a prisoner, he was placed under the authority of a Roman army officer named Julius. From that moment on, Julius had the power to make Paul’s life miserable or to make it bearable. How would he use his authority? The next day when they landed ashore, “Julius treated Paul with kindness and permitted him to go to his friends.” Later on, Julius even saved Paul’s life. How? The soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners who were on the ship, but Julius stopped them. Why? He “was determined to bring Paul safely through.” Likely, Paul discerned Jehovah’s guidance in the actions of that kindhearted officer.​—Acts 27:1-3, 42-44.