Acts 23
Paul is simply following the Lord's will. Paul's actions are confirmed and encouraged by the direct words of the Lord himself:
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”"Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome".
I have often heard other believers say about certain things like evangelism that we should focus on the message and not worry about the outcome as God will take care of the outcome. For me the broader message is not lost. God does not say to Paul here (and a summary review reveals few occasions where an outcome is the focus - Matthew 28:19) I have not seen it that often to my knowledge) to focus on bringing X number of believers to Him. Instead, He simply says to "testify about me [Jesus]". In the same way, I should not focus too much energy on any specific outcome but instead on glorifying God. If I focus on glorifying God then pray, be in the Word, seek wise counsel, seek confirming circumstances, and find peace, then I will continue to be led by the Spirit as "Your word [will be] a lamp onto my feet."
My Prayer: Lord, Your ways and Your will are perfect. That you would use me - someone who is clearly broken in so many ways - is incredible. How You do it is amazing and I AM truly amazed by Your greatness. And I desperately need You because of my brokenness. I think of my anger and how I am often in "fits of rage" - something that clearly disappoints You and something that is not indicative of being led by Spirit but instead by Satan. Forgive me Lord - PLEASE! Thank You that I have You because I need You to protect me Lord! I need you to purify me Lord. Help me focus solely on You and on glorifying You. Give me wisdom to glorify You Lord.
