In Acts 25-26, we find a good example of how providence works. Paul had previously been told by the Lord, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Paul uses that knowledge in Acts 25, taking the opportunity to appeal to Caesar. He knew that would result in him being sent to Rome, to testify of the gospel.
The same idea applies to us. We’ve been called to reflect God’s character, to preach the gospel, but we haven’t been instructed on a specific time or method. That part is up to us, but we can be confident that doing so is fulfilling God’s request of us. Paul uses every opportunity to preach, even in court when falsely accused of capital crimes.
In Acts 26, Paul recounts how he used to zealously persecute the believers he now represented, and his conversion. Paul was “speaking true and rational words” about events known throughout the world. Even Festus, the Roman governor of Judaea, would have been well aware of Jesus and the Christians. “For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” Paul was not afraid to preach to those with the power to put him to death, how much more willing to preach should we be?