By David Phillips

Who in the story has the greatest need for integrity? Is it Julius, the centurion, who must not, under any circumstances, lose his prisoner? If a prisoner escapes, he will be punished with his life. Paul is the prisoner this soldier is conducting to Rome. Julius repeatedly strokes his head, puzzling: “How should I treat a prisoner against whom there is no specific charge!” Of course, a centurion will always demonstrate his integrity as a Roman officer, right?

Or is it Luke, the physician who has recently researched the movement called “The Way”? Deep in his duffle bag he carries hundreds of written notes from scores of conversations. For almost two years, he has carried out one interview after another. Already, he has completed the first draft about what he learned concerning the Messiah. Now, he’s on a vessel bound for Rome, ready to tell the rest of the story. As a physician and historian, Luke is determined to be accurate about events and conversations in the next book.

And then there’s Paul! The ship has sailed from the port of Caesarea. Feeling ill like this, I would like to get off the vessel at Sidon. My brothers and sisters in the faith live there. I want to step ashore.”

About five hours later, as the mid-sized coastal vessel draws alongside the quay, Julius orders a soldier. “During this short voyage, I’ve learned to trust this man. He’s been talking to me for hours, telling me his story. No, Secundus, he doesn’t want to escape! I believe him. He only wants to visit a group of friends. But keep watch. Don’t let him out of your sight!” And then, “Yes, I know a centurion never does this! But I trust him. There’s something about the way he talks. No, He’s not going to cause you any difficulty.” Secundus reluctantly walks away from the port, holding the chain that connects him to the prisoner.

As we begin to explore Acts 27 and 28 during the coming year, it’s worth considering what we learn about godly leadership. In only a few words, we learn that Paul won over the centurion, perhaps after only one conversation. “The next day, we landed at Sidon, and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.” Acts 27:3 

Indeed, Julius recognized Paul’s integrity. I picture the apostle explaining his life story, lifting up the cross, and telling Julius how his life was turned upside down by faith in the Jewish Messiah. Paul wanted to face Nero, the Roman Emperor, as a witness. He had received a vision concerning this.

Jesus promised his disciples, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12. This doesn’t mean doing greater miracles than Jesus. Can anyone accomplish more than Jesus, for example raising people from the dead? No. I believe a life of integrity involves taking the Gospel to distant places, further than Jesus traveled. Taking the Gospel to the world is God’s purpose.

Thomas, the doubting disciple, went eastward. The integrity of his character and message led to the founding of 13 churches in South India. That church movement continues as the Church of South India. Andrew, going to the west, preached in Eastern Europe and was killed in Greece. He is still honored by the Orthodox Church and by Reformed Churches all over the world. 

Let’s focus on integrity this month, even during a crisis, knowing God will honor each small act or conversation for his glory. 

(*This is the introduction to the first chapter of a forthcoming book, “Leadership in Crisis – Making Godly Decisions.)