Acts 23:1-11 NKJV

[1] Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” [2] And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. [3] Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?” [4] And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” [5] Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” [6] But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!” [7] And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. [8] For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. [9] Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” [10] Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. [11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

Paul wasn't known for mincing his words. He was bold in his faith. He said things that were controversial without regard to his personal safety. What he lacked in fear or filter, he made up for in discernment.

The Gospel sometimes requires us to be in uncomfortable situations. Even with other believers, we have to address things that aren't fun or pleasant to talk about. More than once, I have left a conversation wishing I had said something that I didn't. I felt convicted for sidestepping an awkward talk.

Paul didn't wait until it was easy to speak about Jesus or to correct others. He used every opportunity to follow his calling. When he was backed into a corner, the Holy Spirit provided timely discernment for his welfare and protection.

The Holy Spirit doesn't check out or flee the scene in the hard times. We won't always get to pick and choose what we do or where we are called. When we listen intently and walk obediently, God is faithful to provide His words and His timing to say what we say and when we should say it.