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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 27, 2024 2:11:45 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:4
Friday, January 26th, 2024
Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. Acts 24:4
The words more literally read, “And so not upon you further I should hinder, I implore you to hear us briefly, in your indulgence” (CG).
In the previous verse, the orator Tertullus completed his opening platitudes to Felix. He now transitions towards the main argument against Paul. His words are suited to an orator, some being rare or uncommon. He begins with, “And so not upon you further I should hinder.”
The words imply that he could go on and on about Felix, and how great he is. However, he doesn’t want to be a continued hindrance to his obviously busy schedule as governor. As Felix was such a busy and important man, Tertullus didn’t want his continued accolades to keep him from his job of governing.
His statement introduces a new word to Scripture, egkoptó. It is a verb signifying to hinder or interrupt. As the mood of the verb is subjunctive, it gives the sense of “should hinder.” With that said, he continues with, “I implore you to hear us briefly.”
This is the second and last use of suntomós in the New Testament. It is an adverb giving the sense of cutting something short through conciseness or promptness. However, the first use of the word (Mark 16:20) is only found in some manuscripts.
In this case, Tertullus intensifies the previous clause – “So I don’t hinder you, please hear us briefly.” He then further intensifies the thought by finishing with, “in your indulgence.”
Again, another new word is introduced, epieikeia. It is an intensification of what is fair or equitable. Thus, it is a petition for going beyond what would be expected. It is defined by HELPS Word Studies as “(‘true equity’) is a ‘sweet reasonableness’ that knows when to ‘relax the strict legal requirements concerning others . . . to carry out the real spirit of the law.’”
In essence, the sense of Tertullus’ words is, “O great governor, we know how precious your time is, so we are cutting short our praises, we are asking just a short petition of our grievances, and we know that even in that – which is our rightful due – we must petition for your indulgence in the matter.”
Tertullus is really slathering on the butter in his words to the governor. His obvious talent as an orator is evident in the choice of words he uses.
Life application: The sweet-tongued words of Tertullus have taken up three verses. It may be that Felix accepted them as deserving of his supposedly great position, or it may be that Felix was chuckling inside at the verbal groveling he was hearing.
Either way, the words are unnecessarily verbose and are of no real value in the case to be presented against Paul. This is often the situation with people who have an invalid or weak argument concerning their stand on a position concerning some particular matter.
Be attentive to how things are presented, and you can often get a feeling for the soundness of an argument even before you have gotten to the substance of what is being said. If someone uses technical or complicated words, it is often intended to make him appear smarter on a given subject than others.
If a person states his qualifications, it is often an attempt to promote himself, even if his argument is weak. By saying, “As a doctor of theology, my position on this matter is…,” the person is trying to get the upper hand even before presenting his position.
These types of approaches are known as fallacies. Anything that obscures an argument diminishes another’s view even before it is heard, sideswipes the main argument, thus attempting to produce a fallacy. From time to time, read up on the various fallacies that exist. This will help keep your mind attuned to illogical or underhanded presentations that arise in general discourse.
Lord God, Your word says that You desire truth in the inward parts of man. Help us to be truthful inwardly so that what we say outwardly will be a true reflection of who we are and what we believe. Keep us from silly arguments and presentations that do not convey the truth. May our inner convictions be revealed in honesty and faithfulness. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 27, 2024 22:07:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:5
Saturday, January 27th, 2024
“For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Acts 24:5
The words are more literally rendered, “For we have found this man a plague and stirring insurrection in all the Jews throughout the habitation, and the leader of the Nazarenes sect” (CG).
Tertullus just gave a statement in preparation for introducing the supposed charges they would make against Paul. He now begins to list them, beginning with, “For we have found this man a plague.”
After his words of flattery toward Felix, Tertullus immediately goes into a verbal assault on Paul, beginning with the word loimos, a plague or pestilence. It is only used one other time, in Luke 21:11, where Jesus describes the plagues coming in the end times.
The KJV translates this as “a pestilent fellow,” but that hardly fits the intent. Rather than being an adjective, it is a noun. Paul is not plagued but rather is a plague. Next, Tertullus says “and stirring insurrection in all the Jews.”
The verb is in the present tense, giving the sense that not only did Paul stir up insurrection but that he continues to do so and would continue to do so if he is released. However, Tertullus notes that this behavior was among the Jews. The insurrection itself could be among the Jews against the Romans or an internal struggle. Without further explanation, it would leave the charge vague at best. Despite this, he next notes that it is “throughout the habitation.”
The word is oikoumené. It is a noun signifying the land that is inhabited, but it specifically refers to the Roman world. As Strong’s notes, “for all outside it was regarded as no account.” Thus, Paul was stirring up the Jews within the Roman empire, but not necessarily against it.
The point is, however, that Paul has caused trouble beyond the boundaries of Felix’s authority, and now he is here and within the grasp of the governor. It is a way of enticing Felix to be the champion of all of the poor Jews who have been plagued by this man throughout the empire and which no other ruler was able to secure. He makes Paul out to be a prize that others could not attain.
Understanding that, he next says, “and the leader of the Nazarenes sect.” The Greek word translated as “ringleader” is prótostatés. It is found only here in Scripture. It means “one who stands first on the right of a line” (hence, a file leader), and so he is being called the leader or head of the sect.
Interestingly, the term Nazarene is only used thirteen times in the New Testament, and all of them are used to describe Jesus except this one. The title has been transferred from the Master to those who follow Him, and Paul is being called the head of them all.
In the words of Tertullus, he has taken the very things which Felix was noted for suppressing and he has attributed them directly to Paul. It is with certainty that Paul didn’t look like any such person, but the words of accusation by Tertullus are as if he were in the act of such a crime at that very moment.
Life application: Because Tertullus has only identified Paul as a miscreant among the Jews, unless he further defines it as Jews being stirred to rebellion against Rome, his words will be pointless. As has been seen elsewhere in Acts, the issue of whether Christianity is acceptable under Judaism is a main point of consideration being addressed in the book.
That was a matter for Jews to determine and handle. Only if the matter brought some type of harm to the Roman Empire or its citizens would it be worth the pursuit of a magistrate. Consider this as you read through Acts. Christianity is either an authorized extension of the faith recorded in the Bible that came through Israel or it is not.
If it is, then it tells us that God is working through Christianity as redemptive history unfolds. It also means that whatever Judaism teaches today falls short of what the law and prophets proclaimed.
Christianity is based on the work of Jesus, the Christ. If God has purposed that to be His revelation of Himself to the world, and if the Jews have rejected that, then there cannot be salvation within the Jewish nation at this time. Only individual Jews who come to Christ will be saved. This is a key point of theology that must be considered.
Until Israel, as a nation, receives Jesus, He will not return to them and dwell among them as foretold in the law and prophets. Be careful to not get swayed by law observers and Judaizers. This is a key and central point of doctrine that is clearly and unambiguously expressed in Scripture.
Heavenly Father, may we be sound in our thinking concerning where we will place our trust. Only Jesus and His fulfillment of the law can bring us back to You. May we never presume to hold to false teachings of those who would creep in an attempt to pull us away from Your grace, as expressed through the giving of Your Son for our sins. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 29, 2024 2:20:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:6
Sunday, January 28th, 2024
“He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. Acts 24:6
In the previous verse, Tertullus began to list the accusations against Paul, saying he was a plague, a creator of dissension among the Jews throughout the empire, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He continues now, saying, “He even tried to profane the temple.”
This accusation is modified from that of Acts 21:28, where he was actually accused of defiling the temple by bringing uncircumcised Greeks into it. Tertullus leaves this out because Felix himself would have been uncircumcised, and this would then have become a possible point of stumbling in his case if, by offending Felix, he would lose his favor. Continuing, he says, “and we seized him.”
He is speaking on behalf of his clients who represented the Jews as their leaders (we). However, he is not telling the whole story. Paul was seized, but it was in a violent way, not in an orderly fashion. Rather, the account said –
“And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. 31 Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.” Acts 21:30, 31
Despite not giving the full and accurate details, Tertullus simply moves on, saying, “and wanted to judge him according to our law.”
This is only true as they intended to kill him. Though their law may have allowed this, Roman law didn’t. Therefore, he glosses over the situation and the conduct of the unruly mob in order to make it look like they had been wronged by not being allowed time for a trial to be held.
As for the word translated as “profane” in this verse, bebéloó, it is an interesting word. It comes from another word, bélos, meaning a step or a threshold. The idea is that Paul is accused of stepping beyond the bounds of that which was proper, as in overstepping the threshold of the sacred place.
Life application: There are people in the world who teach that Paul was actually a heretic, and that the Bible argues against his doctrine. They supposedly use Scripture to come to this conclusion. However, in order to teach this heretical doctrine, 2 Peter is dismissed as a false epistle. They must do this because Peter clearly teaches that Paul’s writings are inspired (2 Peter 3:15).
In order to make this claim, it is stated that the epistle was never considered canon and was falsely introduced later. There is nothing to actually substantiate this. Determining its canonicity came about in the same manner as the other books of the New Testament.
To hold to this doctrine, one must not consider the epistles of Paul as inspired. Further, the book of Acts is not to be held to as inspired. Rather, it is subjectively torn apart, and those who hold this view choose which parts are valid and which are not.
Why would anyone hold such an incredibly stupid view of Scripture? The reason is that Paul teaches grace apart from any works of the law. He teaches that the law is fulfilled and obsolete. These Judaizers cannot let go of their own personal importance before God. And so, they diminish grace and boast in their own supposed holiness.
They set themselves as the standard of God’s acceptance of humanity, and they determine what part of God’s word is acceptable or not. In other words, they hold to themselves as being the gods of acceptability.
But this is what the Bible presents of people from the very beginning of time. Adam wanted to be like God. Ever since then, man has chosen to determine what is right and good, as if he is the standard to which God must acquiesce. Unless we are willing to admit that we are fallen, cannot save ourselves, and that we are wholly at the mercy of an offended God, we will never see the need for a Savior who has done all the work necessary to reconcile us to God.
Be aware of the innumerable false teachings that exist in the world. Any teaching that says we must “do” in order to be saved – or to keep being saved – is to be rejected. Christ has done it! What we need to do is to believe, accepting by faith that He has done it. Thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord who has prevailed for His people!
Lord God Almighty, today we come before You to praise You. All glory, majesty, and honor belong to You alone. We receive Your offering of Jesus by faith, and we praise You, now and forever, for what You have done. Hallelujah and Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 30, 2024 1:04:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:7
Monday, January 29th, 2024
“But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, Acts 24:7
A better rendering of the Greek is, “And Lysias, the commander, having come with great force, led away out of our hands” (CG).
It should be noted that some manuscripts do not include the second half of the previous verse, this verse, or the first clause of verse 8. Thus, depending on the Bible you use, you may not have those things included or they may only be footnoted.
In the previous verse, Tertullus told Felix that Paul tried to profane the temple. Therefore, he was seized, and they tried to judge him according to Jewish law. That now continues with, “And Lysias, the commander.”
Interjecting the name of Lysias is an attempt to say, “If this person didn’t interfere, this matter would have been settled already. Paul would have been judged according to our law, and there would have been no reason to bother you here today.” With that understood, Tertullus continues, saying, “having come with great force, led away out of our hands.”
His words completely overlook the riot of the people and the quick actions of the Romans, which saved the life of Paul, a Roman citizen. In essence, there is an attempt to throw a disparaging light on Claudius Lysias, as if he had meddled in a matter that belonged to the Jews alone.
Tertullus is presenting the Jews as the unfortunate losers. He is further implying that if things had gone differently and they had just been allowed to handle things, they would have spared Felix all of this trouble by taking care of the matter themselves.
Life application: The common adage “hindsight is 20/20” means that if the information that is now known was available before, the errors of the past would not have been made. It is comparing 20/20 vision to clarity concerning a matter.
Tertullus is using this idea against Lysias’ actions. In essence, he is saying, “If Lysias had only known the whole situation, things would have come out just fine.” Sometimes, this type of thinking is true, but in the case of the Jews, this is completely false.
Felix can only go by what he is told. The flattery of Tertullus should give him a hint that what he is being told is a pile of lies. This is all the more certain because Lysias sent Paul to Caesarea based on the discovery of a plot to kill Paul that arose sometime after the events they are now referring to in the hearing.
It is often necessary not to rush to a judgment on a matter until it is carefully thought through and all options are weighed. Felix’s main responsibility was to maintain order in his jurisdiction, but another prime responsibility was ensuring the safety and protection of Roman citizens.
Paul used his citizenship to benefit himself. As such, he is using his citizenship to further his goal of spreading the gospel. Don’t hesitate to use whatever means are available to you to secure your safety and advancement within your society. This includes appealing to your citizenship, including your right to vote.
If you refrain from using those things that are available to you, you will ultimately be hindering your ability to share the gospel. If the opposing political party takes away your rights because you failed to vote, you will have harmed not only yourself but those who will never benefit from hearing the good news in a free and open society.
Little choices can have big consequences. So do what is right and participate in your society.
Lord God, help us to think clearly about our responsibilities. May we be willing to do the right thing in all situations. And to do the right thing, we need to consider not just the immediate effects but also the long-term effects of our actions or inactions. Give us wisdom in this, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 30, 2024 23:22:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:8
Tuesday, January 30th, 2024
“commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” Acts 24:8
A literal translation, even if a bit clunky, is, “having commanded his accusers to come to you, from whom you will be able, having examined, to know yourself concerning all these things which we accuse him” (CG).
In the previous verse, it said, “And Lysias, the commander, having come with great force, led away out of our hands.” That now continues with the words “having commanded his accusers to come to you.”
This was seen in a portion of Claudius Lysias’ letter to Felix, as recorded in the previous chapter –
“And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him.” Acts 23:20
Not only did the commander send Paul safely to Caesarea, but he told the leaders of Israel that if they wanted a meeting with Paul in attendance, they would have to do so in the presence of the Roman governor. In fact, they were not given the choice. Instead, he commanded that they should appear before Felix. From there, Tertullus next says, “from whom you will be able.”
A relative pronoun is used, “whom.” Some translations, like the NKJV, say “him.” To our ears, using “whom” it sounds like Tertullus is asking for the accusers to be allowed to be examined. However, the pronoun is singular. And so, it is most probably speaking of Paul. But it also could be speaking of the Roman commander.
If so, and because he is not there, it may be that Tertullus is hoping that Felix would take this statement at face value and say, “No, there is no need to call him over this.” Either way, Tertullus continues, saying, “having examined, to know yourself concerning all these things which we accuse him.”
Either way, it is unlikely that either the Roman commander or Paul would agree that the things Paul had been accused of were true. The Roman commander would have insufficient evidence to substantiate the charges, and he would disagree with portions of the claims made. If he is referring to Paul, his words in the coming verses will completely refute the charges against him.
Life application: In this verse, Tertullus does what people continue to do today. He brazenly sets up a false narrative and then claims that when those who are interviewed are brought forward, they will agree with his position. We might call this the Shifty Schiff approach.
By boldly and brazenly lying, such people are openly mocking the integrity of the accused so that when they speak, they appear to be liars. It is a position that people will take when their side of an issue or argument has no substantiation at all.
This is a fallacy known as Poisoning the Well. The first person to speak will do so in an attempt to undermine the integrity of the next speaker, impugning his character in one way or another. They may imply he is manipulative, a liar, and that his words will be highly persuasive and thus must not be trusted, and so forth.
Even if the water in the well was perfectly good and drinkable to begin with, by poisoning the well, it is no longer to be trusted as safe. This tactic has been constantly used throughout the ages as a means of destroying someone of integrity before he even gets a chance to begin his presentation. It is highly effective because most people trust those they align with, even if their words are completely false.
Be aware of this fallacy, especially around voting season. You will see it constantly employed by those whose political position is one that has nothing of value to present to the people. It is also seen among Christian leaders and speakers at times. Be aware of this and call it out as soon as you identify it.
Lord God, help us to consider arguments – clearly and responsibly – that we see arise between people. May we not be sidetracked by fallacious thinking but instead consider what is said based on its adherence to the truth. It is a world full of confusion, but with Your wisdom to guide us, we will not be led astray by those who speak falsity and introduce error into their words. Yes, Lord God, help us in this. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 31, 2024 21:22:15 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:9
Wednesday, January 31st, 2024
And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. Acts 24:9
The previous verse completed Tertullus’ words to Felix. With that, it next says, “And the Jews also assented.”
They agreed either collectively or individually, but they stood behind the substance of his words, affirming that Paul was a plague that needed to be eradicated. One can see them seated behind Tertullus nodding in agreement and maybe vocally assenting to the presentation. It is likely that they were all in agreement before they even arrived and were thus satisfied with Tertullus’ presentation. As such, they were “maintaining that these things were so.”
A new word is introduced: phaskó. It will only be seen again in Acts 25:19 and Romans 1:22. It is a prolongation of a more common word that signifies to say. Thus, it means to affirm, allege, profess, or something similar. Its use in Romans gives a sense of one of its intended meanings –
“Professing to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:22
One can see scientists haughtily proclaiming that the universe exploded itself into existence, with man arising over billions of years out of goo and thus proclaiming, “We don’t need God. We are free from His rule over us! Look at how wise we are!” God says they are fools.
These Jews had come together, affirming that Paul was guilty and needed to be punished for his transgressions.
Life application: The Bible makes many proclamations about how the world was created by God, is governed by His power and sustaining hand, is guilty before Him for failing to acknowledge Him, and so forth.
Either what it says is reliable and true, or it is not. If the first chapters of Genesis are not literal history, then the rest of the Bible is suspect as well. Jesus cites those chapters and proclaims they are literally true, acknowledging that the events really happened.
We cannot allegorize the creation account without falling into great error. If we are saved, we will not lose our salvation. But if we fail to accept God at His word, we will be judged for our lack of faith in regard to what He has proclaimed.
There are abundant videos and teachings available that give reasonable explanations that fully support the Genesis creation account. If you are unsure if the word is reliable in these chapters, test them by watching or reading what is out there. In the end, the Lord asks you to use reasoned faith in your relationship with Him. You cannot do this without checking things out.
Be wise and discerning. What can you skip in your normal routine that will allow you sufficient time to investigate such things?
Lord God, Your word is written, and it makes certain proclamations about who You are and what You have done. Help us to be willing to research and investigate these things and come to reasonable conclusions about the claims that are made there. May our faith be grounded in reality as we seek the mysteries of the world around us. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 2, 2024 3:55:40 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:10
Thursday, February 1st, 2024
Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, Acts 24:10
A literal translation would be, “And Paul answered, the governor having beckoned him to speak, ‘Knowing from many years, you, being judge to this nation, cheerfully these concerning myself I make a defense’” (CG).
Tertullus presented the charges against Paul, and the Jews assented to what Tertullus said, maintaining that his words were true. With that complete, it next says, “And Paul answered, the governor having beckoned him to speak.”
There is a sense of order and decorum. The plaintiff was allowed to speak in an uninterrupted fashion. Upon completion, the governor acknowledged Paul’s right to defend himself, and so he nodded or made a sign of some sort that indicated Paul could begin his defense. Paul then answered, beginning with, “Knowing from many years.”
He avoids the unnecessary words of flattery used by his opponent. He also defends himself without using a lawyer. Instead, he appeals directly to the justice of his case, stating that he knew it would be upheld because of Felix’s lengthy service.
The “many years” that he refers to is actually six or seven at this point. However, it is noted by Tacitus that Felix had already been a joint procurator with his predecessor Cumanus. Also, scholars note that many in his position were recalled after a much shorter period, and so from that perspective, “many years” is a good description.
He would be well educated in how to conduct such affairs and also well-versed in the Jewish rites, customs, and laws. Understanding this, Paul’s words continue, saying, “you, being judge to this nation.”
Again, there is nothing superfluous or unnecessary stated. Paul simply acknowledges that the governor had a right to judge the matter set before him. It is an implicit acceptance of the position and, thus, the judgment that will be rendered. Also, knowing that he is now under Roman jurisdiction, he will get a trial that fairly acknowledges his state as a Roman. Therefore, he continues with, “cheerfully these concerning myself I make a defense.”
The word Paul uses, translated as answer, is apologeomai. It is a word that is related to the “apology” or defense one would make for the Christian faith. In this case, it is a rightful defense against charges brought against him.
In all, the words Paul uses show a person who is bold in his words because of his belief in his personal innocence concerning wrongdoing. There is nothing smug, flattering, or superfluous in his opening statement. And more, he has the fact that a plot to kill him was initiated by the leaders of Israel to bolster his defense.
Whether those leaders knew that their plot was discovered or not, the governor did. It is a stain on their actions, and it weakens any charges brought against Paul, making them suspect and biased.
Life application: It can be difficult at times to restrain oneself from blurting out a defense against false charges. This is true regardless of the size of the offense that is being accused. Little things can be just as annoying to listen to as big ones. However, it is best to allow people to speak in an uninterrupted manner.
To see this type of thing in action, watch reporters who are designated to conduct interviews or debates for political positions, like those running for Congress or even the presidency. It is not uncommon for a question to be asked by the reporter, and then a lucid, rational, and well-thought-out answer is given. Because the response does not fit with the reporter’s worldview, he or she immediately begins to interrupt the candidate.
This is unprofessional and it demonstrates a weakness in any supposed impartiality of the reporter. And yes, it is as common for those on the left to do this as it is for dogs to pant. Don’t be like a panting dog in your own time of defense. And don’t be like one if you are asked to impartially judge or oversee a matter such as an interview or debate. Let your words be few, directed, and spoken at the proper time without interrupting others in the process.
Glorious Lord God, may we be careful to speak clearly and thoughtfully when there are words that may affect our standing in the eyes of others or even our freedom in society. Help us know what to say at such a time, give us grace and patience in our responses, and may we honor You in our lives. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 2, 2024 23:04:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:11
Friday, February 2nd, 2024
“because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Acts 24:11
More literally, the verse reads, “You, being able to know that there are not to me more than twelve days from which I went up to worship in Jerusalem” (CG).
Paul had just presented his opening words of defense, beginning with an acknowledgment that Felix was the duly appointed judge for the matter. With that, he next says, “You, being able to know.”
The meaning is that Felix has the means at his disposal (the verb is a present participle) to readily ascertain if what Paul says is true or not. Each thing he will say can be searched out and verified. Therefore, it would be the mark of a truly corrupt person to attempt to make a claim that was untrue. Understanding that, he says, “that there are not to me more than twelve days.”
It is a specific amount of time that is so short and precise that retracing the steps would take almost no effort at all. Considering that several of those days were spent under Roman guard, the events preceding that are condensed even more.
As the time frame can easily be corroborated, Paul’s words bear the mark of either total honesty or a loony desire to be incarcerated. To assist in the verification of his claims, he specifically notes that those twelve days were “from which I went up to worship in Jerusalem.”
What he says here and in the coming verses are given to challenge the three charges made against him by Tertullus, which are sedition, heresy, and profaning the temple.
Concerning sedition, he implies that it would be impossible to form a party and act in a seditious manner because it was just twelve days earlier that he arrived in Jerusalem. Five of those days were in Caesarea, two were on the journey, and the rest were in Jerusalem, where he went to worship and was subsequently incarcerated. If he were there to worship, he could then not be a heretic. He was obviously following the customs of Jews who came for exactly this purpose.
The Pulpit Commentary divides the 12 days in this manner –
(1) arrival at Jerusalem (Acts 21:15);
(2) Visit to James and the elders (Acts 21:18);
(3) first day of purification (Acts 21:26);
(4) second day of purification;
(5) the third day;
(6) the fourth day;
(7) the fifth day, when the tumult took place (Acts 21:27);
(8) Paul brought before the Sanhedrim;
(9) the conspiracy of the forty Jews, Paul leaves Jerusalem for Caesarea – the first of the five days mentioned in Acts 24:1;
(10) arrival of St. Paul” next day” at Caesarea, and lodged in the pretorium – second of the five days (Acts 23:32, 35);
(11) Paul in Herod’s judgment hall – third of the five days;
(12) ditto – fourth of the five days;
(13) the current day, being also the fifth day of those mentioned in Acts 24:1. The mention of the brief time of twelve days shows the narrow limits of time within which the crime must have been committed, while the adroit mention of the purpose of his visit, to worship, would show how unlikely it was that he should have gone with any evil intent.
All of these could be supported by eyewitnesses if necessary.
Life application: Paul’s words directly challenge the accusation against him. He doesn’t waste a lot of time with superfluities, and he refrains from any verbal attacks on those accusing him. He is calm, cool, and collected in his address.
And more, he understands the process of what is going on around him. It is important to remember that if you don’t have the same demeanor, or if you are unaware of how to properly navigate such things, it is a good idea to have someone skilled in what you are involved in to assist you. If it is a legal matter, a lawyer is a good idea. If it is a financial problem, a certified accountant can help, and so forth.
The world is there trying to trip you up. Being ready to defend yourself with the right people around you. This is always a good idea.
O God, the world in which we live can be a complicated place. Governments exist that often heap burdens upon their people that require a lot of attention, without which all kinds of trouble can result. Help us to be wise in our actions and interactions regarding such things. May we live rightly and peaceably in our societies, honoring You with the lives we lead. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 4, 2024 0:26:59 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:12
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024
“And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Acts 24:12
A more literal translation is, “And neither found me disputing with anyone in the temple, or making a crowd revolt, nor in the synagogues or in the city” (CG).
Paul, in giving his defense to Felix, just noted that he just told him that it was only twelve days since he went up to Jerusalem to worship. He continues now, saying, “And neither found me disputing with anyone in the temple, or making a crowd revolt.”
These words introduce another new word to Scripture: episustasis. It signifies a conspiracy, concourse, tumult, etc. It is found only here and in 2 Corinthians 11:28, where Paul says, “I face daily the pressure (episustasis) of my concern for all the churches” (MSB).
What he says completely contradicts the words of Tertullus. Either one is true, and the other is lying, or both have fabricated a portion of his words, but both cannot be true. He never disputed with anyone in the temple, and there will be no proof of him making a revolt because such an event never took place.
The only ruckus that arose was because of accusations leveled against him, not because of his agitating anyone. This was carefully detailed by Luke in Chapter 21 –
“Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, ‘Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.’ 29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.” Acts 21:27-30
His words to Felix mean that he never got into either a civil or a religious dispute, contradicting Tertullus’ accusations. Further, he claims that he incited no one, and he adds in an all-inclusive “nor in the synagogues or in the city.”
This could be easily substantiated by those Paul stayed with, if necessary. Unless the Jews were ready to present false witnesses, the matter would have to be decided based on who Felix believed was telling the truth. At this time, and based on Paul’s rebuttal, the Jews had neither a civil nor a religious claim against him that would stand up to eyewitness testimony.
Life application: The world is not normally a fair place. In many places, that is becoming more so as each day goes by. The corruption of the human heart is steadily taking over humanity, just as it did in the days of Noah. Soon enough, there will be no remedy, and God will remove His restraining power.
Sometime after that, the antichrist will come upon the scene, and the world will devolve into utter chaos and turmoil. But, as just noted, the world is on a path to that time now. If you are expecting to be protected from the power of wicked people, that may not be the case. Therefore, it is best to live your life quietly and not cause any trouble.
And yet, we are obligated to be bearers of the truth of God in Christ. Therefore, if you are faithful to this calling, you may be in the same position Paul found himself in. Be ready to stand on the truth as revealed in the word.
Paul and the other apostles, and so many since their time, have chosen that right path, even to the point of death. But a crown awaits them as it will you. So don’t fear what man can do to you. A better Day is ahead. The promises are sure, and the One who has given them is reliable. In this, you can safely trust.
O God, the world in which we live is quickly turning away from any semblance of right morality and holy living. Christians will inevitably be marked out as miscreants because of their refusal to support the depravity and wickedness that will be openly condoned. Until You call us home, give us the fortitude and courage to continue to proclaim Your truth. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 5, 2024 4:28:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:13
Sunday, February 4th, 2024
“Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. Acts 24:13
Paul just said to Felix that he was neither found in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting a crowd. He then added that this was true in the synagogues and in the city as well. He now adds in an almost challenging note to his accusers, saying, “Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.”
His words here, especially the word for “prove,” are actually a calling and a challenge to his accusers to come forward with evidence. He is the plaintiff and, therefore, they are under the burden of the law to stand behind the charges they have made.
The word he uses, paristémi, means to place beside or to stand beside. In other words, those who have made the accusations should now be ready (standing near) to present their proof. As there is none, the charges against Paul cannot stand.
Life application: As discussed in the previous verse, the world is getting more wicked and depraved daily. This, unfortunately, includes accusations being made against people that are wholly untrue. A lack of evidence or manipulated evidence, even when found out to be such, no longer matters.
In fact, evidence that exonerates people who have been charged is often completely ignored. Police have been arrested for simply doing their jobs. When evidence proves their innocence, it is ignored when what they were charged with carries political value.
Peaceful protestors are being arrested, and bogus charges are leveled against them when they are of a particular political party. This has gone even to the level of bringing innumerable charges against former leaders, not only in the US but in other countries as well. Anyone who bucks the globalist agenda is being targeted openly and flagrantly.
Conservative journalists are harassed and sued to silence them. These things will continue to get worse. Be wise and discerning as you go out into the world. Your stand as a Christian will be one that brings you under the watchful eye of the government. In China, this is now ubiquitous. Other countries of the world are quickly following that same path.
Wonderful Lord God, we are grateful to You for the honor of carrying the name of Jesus our Lord. Help us to be faithful to exalt Him, no matter what challenge is brought against us. The world is temporary, but what You have promised is eternal. May we be prepared to face the eternal, having never denied the Name that we now bear. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 6, 2024 3:05:11 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:14
Monday, February 5th, 2024
“But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. Acts 24:14
The words are more literally rendered, “And I confess this to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I serve the father’s God, believing all throughout the Law and that has been written in the Prophets” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul noted that those who stood against him could not prove the things of which they now accused him. As a concession to his position in relation to them, he next says, “And I confess this to you.”
The reason he is doing this is to show the true reason why they have brought charges against him. They have a personal beef against him that has brought about their false charges. Without directly saying it, he is calling into question their integrity and honesty before Felix. With that, he next says, “that according to the Way which they call a sect.”
The word translated as “sect” is the same as was used in 24:5: hairesis. It is etymologically connected to the word heresy that we use today. Therefore, some versions incorrectly translate it as “sect” in verse 5 and then “heresy” here. However, this makes no sense.
Paul explains that what they call a “sect” is what he calls the Way. They should both be translated as sect because the word specifically means “a strong, distinctive opinion” (HELPS Word Studies). To say verse 5 should be “sect” and verse 14 should be “heresy” causes a logical contradiction in thought because Paul now says, “they call.”
If they called it something in verse 5, then all he is doing is repeating what they called it, not stating something new. The word “is used in the NT of individual ‘parties (sects)’ that operated within Judaism. The term stresses the personal aspect of choice – and hence how being a Sadducee (Ac 5:17) was sharply distinguished from being a Pharisee (Ac 15:5; 26:5)” (HELPS Word Studies).
It is this “sect” that he now calls “the Way.” In doing so, he elevates it in a manner of protest against any degradation of the term to something less disrespectful. Instead, the term has been brought to a level of distinction and honor. Understanding this, Paul next says, “so I serve the father’s God.”
The word translated as serve, latreuó, is not the same as in verse 11, proskuneó. Here, unlike the NKJV, it is better translated as serve. Worship is encompassed in this word, but it also carries a further signification than merely worship. It is derived from the word latris, which means a hired servant.
The fact that he was in the temple, serving the God of his fathers, was sufficient proof to show that he was not engaged in heresy, which is the second charge made against him. With that understood, Paul next says, “believing all throughout the Law and that has been written in the Prophets.”
The words are a direct denial of him being the leader of an aberrant sect. By stating that he believed all things in the Law and the Prophets, it is a way of acknowledging that he was no different than any Pharisee.
What is being argued then is a matter of interpretation of the Law and Prophets, not whether they were authoritative or not. He affirms that they are, in fact, authoritative. The question is whether Christ is the fulfillment of them.
As this is so, then Felix would have no ability to even handle this charge, being unschooled in what the Law and Prophets claimed. This would be no different than asking a secular judge to determine whether replacement theology or dispensationalism is correct. Both claim that the Bible is the inspired word of God. How that word is to be properly interpreted is the matter. Having said that, dispensationalism is correct .
Life application: If you want to know if the church has replaced Israel, you need to read your Bible. If you want to know if dispensationalism is correct, you need to read your Bible. If you want to know if God approves of abortion or if divorce is acceptable to Him, the way you will find out is by reading your Bible.
Just because a pastor, preacher, or priest says something is correct, it does not mean it is so. One must go to the source of a matter to find out whether what is said is true or not. It doesn’t matter what the issue is. If someone says that drinking water in Guatemala is safe, until you check it out, you will never know if that is true.
And you can check it out in various ways. You can follow the scientific method and have the water tested. You can test it observationally by going to Guatemala with a friend and having him drink it while you watch. Or you can test it experientially by going there and drinking it yourself.
The scientific method is only as good as the process and materials that are used. What is more, some people may be affected differently than others. The people of Guatemala drink their water all day long and suffer no ill consequences.
Having a friend test it may not work either. Depending on his stomach and other variables, it may not affect him at all. However, if you check out the water for yourself, you will certainly find out whether you should have done so or not. Montezuma’s revenge probably awaits J.
The point is that until you personally check things out, you can never know if what you believe to be true is actually true or not. The Bible will not cause you harm, but it will certainly keep you from it. Therefore, even if you have a pastor you trust to be honest, he may not be well-versed in the Bible. Are you willing to receive incorrect instruction on a matter that could affect your standing when you appear before the Lord?
Rather, read and know your Bible! This is the defense against potential problems that will be far worse than a case of Montezuma’s revenge.
Thank You, O God, for the precious contents You have carefully laid out in Your word. We can know what You expect of us, and we can know what doctrines are sound and which are incorrect. May we be responsible concerning our interactions with You by knowing what You expect of us. Thank You that the word makes this possible. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 6, 2024 23:31:15 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:15
Tuesday, February 6th, 2024
“I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. Acts 24:15
A more literal rendering would be, “Having a hope toward God which they themselves also embrace: a resurrection of dead shall be, both just and unjust” (CG).
Paul, speaking to Felix, had noted in the previous verse that he worships the God of the fathers, believing all things written in the Law and the Prophets. Now, in order to explain that further, he says, “Having a hope toward God.”
This confirms his stand on the authority of Scripture. The belief was that their Scriptures were from God through His chosen prophets and holy men. As this is so, then what the Scriptures said, when believed, demonstrated a hope toward God concerning what Scripture proclaims.
The connection is that if the God of Scripture is who Paul serves, then his hope must be in that God. This hope is the same one that his accusers accepted in part or in whole. Other than the Sadducees, this hope was one “which they themselves also embrace.”
The word here rendered as embrace is prosdechomai. It is translated by some as allow or await. It can also have the meaning of looking for. Thus, it is a hope that is anticipated, even eagerly. Thus, because this is a future hope that is eagerly anticipated, the word embrace suits the meaning well. And what is being embraced is the thought that “a resurrection of dead shall be.”
The word translated as “dead” is not in all manuscripts. In those manuscripts where it is used, there is no article before dead. Because of this, the words seem vague, but Paul is making a distinction between physically dead and living people. Not all dead are, however, dead in the spiritual sense of the word.
This is probably why Paul states the word without the article. The resurrection is a hope that permeates Scripture. From the implicit words of Eve when she named Cain, to the hopes of Job, and to the explicit promises to Isaiah and Daniel of the Old Testament (e.g. Job 19:23-27, Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2).
It is also something that was known to the common people of Israel at that time (John 11:24). However, Felix may or may not have been aware of this. Therefore, Paul gives him an explanation of what his faith consists of. Comprised within that faith is not just that the just shall be raised. Instead, he next says, “both just and unjust.”
This is an all-encompassing explanation of a resurrection of physically dead people. No article was necessary because the words are qualified now by “just and unjust.” This thought from Paul must be taken as a point of evangelism for Felix and a continued defense for himself.
If he were to believe in such a resurrection and there was a distinction between the just and the unjust, then it implies that he must surely be living according to the law that told of the coming resurrection. Only a fool who believed in such a resurrection would willfully be disobedient to the God who promised a different end based on one’s standing before Him.
Life application: The physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central point of theology found in Scripture. His physical body died. It went into the grave. And that same body rose to life again.
This was not a rapture (an exchange of one state for another), a spiritual resurrection, or any other such event. It was also not simply a reward for right living. Instead, it was a necessary outcome for having lived in sinless perfection. Man dies because of sin. He is condemned the moment he comes into existence (see Psalm 51:5 and John 3:18) because he inherits Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12).
The Lord God united with human flesh in the womb of Mary. This is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Because He did not have a human father to transmit sin to Him, He was conceived in sinless perfection. He was born in that state, and He never sinned in that state. In His death, He could then atone for the sins of the people of the world. The physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the proof of this.
To deny the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus is to deny what God in Christ has done. As this is a part of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), no person who denies the resurrection of Jesus Christ can be saved. It is that simple, and it is that profound. Be sure to tell those who believe someone can be saved in any other way that they are espousing heresy. There is one path to restoration with God and one alone.
To God be the glory for what He has done in and through Christ Jesus!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the sinless perfection of Christ Jesus our Lord. All glory and honor belong to You for what You have done. May we boldly proclaim the truth that He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Only through Jesus can man be restored to You. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 8, 2024 1:10:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:16
Wednesday, February 7th, 2024
“This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. Acts 24:16
More precisely, the text reads, “And in this, I train myself to have an inoffensive conscience toward God and men through all” (CG).
In the last verse, Paul noted his hope in God, affirming his belief in a resurrection of dead, both just and unjust. Because of this, he next says, “And in this, I train myself.”
Here, he uses a word found only this one time in Scripture: askeó. It is a verb signifying to train, practice, or exercise. Despite it being found only here in the New Testament, it was a common medical term of the time. It is another indication of Luke’s authorship. It gives the idea of working raw material to form something. A kindred adjective to this is where our word ascetic comes from. Next, Paul says, “to have an inoffensive conscience.”
The word translated as “inoffensive,” aproskopos, is new. It will be used only three times in Scripture. Here, it is used in a passive sense. This is the same as in Philippians 1:10. However, in 1 Corinthians 10:32, it is used in the active sense. In essence, he attempted to always be blameless in his conduct, looking forward to the hope found in the promises of God.
Because of his hope in God, and because of his firm belief that there would be a resurrection, he endeavored to keep his conscience clear, knowing that a judgment lay ahead for all men. This sentiment, now being expressed by Paul to Felix, is more fully explained in 2 Corinthians 5 –
“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
With that stated, Paul completes this verse, saying, “toward God and men through all.” Paul’s conduct was not just directed toward God. Rather, he conducted his affairs in this way towards his fellow man.
It is true that before his conversion, he likewise lived in this manner, but it was misdirected. He thought he was doing a service to God by destroying Christians. Further, if his actions were correct, they would have been a service to his fellow man by removing the heretics of the world. However, he found that attitude to be faulty when he met Christ.
Therefore, there is a disconnect between his actions and those of his accusers. They did not accept the work of Christ Jesus. They, therefore, remained at enmity to the goals and purposes of God as revealed in Jesus’ life and work.
Life application: Later in 2 Corinthians 5, Paul says –
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
As this is the state that we are now in because of faith in Christ, we should do our very best to live in accord with it. It is contrary to a holy life in Christ to continue to conduct ourselves in a manner that is at odds with this new life.
This doesn’t mean we cannot associate with those of the world. Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 5. However, when we are engaging the world, it should be in a manner that sets us as examples of a right and proper walk in Christ. If it is our job to share the message of reconciliation, and we are acting as if we were never reconciled, then where is there to go for those we are sharing such a message with?
Think on this and be willing to share the truth that God is holding all people to account for their lives either apart from Christ or our lives in Christ.
Lord God, we have been redeemed through the precious blood of Christ. May we remind ourselves of this and live in a manner that is holy and acceptable to You. May our conduct be appropriate to lead others to understand their need to act likewise. Yes, Lord, may our lives and actions be pleasing to You and glorifying of You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 8, 2024 15:11:13 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:17
Thursday, February 8th, 2024
“Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, Acts 24:17
More literally, the Greek reads, “And through many years, I arrived to bring alms to my nation, and offerings” (CG).
Paul just said to Felix that he always strove to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. In support of both of those thoughts, he next says, “And through many years.”
Rather than saying, “And after many years,” he uses the word “through.” Paul expresses his thoughts as if he is on a journey through time, much of it being separated from Jerusalem and the religious life and offerings that are continuously conducted there.
As for the duration away, it had only been about four or five years at this time. His last visit was in Acts 18:22. His use of many is to be taken in light of the “many years” of verse 10. If he was asked what “many years” was, he could say “four,” and it would then be a note of approval towards the comment he made about Felix’s service. In other words, it would be a way of acknowledging Felix’s service as lengthy and thus well received by his superiors.
Now, to fill those years apart from Israel, he says, “I arrived to bring alms to my nation.” His note concerning the “alms” is otherwise not mentioned in Acts, and yet it appears prominently in his epistles, such as Romans 15:25, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, and 2 Corinthians 8:1-4. Along with the alms, he adds “and offerings.”
The “offerings” (or sacrifices) were those prescribed by the law when one would come for a feast day celebration and those associated with vows as well. As can be seen, he says the alms are for the nation, but the offerings being set apart in the sentence were for his personal relationship with the Lord. Also, as noted in the NKJV translation, they and other translations lump these together as “alms and offerings to my nation.” However, this is not the intent of Paul’s words.
As for the word “nation,” he uses the term ethnos. It most properly indicates “people joined by practicing similar customs or common culture” (HELPS Word Studies). He uses this word rather than identifying them with a more commonly used word for “people.” It is a hint of courtesy towards Felix by avoiding a term that could be interpreted as a note of superiority over the Gentiles.
Life application: Paul carefully divided his words, as noted above, to indicate two separate acts that have a different purpose. His alms were something he was doing for his nation and people. The offerings were those things that were intended to keep him on a personally sound footing within the religious sphere of life that connected him to the Lord.
Obviously, being in Christ meant that he had immediate access to God through Jesus the Mediator. But for the sake of propriety, he continued conducting his religious life while in the land of Israel as an observant Jew. There is no contradiction here. Today, there are messianic Jews in Israel who observe the Sabbath even though Christ Jesus is their true rest (Hebrews 4:3).
It is culturally appropriate that they conduct themselves in a manner that keeps them in the favor of their nation while also understanding that they are free from all such observances because of Christ. This is not a hypocritical approach to worshipping God. Rather, it is a respectful way of doing so.
If a Pentecostal were to attend a Presbyterian church, it would be wholly inappropriate for him to get up and start yelling in the false gibberish that he yells out when in his own church. If that is how Pentecostals want to conduct their relationship with the Lord, they need to do it in their own church.
Be sure to use tact when you attend services with other Christians or when you are visiting other countries. See what they do first and then conduct yourself accordingly. This is right and proper. We, as Christians, worship in spirit and in truth in our hearts and minds. What we do externally should be courteous and with proper decorum in the particular setting we find ourselves.
O God, there are innumerable ways to worship You while still staying within the boundaries of our faith in Christ. Some like organ music, while some like a band. Some worship on the beach, while others do so in ancient buildings. Wherever we are, may our conduct be appropriate to the setting in which we find ourselves. May our worship be to Your glory and for the mutual benefit of those around us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 10, 2024 3:15:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:18
Friday, February 9th, 2024
“in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. Acts 24:18
The verse is incomplete without the next verse. For now, a more literal rendering is, “In which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with a tumult. And who, Jews from Asia…” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul noted that after many years away, he came to bring alms to his nation, and offerings. Now, he says, “In which they found me purified in the temple.” This is a key point concerning his right to be in the temple area that stems from Chapter 21. Upon his arrival, he was exhorted by the elders of the church to pay the expenses of those who had taken a vow. In compliance with that, and going further by joining them in purification, it said –
“Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.” Acts 21:26
This was something that could easily be validated and which proved he had the right to be in the temple area, and he was obviously there for proper religious purposes. He continues further, saying, “not with a crowd, nor with a tumult.”
It would be improbable that a person who was bringing alms and making sacrifices after an extended absence would suddenly decide to start a tumult. As his words could be proven on those points, his innocence in the matter logically follows.
As for the introductory words to the verse, “in which,” they mean that he was actually in the process of performing his sacrifices. At the very time he was conducting his religious affairs in a purified state, he was interrupted. To support that, he then begins his next thought. His words will continue into the next verse. For now, he begins with, “And who, Jews from Asia…”
These are those mentioned in Chapter 21 –
“Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, ‘Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.’ 29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)”
It is these Asian Jews who certainly saw him among the Gentiles in the past and who had hounded him all along. When they saw him in Jerusalem, they realized it was a perfect opportunity to cause him grief.
Life application: When people are ideologically at odds with others, it is hard to come to a reconciliation over those differences. It is human nature to not “live and let live.” Muslims, particularly because of the words of the Koran, feel it is a sacred obligation to kill or enslave unbelievers. Those who hold to this are not the extremists but rather the fundamentalists.
They hold their writings as sacred and feel it is their duty to act in this way. Likewise, the Jews, depending on how they interpret Scripture and their later writings, feel that they are God’s chosen people – above and apart from all others. When Paul went among the Gentiles and communed with them, it was taken as a great and blasphemous thing.
His actions were seen as defiling and worthy of death. This is not so much because he associated with Gentiles, something all of the diaspora Jews did to some extent. Rather, it was because he taught that Jesus was the Messiah and that His message accepted Gentiles on an equal footing with Jews. To them, this was intolerable. This totally nullified the “above and apart from all others” attitude that still permeates Jewish society today.
Christians are not expected to have such an idea about themselves. Rather, we are to acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Messiah who alone can save us. But this is a problem that the world doesn’t understand. Instead, they look at the result, not the process.
In other words, true Christians believe that Jesus is the only way to be saved. This is because Jesus said it, and it is also logically true. As such, the meaning is that only true Christians are saved. This is the result of faith in Christ. It is what the world sees, and they perceive this as a point of arrogance – “How dare you say I am not saved!”
The process, however, is that we first acknowledged that we were sinners and that we understood Jesus could save us. This excludes all arrogance. Rather, it is a point of extreme humility to stand before the Creator and say, “I leave myself totally at your mercy. Without you, I am lost. I trust in Your grace alone to save me.”
If the world more fully understood this, it may relieve the tension to some extent. However, much of the world refuses to simply acknowledge that they are sinners. If they are, they have a need for a Savior. But this would then require them to have the same humility saved believers once demonstrated. As such, this is still a great cause for a feeling of contempt towards Christians.
In understanding this, we can then understand why Christianity is so quickly becoming abhorrent to the people of the world. With each new “freedom” that governments proclaim, there is a new wall put up. If people are free to be homosexuals, then they cannot be “sinners” for their conduct. If people are free to murder their unborn, then they cannot be “sinners” for aborting babies.
As wickedness increases, a hatred of what you stand for will logically increase. Be ready to focus on the process (by grace through faith) of your salvation when talking to others. Some of them may get it. But to focus on the result, I am saved, and you are not, is a point of theology, though true, that we now find is almost completely impossible to state without being hated all the more. Until people see their sin as something God cannot accept, they will never believe that they are in need of a Savior.
Heavenly Father, we, as believers, came to You with empty hands, realizing our fallen state before You. We believe that because of the cross of Jesus Christ, we are saved. Help us to properly and faithfully communicate this truth to the world around us. May we not waffle in our proclamation that it is sin that separates us from You. We are saved because we were first sinners who needed to be saved. Thank You, O God, for Your saving grace that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 10, 2024 21:56:15 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:19
Saturday, February 10th, 2024
“They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. Acts 24:19
This verse completes the previous verse. A more literal rendering is, “…who ought to appear before you and accuse if they may have anything against me” (CG).
The previous verse reads, “In which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with a tumult. And who, Jews from Asia…” (CG). That now continues with, “who ought to appear before you and accuse.”
Paul’s words cut to the heart of the matter. The very people who could testify to the situation had not come to do so. It is a hint that either they would have to perjure themselves or that they would have to admit that he had done nothing wrong.
However, if the excuse was made that these witnesses had gone back home after the feast, it would still show that there were none to accuse him. As such, any charges against him would have to be dropped for lack of evidence.
As for any others who would testify, it would be hearsay, not firsthand witness. The logical end of his words is that the charges were unsound and should be dismissed. He finishes the thought with, “if they may have anything against me.”
The obvious meaning is that there were no valid accusations, and thus, the charges were invalid. This was a religious matter that had nothing to do with Rome. And more, it was Paul who was wronged simply because of his interpretation of the law and the prophets.
Life application: Paul was an apostle. As such, the words of Jesus found in Matthew 10 certainly apply to him –
“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” Matthew 10:19, 20
Although persecution is not an uncommon occurrence in the church today, those words were not spoken to us as a general rule we can apply to ourselves. They were spoken by Jesus to His apostles. Evidence that the Lord was with Paul in the same manner is found throughout Acts, where the Lord appears to him and tells him that He is with him.
As this is so, and as those words of Matthew 10 do not apply to us today, it is the best policy not to speak out of turn. If we have a legal matter, it is a sound strategy for us to hire a lawyer. The Lord wanted Paul’s ministry to continue because it was a part of the unfolding actions that would lead to the compilation of His completed word.
We now have that completed word and should not expect the Lord to appear to us and tell us what to do. Nor should we expect visions, dreams, or revelations of things that are not recorded in the word.
Having said that, we will get out of the word just what we put into it. The more we read it, the more clarity we will be able to obtain about the mysteries God has tucked away in it. New insights, types, and pictures are found every day by people who study and evaluate the word.
It is truly an inexhaustible word, so filled with wisdom that we will be searching it out and finding new insights until the day the Lord takes us home. So be sure to get into the word and read it daily. You will be blessed as you do.
Lord God Almighty, how wonderful it is to read Your word, come to something we don’t understand, and then take the time to read commentaries or try to work through it until we find a resolution to our questions. It is a delight because we are filling our minds with what You have given us to guide us all our days. Thank You for this wonderful treasure, Your superior word! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 10, 2024 22:21:50 GMT -5
Here's "Pastor" Patrick with more of his numerology, faux signs, and astrology! Sadly, although he has yet to get anything right, the goats who follow him continue to hang onto his every false word.  RAPTURE - WRITTEN ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN!
Some of the comments from the goat pen: (I'll skip all the praise for this false prophet!) No other sign shall be given to this generation except the sign of Jonah. *** Yeah, Ninevah is connected to Jonah, and God is giving us the Ninevah eclipse in conjunction with the Aleph-Tav Sign. Although God won't give signs to a wicked generation apart from the sign of Jonah, He will give signs to those who know Him and are watching for Him. God has actually given us many signs that He is returning. In 2022 God shared several of them with me, which I'm currently trying to share with the rest of the church as they are absolutely incredible and give God all the glory. *** That was for a previous generation *** That is amazing and certainly not a coincidence. *** Its about to pop off,i can feel it.Feb 11 to april 8th is crazy high watch,super new moon and eclipse april 8th *** There are 3 cities in the path named Nazareth! Like “Jesus of Nazareth”. One in Texas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania! God Bless❤️ *** They don't call em' Logos for nothing. They are revealing themselves everywhere:)! "and knowledge will increase" as we scurry to and fro. Get yourself a good seat for the trib. It going to amazing watching from the Loge (Logos) alongside Jesus. *** True Pentecost in June. This Eclipse is like a 2 minute warning. *** Dec 14 2020 is also the day healthcare workers started getting a certain needle in their arms *** Rapture is RIGHT ON THE X??? WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙏❤️ *** We had room 408 last night at our hotel. I said, well how about that! Come Lord jesus! *** The eclipse also crosses ove LITTLE EGYPT WHITCH STANDS FOR THE WORLD! *** Years ago I had an open vision of three crosses on a hill with a fiery red sky and for the longest time could not figure out what it meant... 9/23/2017 Revelation 12 sign to 3/29/2024 Good Friday is (6) years (6) months (6) days or 2379 days... Strongs Concordance Hebrew 2379 is: sight, visibility and Strongs Concordance Greek 2379 is: an altar (sacrifice)... ❤❤❤ *** New moon on April 8th as well. Doubt rapture will happen on a full moon. “He comes as a thief in the night” If I was a thief I’d steal something when it’s very dark. A new moon u can’t see. A full moon lights up the entire place *** DOW jones closing numbers today 38,726.33 (Up 48 points)!! 726 and 4/8 *** I had a vision about 2.5 years ago, in it was a black sun with a rising of fire around it, it hasld scrolling hebrew/Aramaic text scrolling over the sun, I couldn't read it, so an angel came up next to me and interpreted it for me. I remember being told everything, but was told 2 things at the end. 1. This is the end. 2. You won't beable to recall what I've told you. Against popular belief on youtube by these false rapture teachers, 2017 was the 6,000th year of man. As it was in the days of noah... Noah was 600 when the flood began, 6,000 years for man is 2017. Noah entered the ark, doors remained open for 7 days. 7 days(years) past 2017 is 2024, the last day on Gods calandar for the 7 year warning before the door closes ends on April 8th, the evlips day. That day marks the day the door closes . Just as it was like the days of noah. Biblically proven to be true, you won't know tgis because these rapture watchers need content so they follow any mudd they can find and throw it hoping it sticks. I believe 90% of rapture content creators do it for fame and money because they ignore Jesus on the rapture when he said hinself, as it was in the days of noah. It's truly that simple. April 8th is rapture day, the day the door closed on the ark after 6000 years, and a 7 year warming. *** Is there a city called, BYE-BYE? Fyi, Eilean Siar, one of the 32 unitary council areas of Scotland. Part of the archipelago of the Hebrides, MEANING "isle of Strangers", is separated from the Scottish mainland and from the Inner Hebrides by the waters of the Minch, the Little Minch, and the Sea of the Hebrides. But there isn't a crumb of it called BIBLE. And I'd know, I've been to John O'Groats and I'm pretty sure I've never heard of it. 6:25 -- 3 miles away is the Outer Hebrides Ferry. *** Reply |
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 12, 2024 1:03:40 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse,Acts 24:20
Sunday, February 11th, 2024
“Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, Acts 24:20
A more literal rendering is, “Or let these themselves say if they found any unrighteousness, having stood me before the Sanhedrin” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul noted that the people who purportedly had testimony against him should have been brought forth if they really had evidence worth listening to. As a final challenge to his accusers, he now introduces the words of this and the next verse, beginning with, “Or let these themselves say if they found any unrighteousness.”
As none of the Jews from Asia who supposedly had testimony against Paul had come to testify, he appealed to those who were present to testify against him. It is almost a mocking challenge because they had brought Tertullus to speak for them. Paul knew that they didn’t know Roman law. He also knew that they had absolutely no evidence against him.
Therefore, if they opened their mouths, they would either have to tell the truth, thus exonerating him, or they would have to perjure themselves, something he knew they would not be able to do effectively. As such, they would not do it at all. With that stated, his challenging words continue with, “having stood me before the Sanhedrin.”
They had been at the Sanhedrin where Paul had been presented. This is found in Acts 22:30-23:10. The thing is that the garrison commander and various Roman guards were there, too. Therefore, they could testify to Paul’s truthfulness and against any lies spoken of him during that time at the Sanhedrin.
While there, they had heard Paul’s testimony and should be able to competently bear witness to his conduct at that time, whether proper or improper. Thus, his words are a direct challenge to either speak up or give up on the case against him.
It should be noted that until this verse, Paul hasn’t spoken at all about Jesus being the Messiah or about His resurrection. It has been a defense formed entirely around the facts of the case in regard to what he has been accused of.
Life application: Paul has masterfully kept his religious beliefs out of the trial until this point, knowing that what he said in that regard would be a distraction from the main point of the trial itself, which was that he stood before a civil court, not a religious one.
Having said that, in the next verse, he will finally bring in religious matters. The reason why he will do this is because his words of defense have come to their end with nothing of a civil matter having been done wrong. Therefore, by bringing in the religious words, it will be evident that it is that, and not an infraction against Rome, that lies at the heart of the enmity directed at him.
As this is so, it will mean that Rome has no jurisdiction over that issue, and all charges should be dropped. However, Jesus has already told him that Paul must witness for Him in Rome (Acts 23:11). Therefore, the coming events will continue to unfold with that statement being fulfilled.
In other words, God’s plans will come to pass. This is true not just in Paul’s life but also in all of ours. We have our part to do in living out our lives, but God’s overall plan is the priority. Therefore, when all is said and done, we must acknowledge and accept that what transpires is what is in accord with His will.
Having this attitude, we can be freed from frustrations that would otherwise consume our thoughts. The words “His will be done” are true and comforting. Speak them often.
Lord God, may Your will be the highest joy in our lives. As time passes and our lives unfold before You, may we understand that nothing happens apart from Your knowledge. Things will meet up with Your final plan for us, so help us to be content with that and glorify You at all times. We truly believe that You have the best in store for us. Thank You for this assurance. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 13, 2024 1:43:41 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:21
Monday, February 12th, 2024
“unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’” Acts 24:21
The Greek more literally says, “…or concerning this one voice which I cried out, having stood among them, ‘Concerning resurrection of dead I am judged this day by you’” (CG).
Paul has refuted the charges against him, clearly indicating that they were without basis and should be dropped. This is especially so from a legal standpoint within the Roman Empire’s area of authority.
However, Paul now adds a statement to demonstrate that what has been brought against him by the Jews concerned questions of their own religious and cultural law, having nothing to do with something the Romans would get involved in. This is because Rome had allowed the Jews to conduct and judge their own religious affairs. Understanding this, he says, “…or concerning this one voice which I cried out.”
Paul used his own voice within the Sanhedrin to elicit a response from those appointed to judge him. In this, he openly admits that he may have said something to rile up the Jews in authority.
Felix was probably all ears at this point, waiting to determine if it was something he could finally use to put together a bigger picture of what had them in such a lather. To this point, nothing of a legal standing had been brought forth for him to judge. With that, Paul next says, “having stood among them.”
This matter was, as he said in the previous verse, “while I stood before the council.” Paul completely ignores anything that occurred at the temple because he has already addressed that matter sufficiently. Instead, what has the Jewish leadership in such a tizzy is a statement about their own interpretation of the law.
This is what stirred up the Sanhedrin in Acts 23:6. It is the only thing that he could be accused of that caused any tumult, and yet it has nothing to do with the charges against him, nor is it anything that was punishable under Roman law. That is perfectly evident from what he had called out, which is, “Concerning resurrection of dead I am judged this day by you.’”
Note that there is no article before “resurrection” or “dead.” It is a general thought that Paul is expressing. In other words, “Can that which is dead be returned to life?”
Further, his words are not given as if there was anything wrong with his opinion about the resurrection. Instead, they are a sort of sarcastic irony directed towards his accusers, knowing that they would not want to argue over the matter again, especially right there in front of Felix.
The really humiliating part of what Paul has said is that the commander, Claudius Lysias, was personally there to witness that this is what occurred. He and any soldiers who conducted Paul to the Sanhedrin could be brought before the commander in just a couple of days to testify to this. As such, Paul would be a complete fool to make it up.
From a legal standpoint, Paul’s case is all but over. Anything that happens beyond this point will simply be to validate that what he has just said is true. If it is, that should settle things.
Life application: It is good to remember that Paul was able to manipulate the Sanhedrin’s direction by calling out something that would divide them. He knew this. They took the bait and brought embarrassment upon themselves by failing to stick to their jobs in judging without bias.
Remember that when you are in a debate with someone, be it in court, at college, on social media, or elsewhere it is good to stick to the main subject. As soon as someone introduces a red herring, call him or her out on it, and let them know that is not what is being discussed. If they don’t listen, simply cut them off. They are there to divide and conquer, not to engage in a reasonable debate about the main subject.
Be on the lookout for such things. The smallest diversion can take the debate in a completely different direction than it was originally intended. And because the diversion was initiated by a red herring, that direction is probably already one that the other person can box you in and defeat you over. It’s what Paul did for a positive reason, but it is also what others will do for their own inappropriate purposes.
Lord God, give us wisdom in this life to not get distracted by silly or fallacious arguments. May our words be well thought out and proper to the situations we find ourselves in. Be with us when we speak out for the truth of the gospel so that those who hear will be convicted and convinced that it is the right answer for the dilemma they are in. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 14, 2024 3:28:41 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:22
Tuesday, February 13th, 2024
But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” Acts 24:22
Even if a bit unwieldy, a literal translation is “And having heard these, Felix deferred them, having known distinctly these about the Way, having said, ‘When Lysias the commander might descend, I will examine these as to you’” (CG).
Paul just made his final words of defense to Felix with a possibly sarcastic note that it was concerning his belief in the resurrection of the dead for which he was being judged. With that concluded, it next says, “And having heard these.”
It is referring to the entire discourse that has occurred before him, both that of Tertullus and then Paul’s rebuttal. Once he had heard both sides, it next says, “Felix deferred them.”
Here is a word found only this once in Scripture, anaballó. It literally means “up-cast.” As if something is being tossed upward. However, translated into English, it means to put off or defer. It seems to be similar to our “he punted.” Rather than deciding at the time, there would be a delay for a particular reason.
It was clear that the two presentations were at odds with one another. In order to establish if what Paul said was true, Felix would need the eyewitness, Lysias, to verify the events Paul said took place. If they matched what Paul had said, Felix would no longer need to accept the words of the Jews concerning what may have taken place prior to the arrival of the Roman soldiers during the ruckus at the temple.
This is particularly so because it next says, “having known distinctly these about the Way.” Albert Barnes notes that the Greek in this verse is rather obscure, and scholars are divided over what the true intent is. What it seems to imply is that Felix had knowledge of “the Way,” meaning Christianity, which was greater than the accusers did. Because of this, he adjourned the trial.
There are several possible ways he could have come to know about Christianity. He may have simply heard about it as a part of the general religion of the Jews. In essence, “There is a group of Jews who believe their Messiah has risen from the dead.” From that, he could have decided to learn more.
It could also be that the church which Philip established in Caesarea may have had a large enough influence there, even extending to Romans. Cornelius was in Caesarea at his conversion and may have been an example to others.
Further, Felix’s wife, Drusilla, may have also added to his knowledge. One way or another, he was sufficiently versed in Christianity that he knew that the charges against Paul were not reliable.
The “sect of the Nazarenes,” as Tertullus called it in a somewhat negative manner, was not so esteemed by Felix. Because of this, he would instead focus on Lysias’s testimony. If he had nothing to add to a charge against Paul, it is certain that Felix would let him go because there was nothing of substance offered by the Jews at this trial. Therefore, “having said, ‘When Lysias the commander might descend, I will examine these as to you.’”
It would be up to a visit from Lysias, who had been with Paul both at the temple and then in the Sanhedrin, to set the matter straight. As Paul was Roman, and because this is a court specifically set to judge Roman matters, the decision would not go further than that.
Life application: The previous verse spoke of “resurrection of dead.” As noted, that was a general statement. Can that which is dead be brought back to life? Paul had noted to Felix that he called out this idea while in the Sanhedrin.
Around the world, there are people who claim they can raise dead people. Shamans, mystics, etc. call out incantations and use potions and spells. Some apparently only raise the dead as zombies. Some claim they can raise them to fully restored life.
Modern technology has led people to look for restored life in the future by freezing sick people now. This is in hopes of the discovery of cures that will then be applied to those who will be thawed out for that purpose.
Solomon noted that God has put eternity in man’s heart. There is a longing to live forever that is instilled in us. Only when we become mentally defective does that change. But for the normal person, continued life is the hope.
Where is your hope of eternal life going to be directed? The most reliable witness in all of the world is that of the Bible. It testifies to why man dies. It also testifies to what God has done to correct that defective state. He Himself has accomplished all that is necessary for man to live forever in a fully restored relationship with Him.
This came about through the giving of His Son, Jesus. To prove that this is so, Jesus resurrected. Have faith in this. It is the full, final, and forever cure for humanity. You don’t need to be frozen in hopes of someday being fixed in a body that will still be susceptible to death. Rather, God promises a new life and a new reality for those who come to Him through Jesus. Believe, to the saving of your soul!
Glorious Heavenly Father, Your word testifies to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. May we have faith that it is so. Help us to consider what You have done and to accept that it is not only possible but that it is reality. Strengthen us in our faith and help us in our walk all the days of our lives. We wait with longing for the day that You come for us. May that day be soon! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 15, 2024 0:27:24 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:23
Charlie Garrett Acts, Acts (written), Daily Writing, Writings
Wednesday, February 14th, 2024
So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. Acts 24:23
In the previous verse, Felix told Paul that when Lysias, the commander, came down, he would decide the case against him. With that complete, it now says, “So he commanded the centurion.”
The centurion mentioned here was probably the one in charge of all of the prisoners who were at the location. It would be he whom Felix would deal with. This centurion would then have guards under him that he would direct concerning individual prisoners. To this particular centurion, the direction was “to keep Paul and to let him have liberty.”
The word translated as “liberty” is new to Scripture, anesis. It is a noun derived from the verb aniémi, to let loose or slacken. For example, that verb was used previously in Acts –
“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed [aniémi].” Acts 16:25, 26
Thus, Paul is being given an easing or loosing of the normal confinement of prisoners. But more, Felix goes further “and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.”
The order for Paul to have a relaxation of the prison rules included that he should be allowed to have visitors and be provided for by them as well. This might mean better food could be brought to him or whatever else his visitors thought would help his time go by more enjoyably.
This time in prison may very well have been used by Luke to obtain information for either his gospel, or the book of Acts (as a legal defense for Paul), or maybe both.
Paul’s time in prison in Caesarea would not be overly difficult as far as Felix is concerned. As the Geneva Bible says, “God is a most faithful keeper of his servants, and the power of the truth is wonderful, even amongst men who are otherwise profane.”
That was true of Joseph while he was in prison. Likewise, Paul will now enjoy freedoms during his incarceration that will allow him to contemplate the goodness of God even during a difficult situation. It is more than probable that he was allowed to keep his parchments in order to study the word. If so, he would constantly be making connections from the Old Testament concerning the marvelous work of God in Christ.
Life application: Tough times are sure to come upon each of us. Some may be arrested for their witness to Christ. Some may lose their jobs in a time of financial distress. Some may be hurt or get a sickness that causes them to be incapacitated, paralyzed, bedridden, etc.
We don’t normally think about such things until they come upon us. However, what would you do if one of these came upon you? How would you respond to it? It is likely that Paul used his time in prison in prayer and in a study of the Scriptures. He certainly told those around him about the freedom found in Christ, even while they were bound in prison.
It is good and right for us to remain productive even while in troubling circumstances. Let us not lose or slacken our devotion to the Lord at such times. Rather, let us continue to be proper examples of the patience of Christ, even through them. This is a demonstration of faith, and nothing done in faith will lack its reward when we stand before the Lord.
Lord God, may we be willing to hold fast to You even in the most trying of times. Help us to have this attitude now in preparation for anything that may come against us in the days ahead. Help us to remain faithful vessels filled with Your Spirit so that those around us will see that our faith is worth emulating. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 15, 2024 22:49:22 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:24
Thursday, February 15th, 2024
And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Acts 24:24
In the previous verse, it was commanded that Paul be given certain liberties while he was incarcerated in Caesarea. Now, the narrative continues, saying, “And after some days.”
This period was probably not very long. If the days were delayed to any extent at all, Luke most likely would have noted this. Regardless of the timeframe, however, it says, “when Felix came with his wife Drusilla.”
Drusilla was the third daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Agrippa II. Agrippa I was the king who spoke before the people of Tyre and Sidon in Acts 12, and who, failing to give glory to God, was struck by Him and was eaten by worms. Agrippa II is the king whom Paul will speak before in Acts 26.
This royal family was aware of the Christian movement, as Acts particularly describes. Of Drusilla, it next says, “who was Jewish.”
This is a point Luke felt was necessary to include to remind the reader of the status of those Paul spoke to. It could be deduced from a careful study of Acts that she was Jewish, but Luke especially notes it anyway.
As for her situation, at one time, she was engaged to be married to Antiochus Epiphanes, first son of King Antiochus IV of Commagene, but because he wouldn’t get circumcised, she was married to Azizus, king of Emesa. This is recorded in Josephus Ant. xx. 7. 1.
After this, and with the supposed help of a sorcerer named Simon, she was estranged from him and eventually was married to Felix. It is not certain if this was the same as the person mentioned in Acts 8. Barnes says the following concerning this –
“Felix was governor of Judea, he saw Drusilla and fell in love with her, and sent to her Simon, one of his friends, a Jew, by birth a Cyprian, who pretended to be a magician, to [endeavor] to persuade her to forsake her husband and to marry Felix. Accordingly, in order to avoid the envy of her sister Bernice, who treated her ill on account of her beauty, ‘she was prevailed on,’ says Josephus, ‘to transgress the laws of her forefathers, and to marry Felix’ (Josephus, Antiq., book 20, chapter 7, sections 1 and 2).”
Her recorded life, including her marriage to a Gentile, indicated that she wasn’t a strict adherent to Jewish ways. As for Felix’s return with Drusilla, Luke next records that “he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.”
The news about how the Jews opposed Paul’s teaching may have made both her and Felix eager to hear what he had to say concerning the message of Jesus. Luke specifically focuses on the fact that Paul’s message was centered on “the faith.”
Life application: Felix was a Gentile, and Drusilla was a Jewess who was not obedient to the law. Both of them stood outside of the acceptable parameters of the Law of Moses. And yet, they were willing to hear about Paul’s doctrine concerning faith in Christ.
Even though Felix was a Gentile, he would have had a good understanding of what Judaism taught. As such, it was probably surprising to both he and his wife that Paul spoke of faith rather than works.
In the coming verses, Paul will explain what the faith in Christ should entail, but the things he mentions are points of doctrine that come after salvation. Salvation is not contingent on those things, nor is continued salvation contingent on those things.
The saving message of Jesus is one of faith in what He has done. Personal merit is entirely excluded. Be sure that when you present the gospel to others, that this is clearly understood. If people are told they must merit salvation through works, you are not presenting the true gospel.
Jesus! He has done it all. We need to believe this by faith. Upon belief, we are saved. After belief, we should endeavor to live in a holy and upright manner because of the salvation God bestowed upon us by His grace.
Lord God Almighty, what could we place before You and say, “See, this is why You should save me?” We are stained with sin and incapable of doing anything that could remove that. But You, O God, have made it possible through the giving of Jesus. We can now boldly proclaim, “See, this is what God has done to save us all!” Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 17, 2024 0:09:53 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:25
Friday, February 16th, 2024
Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Acts 24:25
A more literal translation is, “And he, reasoning concerning righteousness and continence and the judgment coming to be, Felix, having become frightened, answered, ‘For now, be going, and having found time, I will call you’” (CG).
In the previous verse, it noted that Felix came to Paul with Drusilla, his wife. He heard Paul concerning the faith in Christ. From there, Luke now records, “And he.”
It is referring to Paul. While Felix and Drusilla were listening, Paul spoke, “reasoning concerning righteousness.”
The word is dikaiosuné. It speaks of “righteousness” or “justice” that is deemed right by the Lord. It isn’t so much in reference to the character of God as it is to what is expected of us in our relations with both God and man. Thus, it is the proper conduct of our lives.
In the next verse, it will be seen that Felix is susceptible to taking bribes, and so this was a good point for Paul to have started with. Next, it notes “continence.”
It is a new word in Scripture, egkrateia. It refers to a person’s ability to practice moderation or restraint concerning life’s temptations. Strong’s says it is “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.” Thus, continence is a good word. The thought is also well expressed by the words self-control. Paul then continues with “the judgment coming to be.”
It is an obvious thought concerning what a person can expect if there really is a God. Tucked inside of man is a sense of responsibility to his Creator. Further, the knowledge that God exists is revealed in the creation itself. Paul addresses these things in Romans 1.
However, man can sear his conscience to the point that this thought is almost completely erased from his mind. Therefore, it is something that Paul spoke about because whether one accepts the gospel or not, judgment lies ahead. The difference is how one will stand before God on that day.
In the case of Paul’s words, he certainly presented the gospel in the sense that we are fallen, and that leads to our failings, all of which will be dealt with in either our judgment for condemnation or in our salvation through Christ’s judgment on our behalf.
What is amazing about Paul’s words is that he is standing before the one who has the power to release him or convict him. Despite that, instead of tickling his ears, he talks about issues that would make both the humble and the hardened squiggle in their seats.
Rather than pursuing a soft message, he chose the topic that bore especially on Felix’s character. And rightfully so, because Tacitus’s writings about him say that he “exercised the authority of a king with the spirit of a slave.” Because of Paul’s words, Luke next records, “Felix, having become frightened.”
The presentation had its intended effect. The word used has a strong sense. “Terrified” might be a better description of his state. Fear can lead to changing one’s mind if the heart is tender, or it can lead to looking for a means of escape from that which terrifies. Unfortunately, Felix chose the latter. Luke continues that he “answered, ‘For now, be going, and having found time, I will call you.’”
Felix has put off what he should have acted on. When a person is faced with such a decision, delaying a response will generally lead to the hardening of the heart.
Life application: Sharing the gospel is something we should do. When we do, it is good to give a summary thought concerning what we have said. In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul writes –
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:
‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2
This is a good verse to use to bring what you have said home. A delayed decision for Christ may turn into a decision never being made. In quoting Paul, adding in an understandable life application of the thought is helpful –
“Do you know that on September 11, 2001, several thousand people went into the World Trade Center, pressed the elevator button, and went up to whatever floor they were set to go to? Not one of those people thought, ‘This is the last time I will ever get on an elevator. I will be jumping out of a window at the top of this building in a few minutes.’ This is what life is like. We are one moment away from our demise at any moment. Without Jesus, we will have to face God alone. Today can be the day that changes for you. Call on Jesus and be saved while you have the opportunity.”
Be sure to speak of the judgment coming to be and how that can be one of salvation, not condemnation. Be sure to tell them that it can be so if they just believe in Jesus.
Lord God Almighty, may we be responsible with the time You have given us. Give us a heart to talk to others about Jesus, declaring their need to accept what He has done, believing the gospel of our salvation. And may we remember to remind them that today is the day! We may not have tomorrow. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 17, 2024 23:36:35 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:26
Saturday, February 17th, 2024
Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. Acts 24:26
The words more literally read, “And simultaneously, also hoping that money shall be given him by Paul that he might release him. And, therefore, summoning often, he talked with him” (CG).
In the previous verse, Felix sent Paul away, telling him he would call him at a convenient time. Rather than wanting to hear about the gospel, however, he had another reason for the delay, as Luke next records, “And simultaneously, also hoping that money shall be given him by Paul.”
As in government positions throughout history, getting bribes is something that the greedy and dishonest will naturally take advantage of. In this case, it may be that Felix latched on to Paul’s words of verse 24:17 and figured that he either had money or had friends who would take care of him if he were in need. There, it said, “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation.”
If Paul was carrying alms, it had to have come from somewhere. The source was less important to him than getting what Paul may have had access to. In exchange for a bribe, Luke says it was “that he might release him.”
Paul had clearly established his innocence, and there was no evidence of any wrongdoing in him that could be proven, and yet out of a sense of personal gain alone, Felix kept him in prison and waited to see if he could profit off it in order for Paul to be freed. And more, he assumed that the longer Paul was in prison, the more willing he would be to make a deal. Thus, Luke records, “And, therefore, summoning often, he talked with him.”
These words fail to mention any further fear on the part of Felix. Instead, he seems to have simply hardened his heart against the word. Such may not be the case, but it seems likely that if there were any hint of a conversion in him, Luke would have mentioned it.
This back and forth between the two went on for a full two years. It seems that he hoped to simply wear out Paul’s patience until he caved in and paid a bribe.
Life application: It appears that Paul was in no hurry to leave the prison. He was allowed to live there in a semi-free state. People could come to him and help him out, and – probably above all – he could study the parchments he possessed. His time in prison was probably one of great learning.
Today, we find ourselves always wanting to do more, go to more places, have adventures, and so forth. And yet, there are people who live on little islands or in country towns that have never traveled more than a mile or two away from home in their entire lives.
What is it that we find so important about doing, doing, doing? If we are truly happy people, we should be able to find contentment right at home. People find it necessary to miss church to attend sports. People skip work to go on a quick excursion to the beach.
Such things are obviously fun to do, but where are our priorities? Let us remember to cling to what is important first and foremost. If time permits, we can find other things to do, but we should never skip our time in the word or our time in fellowship with other believers if it is at all possible.
Lord God, help us to be content with simpler lives that focus on You more and the things of this world less. In the end, we won’t say, “I wish I had earned more money” when we are facing our final moments. How much more then will we regret the misuse of our time when we stand before You? Help us to wisely consider such things. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 19, 2024 1:27:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 24:27
Sunday, February 18th, 2024
But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. Acts 24:27
The words more literally read, “And after two years having been fulfilled, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus. ‘And intending to lay the Jews’ a favor, Felix left Paul bound’” (CG).
In the previous verse, it noted that Felix was hoping for money from Paul. Therefore, he called for him often and conversed with him. Now, the last verse of the chapter says, “And after two years having been fulfilled, Felix received a successor.”
In this clause is a word found only here in Scripture, diadochos. Successor is an exact translation. Felix’s time as governor had finally come to an end without any change in Paul’s status. It has been said that this succession was caused by the complaints of the Jews against Felix.
Their constant moaning finally led Nero to recall him. However, and maybe to keep from further complaints being filed against him, he granted them the favor of leaving Paul in prison. The justification for this was then a greedy hope of self-preservation.
Because of this, it appears that Paul’s frequent conversations fell on deaf ears if they were in relation to the gospel. No other conversations changed Felix’s attitude concerning Paul’s imprisonment. Instead, Felix departed Caesarea having abandoned Paul to the fate of the next governor, “Porcius Festus.”
It is known that Festus came to the province in AD60. He ended up dying in his second year in office. During the two years that Paul was in prison up to this point, it has been conjectured by some that he wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews.
It is also conjectured by some that Luke used this time to do his research for the gospel and for the book of Acts, compiling them and using Paul for necessary reference. As for the verse and the chapter, it ends with the words, “And intending to lay the Jews’ a favor, Felix left Paul bound.”
In this sentence is a new word, katatithémi. It signifies to lay or deposit a favor, probably with the view of receiving one in return. It will only be seen again in Acts 25:9. Both uses are tied to the sitting governor’s relationship with the Jews.
Paul came to Caesarea as a prisoner, having been falsely charged by his Jewish brethren. His time in prison outlasted the final years of the governor, and his state was left unchanged as a new governor was brought in to oversee the matter that should have been handled after the short trial two years earlier.
Closing out the chapter, the Pulpit Commentary says –
“The scene in this chapter is a very striking one, depicted with admirable simplicity and force. The bloated slave sitting on the seat of judgment and power, representing all the worst vices of Roman degeneracy. The beads of the sinking Jewish commonwealth, blinded by bigotry and nearly mad with hatred, forgetting for the moment their abhorrence of their Roman masters, in their yet deeper detestation of the Apostle Paul. The hired advocate with his fulsome flattery, his rounded periods, and his false charges. And then the great apostle, the noble confessor, the finished Christian gentleman, the pure-minded, upright, and fearless man, pleading his own cause with consummate force and dignity, and overawing his heathen judge by the majesty of his character. It is a graphic description of this very noble scene.”
Life application: The conjecture about Paul’s writing the Epistle to the Hebrews at this time is interesting. Although the letter is unsigned, it certainly bears all the hallmarks of having been written by Paul.
Internal clues in the letter tell us that the temple was still standing at the time of it having been composed. Paul would have had time to consider the many facets of why he held to his position concerning the law, the temple, and the sacrificial rites associated with them. As such, it was the most opportune time to write such a letter.
Further, it would mean that the letter was penned to his beloved brethren in the land of Israel, a nice touch. Being a Pharisee, he had the knowledge of the matters contained within the epistle to piece together the words to make the very complicated issues penned in it understandable.
Paul didn’t just whittle away his time in prison playing solitaire. If he penned Hebrews there, it would add another level of industry to his time in confinement. This can then inspire us to take advantage of such times in our lives as well.
Just because we are in difficult or trying circumstances, we shouldn’t let them take away our joy and productivity in the Lord. Look at David and what he did! Note the introductory words to the 57th Psalm: “To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.” And again, the introduction to the 142nd Psalm says, “A Contemplation of David. A Prayer when he was in the cave.”
David was hemmed in by his enemies, and yet he took time to pen his devoted words to the Lord. How many of us would get stuck in a car in a snowstorm and stop to write a song to the Lord? And once again, the 3rd Psalm opens with, “A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son.”
Who would be on the move on a battlefield and stop to write a psalm to God? David did. Remember the Lord at the bleak times in your life. God may just use you to do great things because you did.
Lord God, may we be productive for You in our lives, even when things seem tough or troubling. It is at such times that we may have the greatest inspiration of all to glorify You. Remind us that You are there, and may we have the wisdom to acknowledge it. This life is fleeting. What we do with it now is important for ourselves and maybe for others as well. So, help us in this, O God. Amen.
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