Paul before Festus

Acts 25

Festus came to Caesarea by way of Jerusalem to meet with the Jews there and discuss the case of Paul. Once again the Jews tried to get Festus to bring Paul to them. Festus declined saying that he was heading there right then. The accusations continue again in Caesarea.

The question that keeps coming up for me is why the writer by inspiration of the Holy Spirit included all of these details about Paul’s legal troubles with the Jews trying to murder him? How does this information have relevance to our Christian lives today?

When Festus asks Paul if he is willing to go back to Jerusalem to face the Sanhedrin again, he appealed his case to Caesar’s investigation. Festus conferred with King Agrippa about this case since Festus was really not familiar with Paul or his faith. Festus found that he was in a bit of a pickle because he would have to write a review of the case of Paul and the case against him. Festus was finding quickly that there really weren’t any charges to be reported to His Majesty.

King Agrippa expresses interest in meeting Paul and examining if there are any charges he can find for Festus to send to Caesar. They both agree that it would not be good to send Paul for further examination without sending any charges leveled against him.

The scene in King Agrippa’s court would have been an impressive mix of the most influential people in the area from the Jewish and Roman world. In the midst of this, little Paul the tent maker is lead in by the tall Roman legionnaires guarding him into the midst of the purple-robed powerful court of King Agrippa. From the moment he was given permission to speak, he had the attention of the court with the confidence of the spirit.

Next, Paul will deliver an impressive sermon to the court.

Be wary of Flattery?

Acts 24:1-27

Tertullus began speaking with nauseating flattery which was anything, but true. Of course, the charges he leveled against Paul were equally false.

The charge he leveled against Paul had three main points. 1) Paul was a stirrer. He was always in trouble and a pest. 2) Paul was a leader of a sect of Nazarenes. Tertullus knew the havoc false messiahs had cause in the Roman Empire and knew this would capture the attention of Felix. 3) Paul was a defiler of the Temple. The charges were dangerous because they were a series of twisted half-truths.

Paul gave his defense. As a man of clear conscience, Paul maintained that he needed simply to state the facts and let them stand on their own. Something we should notice about Paul. The problem is that there are so many in our world that work like Tertullus instead of like Paul. Our problem is figuring out who is doing that with us to support their own agendas.

Felix knew well the facts about the Way, so he put the Jews off. He knew they were spinning half-truths against Paul choosing to believe the right people. Paul demanded the high morals of which terrified Felix. He had persuaded Druscilla away from Azizus with the help of a magician, so his conscience was guilt-ridden. He also wanted to keep his job after several problems he had encountered. Felix didn’t handle the Paul situation very well either. One too many problems, so he was taken out of his position.

Paul appealed to Caesar.

Paul Transferred to Caesarea

Acts 23:11-24

Paul has been in front of the Sanhedrin twice and Paul has been rescued from the volatile situation both times. Now, about forty Jews have vowed not to eat until they have murdered Paul. The oath they took was called a cherem. They were basically asking God to curse them if they did not carry out the terms of the vow. This week, we begin with Paul’s communication from the Lord to take courage because he has testified about Him in Jerusalem and he will testify about him in Rome.

Two things are pointed out here. First, we see the lengths that the Jews were willing to go to eliminate Paul. Later, they even petition Festus to send Paul back to Jerusalem so they can ambush them and kill Paul along the way to carry out their vow, a cherem (Acts 25:3). The current passage is not the only time that the Jews will attempt to assassinate Paul. Paul’s nephew being there and hearing the vow was how God worked through people to ensure that his will would be accomplished. This time, God’s goal was to get Paul to Rome to testify about him in the most powerful government in their day.

Second, we see the lengths that the Roman commander is willing to go to protect Paul, a Roman citizen. Acts 21:34 says that the Roman commander was having trouble getting the truth from the gathering of Jews because of the uproar they were causing. Nothing changed in the next session Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin. When Paul’s nephew tells the commander of the plot to kill Paul, the commander decides to form a small protective army and transfer Paul to Caesarea saving Paul from the murder plot.

Paul knows that he is fulfilling God’s will, so he is acting boldly and continuing where ever the authorities send him. Next, we will see what the commander tells Felix in the letter he sends with Paul to Caesarea and on to Rome.

Paul Addresses the Sandedrin - Again

Acts 23:1-10

Paul is back before the Sanhedrin. The commander brought Paul back before the group to find out why the Jews had such disapproval for Paul and what he was standing. To address that group as brothers put him on equal footing with the chief priests and rulers. The common way of addressing the court was to say “Rulers of the people and the elders of Israel.”

When Paul was ordered struck by the chief priest, the priest was breaking the law by doing this. “Whoever strikes the cheek of an Israelite strikes, as it were, the glory of God.” Paul turned on him calling him a whitewashed wall, referring to the whitewashing of tombs so they might not be touched by mistake causing the one touching to be made unclean. It was also breaking the law to speak ill of the rulers of the people (Exodus 22:28). Paul was making the point that he never knew that a glutton like Ananias could be a high ruler of Israel. What can we learn about how we should treat our leaders?

Paul made a comment that he knew would make the court take notice. The Sanhedrin was composed of two groups of people, the Sadducees and the Pharisees. They had opposing positions in belief. The Pharisees believed in the minute details of the oral law. The Sadducees accepted only the written law. The Pharisees believed in predestination. The Sadducees believed in free will. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection; and the Sadducees did not.

So Paul claimed that he was on trial because of the hope of the resurrection causing the controversy to ignite in the group. As a result, the court was torn violently in two. Paul was caught in the middle and had to be rescued by the Romans again. The commander had to take him back to the barracks again.

More Problems for Paul in Jerusalem

Acts 22:22-30

The mob seemed to just be waiting for a buzz-word to ignite and inflame opposition to Paul. The tension in the air could not be mistaken. The crowd showed their disapproval of offering Gentiles the privileges of Christianity without being bound to the law of old that the Israelite nation had been bound to from the Exodus.

When Paul went before the Sanhedrin, it was evident to the Roman commander that problems were coming. Once again, the tension in the crowd was on the surface. The group were waving their garments in the air and kicking up dust. Civil unrest in the area was the problem to the commander. His job and his life were at stake in putting down the group.

The Roman commander probably did not understand what was being said, but he did understand that he would have to do whatever was necessary to quiet the riot. He decided to question Paul under scourging to get to the bottom of why the Jews were accusing him and so opposed to Paul. Then, Paul decided to speak as he was being stretched out to be scourged. He let the centurion know that he was a Roman citizen by asking a simple question. This caused the centurion to notify his commander. Paul seemed to never invoke his rights as a Roman citizen for his own protection, but to further the work of God spreading the good news of Jesus the savior of us all. Paul knew that he had to go to Rome, so he had to invoke his Roman rights.

Next, Paul sets out following his strategy. There seems to be recklessness in his actions. He knows there are some things the Lord wants him to accomplish. He trusts in the Lord with all of his being and sets the plan to follow where the Lord wants him to go. Being led by the Spirit, Paul knew that there were more things he had to do.

We know that we need to stop and listen as we study the Word of God knowing that He has a strategy for us to follow. When we became Christians, we accepted His authority and the authority of the Bible.

Have a Great Week,

Brad

Paul's Story

Acts 22:11-21

Reference Acts 9 and Galatians 1

Paul is continuing his defense to the people by telling more from his life story. He identified himself with the Jews he addressed. He stressed to the people that he had not come to destroy his ancestral law, but to fulfill it. Paul found it frustrating that the chosen people had rejected God’s son and was also rejecting the message Paul was bringing to the people.

Paul’s basic story recounted in Acts 9 and also in Galatians 1. The two accounts were told from different points of view. We find out that he came back to Jerusalem after about three years and still had organized opposition to his message. Our study of Acts 9 told us that Paul left Jerusalem because he was in danger. The Jews were not happy with offering privileges to gentiles without first becoming a proselyte Jew, then accepting Christ.

Verse 14 has the summary of what Paul is trying to convey to the people. Paul’s audiences were chosen as the nation of Israel to know His will, see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. We have access to all of this through the Bible. In Galatians 1:12, Paul tells the Galatians that Paul’s message came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul then lets the people know that since his people has not accepted the message, then mercy has been offered to the gentiles. In the next passage, Paul met with intense opposition when he mentioned the gentiles.

What do we do when we are met with such opposition? It's so easy just to turn and run or run and hide. It is so easy to take it, bottle it, and swallow it until there is only numbness left. Keep a healthy outlook and continue to study the word. God has a plan and a purpose for you to stand and be counted among His children.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

The Defense of Paul, Part 1

Acts 22:1-21

Paul made an amazing request when he asked the guard if he could speak to the people. He stated his credentials and it was apparent to the Roman officer, he knew that Paul was not a revolutionary thug. Paul was facing his accusers and not backing down from the shouting, but answers with experience and scripture proof.
First, Paul stressed that he is Jewish and rose with respect to the Jewish beliefs. He never forgot his roots and reminds the crowds of this fact often (2 Corinthians 11:22; Philippians 3:4-5). He was from Tarsus. He is a rabbi. He had the same background and training as the audience he was addressing at this time.
Paul was trying to convince the people to accept God’s authority accept Jesus as the Messiah. They were having trouble accepting the proof that Paul and the other Christian teachers were providing.
Second, what was different was that he accepted Jesus Christ as the savior of all. God sent Jesus to all people and loves all people. The chosen status being lost to the Jews was hard for so many to swallow.
He was with them and separated from them. As a Christian, we live in the world, but God has separated us from the world for His special purpose consecrating us for the task he has assigned us.
What has God separated you away from the world? Have you accepted his authority completely or are you hanging on to some baggage from tradition or your past?

Have a Great Week!
Brad

Paul's Farewell and Trip

Acts 20:17-38

Paul spoke to the elders with an emotional farewell speech that touches everyone who was there to hear. He recounts that he has spoken with boldness – fearless, he has worked independently, and following the Holy Spirit which caused him to follow fruitful path that was not always pleasant to follow. They have all been through so much together.

Paul also encouraged his friends to in a few areas. He reminded them that they have the duty to oversee the flock to continue the work of Christ. He reminded them that they would be vulnerable to attack from evil, so they need to be watchful because they are in danger. Where truth is falsehoods are bound to attack. If love dries up in any church its spirit will inevitably dry up and die as well.

Acts 21:1-16

The narrative is speeding up through this passage. Paul’s trip back to Jerusalem continues to build suspense through the foreboding of what is awaiting him there. He is determined to face whatever awaits him for the ministry of Jesus.

Two things really stand out in this passage. First, Paul is determined to face what is waiting for him. He is willing to be bound in prison and ultimately die for the advancement of the gospel. Agabus, the prophet from Caesarea, warned Paul using his belt that he would be bound hand and foot by the Jews in Jerusalem who are determined to stomp out the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. How do we show our determination to continue the ministry of Christ in our lives?

Second, Paul is encouraged and pleased that everywhere he goes on his journey to Jerusalem that there are Christians (disciples) there to welcome him. These disciples are strong and zealous to continue the work Jesus began and Paul continued. When do we encourage those who are determined to continue their ministry for the glory of God?

The Ephesians get Riled Up!

Acts 19:23-41

The account of the silversmiths getting the city riled up contains real drama in a grand scale. We find that Paul once again wanted to face the mob with no thought to his personal safety. He wanted to continue to make the case for Christianity with the mob.

The silversmiths had their incomes threatened by the Christians. They claimed that they were defending the honor of their goddess, Artimas. Their livelihood depended on making shrines for the goddess for the tourists as souvenirs and religious icons.

The town clerk is concerned that the Roman government would construe the gathering without a clearly defined purpose was a riot threatening his job. The Romans were pretty easy to get along with until it came to civil disobedience. If they heard about any civil disobedience, they would demand to know why the disturbance happened and they would dismiss anyone they felt did not do their job to avert the disturbance.

The town clerk calmed the crowd, reminded them of the consequences with the Romans for their actions, and then dismissed them. His goal was peace to save his own skin.

Questions to think of this week: How much do we rely on or follow the Bible studies of others? What is your vision for Christianity on our society?

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Does Your Christianity Have Room to Grow?

Acts 19:1-12

The men Paul found in Ephesus had an incomplete Christianity. They had not even grown a conviction that the Spirit exists let alone received it. They had heard of the Holy Spirit by the teaching of John. These brethren had been baptized into John’s baptism and learned his message pointing to Jesus.

Paul was leading the group questioning their understanding and opening the subject of imperfect obedience to the message of Jesus. He was preparing them for his message of the good news of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

John’s preaching was pointing the way for Jesus. His preaching was an awakening to the coming of the Messiah. John’s preaching differed from Jesus in that it was a threat. You’d better be watching because Jesus is coming. Jesus message was good news. There is hope of salvation through the Savior. See more in Matthew 3 and Luke 3 about John’s preaching.

Note that the Word says that God did these things through the hands of Paul. He was working and teaching in the temple. He was very busy and God kept him strong and awake to keep up with this physical work and his teaching work. Both were very taxing to body and emotions. Paul was eager to teach and Christians were eager to learn because they went to ‘class’ to learn more about Christianity instead of resting during the heat of the day like most people did. Next is the seven sons of Scevea calling attention to the evil of the magical arts. How does this apply to us today?

Have a Great Week!
Brad

Paul In Corinth

Acts 18:1-11

Paul heads to Corinth from Athens. Corinth was at a key location in the geography of Greece. Greece is nearly cut in half by water. Corinth is on the piece of land that links north and south regions of the country. Corinth is also a wicked city. Paul is basically jumping out of the boiling pot and into the frying pan as he goes from Athens to Corinth.

Paul lived and worked in Corinth and realized several of his greatest triumphs there. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he listed all sorts of wickedness. Such as some of you were will inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The sinfulness of Corinth was the opportunity of Christ. Paul is letting the Corinthians know that they are being harsh on the new converts given their own backgrounds before putting on Christ in baptism.

The Worst City of All

Paul devoted himself to preaching Christ in Corinth. Paul accepted no money for his preaching and teaching the word as a Rabbi in Jewish society. He was a ‘vocational’ preacher in Corinth. A rabbi received no money for preaching and teaching the word. They had to have a trade. Paul made a living and preached the word. He gained tremendous respect because of his insistence that he make preaching his loving gift. Paul was described as a tent-maker. Paul was always proud that he didn’t have to depend on anyone (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 11:9).

Timothy and Silas came to Corinth to bring Paul a gift that made it possible for him to devote all of his time to preaching the word and put aside his trade. This was likely support from the Philippians whom loved Paul and were supportive in the work of the Lord. Problems were rising in the city of Corinth against his teaching of the gospel of Christ. He would soon have to go before the governing bodies again and defend his faith and his preaching of the word of God.

Then, when Paul needed it, the Lord spoke to him that he would not be harmed. The Lord was with him to allow him to speak boldly once again. In the presence of God, Paul found his courage and strength. He was assured that God was with him to confront and endure whatever the devil had in store for him in his ministry preaching Christ.

Paul in Athens

Acts 17:16-31

Paul found himself in Athens and as usual he had discussions with the Jews and philosophers of the area. He never looked back at the trouble, but ahead to the new group to preach the gospel of Christ. This time in Athens, the people had nothing better to do than talk of the ‘cutting edge’ ideas of the day or listen to new ideas. They were intrigued by Paul because he came with new ideas.

They also had tried to cover their religious bases with alters to all of the gods they knew and there was one there to an unknown god. Paul saw this and began there with his preaching to the Athenians. Paul was speaking to the Epicureans who believed that everything happened by chance, that death was the end of everything, that the gods were remote from everything of the world and did not care, and that the purpose of life of the pursuit of pleasure. They did not want material pleasure because, to them, pleasure could only be in situations where there was no pain.

The Stoics believed that everything was God. They felt that God was a fiery spirit that became dull in matter so that everything has a piece of God in it. They believed that everything that happened was the will of God so everything should be accepted without resentment. They believed that the world disintegrated and regenerates to go through the same cycle of events again.

The people took Paul to the Areopogus to share his ideas. So, he was in the most learned city in the world in front of the most exclusive court in the world. The court had about thirty and they did talk through and handle moral dilemmas as well as acting as a legal court. To Paul, this was just another God-given opportunity to share God’s word as a witness for Christ.

Paul had a six-point sermon for at the Areopogus.

1. God is the maker and not made by human hands referring to the alter to the unknown god.

2. God has guided history through time. He has caused the rise and fall of nation since the beginning of time.

3. God has made man in such a way that they long for and seek God in the darkness.

4. The days of feeling our way through and ignorance are passed. Searching in the darkness has been accomplished.

5. The day of judgment is coming. Life is not progressing to extinction as the epicureans believed. Everything is not absorbed back to God as the Stoics believed. Life is a journey to the judgment seat of God where Jesus Christ is the judge.

6. The proof of the absolute power is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is no unknown god but a risen Christ with whom we have to deal. Remember Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.

Acts 17:32-34

The Athenians Respond

The Athenians had enough pretty quickly especially when they heard about the resurrection of dead men. So typical of the Athenians was that they wanted to handle the intellect of the situation, but they don’t want to follow through with action. It seems that Paul had less success in Athens than in other areas he had preached, but some still believed. It was worth his effort. The Spirit had a purpose for leading Paul to Athens.

Paul had to deal with three main responses: 1) Some Athenians mocked him. They were amused at the apparent passion and earnestness of this Jew. He was merely entertainment to them. Making light of life in this instance will certainly end in tragedy. 2) Some put off their decision in procrastination. We will hear you at a later time. Procrastination is dangerous because once you decide to put off a decision; you so often have made your decision to ignore. 3) Some of the Athenians accepted the message and embraced it. Foolish men reject an offer coming from God.

There were two men named as accepting Christ. The position of women in Athens was very restricted. It is very unlikely that a respectable woman would have been in the market square at all. It is telling that she was moved to turn away from the shame that was her life. Once again the message of God cuts across all social and economic lines.

Next, Paul heads to Corinth

Have a Great Week!

Brad