Category: Scripture

Acts 26

Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa

26:1 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language,¹ ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”² 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Footnotes

[1] 26:14 Or the Hebrew dialect (probably Aramaic)

[2] 26:28 Or In a short time you would persuade me to act like a Christian!

(ESV)

Acts 25

Paul Appeals to Caesar

25:1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul¹ that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice

13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”

23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

Footnotes

[1] 25:3 Greek him

(ESV)

Going Deeper

Watchful Ministry (11-1-14)

Grab your bible and let’s go deeper into Acts 20

In Acts 20:17-27 Paul calls the Ephesian elders to come meet with him and reminds them how he has labored to the point of tears in bringing the Gospel.  He has lived a life of lowliness and labor and tears and trials and utter dedication. And in

Acts 25:27

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

he declares that he “did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

In

Acts 25:28

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

Paul is about to speak clearly about what they, as Faithful Servants of Christ are to do as he leaves:

Acts 20:28-31:  “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God which he bought with his own blood. ²⁹I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ³⁰Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. ³¹So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”

Acts 25:28

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

starts, “Keep watch…”   Then

Acts 25:31

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

says, “Be on your guard…” So the paragraph begins and ends with a call to watchfulness.  We must be alert, awake, open-eyed, and watchful.

This is Paul’s way of saying that the church is always threatened.  Satan never takes vacations. Sin lurks at the door waiting for the moment of doctrinal or moral carelessness. The command for the Christians, therefore, is: Stay awake. Be alert. Know sound doctrine and watch.

But, watch what?  Paul applies our watchfulness in two ways:

First, you must watch yourself. 

Acts 25:28

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

: “Keep watch over yourselves…” It’s not surprising that Paul says this first, is it? He spent half his message talking about his own life and work. The point was: it matters what kind of person you are, not just what you believe. So the first command to these Christian leaders is to watch over themselves.   One of the ways we keep watch over ourselves is those invited to walk with us.  Our brothers who we invite all the way into our struggles, habits, practices, etc. God saved us into the church for a reason. We are not meant to do this alone!

Second, we must keep watch over our brothers, our club!! 

Acts 25:28

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

continues:  “…and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God which he bought with his own blood.”

WHAT ARE WE TO WATCH OUT FOR?

1. Watchfulness for Satan’s advances & those opposed to God looking to hurt his family. 1 Peter 5:8-11: “⁸Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”  When a lion hunts its prey all it has to do is get one claw into it and then it pulls it in.

2. Watchfullness for False Teachers so we can protect the church from false teachings.

Acts 20:30-31 “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears”.   His message is clear:  Be on your guard because there are wolves among you.

The activity of a wolf is primarily presenting a false gospel that does not lead to life. The reality is:  most of us have grown up in church settings or have had experiences with Christians where false—inaccurate—life-sucking teachings have been sold as THE GOOD NEWS of Jesus.  We must protect the flock with keen discernment so that we can determine who is truly a sheep and who is a wolf disguised as a sheep looking to hurt and tear apart the flock or detract exultation of God’s name.

Paul speaks to the danger of this in Galatians 1:6-7 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—⁷which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.”  Paul talks about the people in Galatia believing a different gospel!  False teaching = false faith = false living.

There is only one gospel that saves and that empowers!  Standing on any other foundation is hopeless and powerless.

Acts 20:32-35 “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Why this is Good News?  The word of God’s grace brings us to the inheritance of everlasting joy. Let’s read

Acts 25:32

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

again and take special notice of what Paul says the word of grace is able to give us: Acts 20:32  “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” The word of God’s grace is able to give you an inheritance.

What is the inheritance? Well, the inheritance Paul sometimes talks about is the kingdom of God. Twice in 1 Corinthians (6:9,10) and once in Galatians (5:21) he says that people who go on living in sin and unbelief will not inherit the kingdom of God.

It’s the inheritance Jesus talked about when the rich young ruler came and asked him, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18, 25, 26; cf. Titus 3:7).

It’s what Jesus meant when he said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

The inheritance is salvation, the kingdom of God, a restored relationship with the king of kings, it is eternal life—”the riches of the glory of God” (Ephesians 1:18; Romans 8:17).

This is what Paul says the word of grace is able to give the leaders at Ephesus and SFJMC.  “I commend you to God & to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and GIVE YOU THE INHERITANCE.”

How Does the word of God’s grace bring us to inheritance? “The word is able to build you up and give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” “Those who are sanctified” are the ones who receive the inheritance. So to receive the inheritance of eternal life and the kingdom of God and everlasting joy you have to be sanctified. In short, it means that your heart is changed so that you love the holy God and his revealed will for your life, and that you hate sin, especially in your own life.

The way the word gives the inheritance is by sanctifying. And this is exactly what Jesus said the word of God does. In John 17:17 he prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth. Thy word is truth.”  The word of God sanctifies. Therefore the word of God gives the inheritance of eternal life; because the inheritance is given to all who are sanctified.

Building Up and Sanctifying

The ability of the word of grace to build up is virtually the same as its ability to sanctify.  “I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and (in this way) give you the inheritance among (all the others) who are (built up, that is,) sanctified.”

So when Paul leaves Miletus and commits them to the care of God and his word, he is not committing them to something passive. The word of God is active and powerful. Paul says that the word of grace (the true gospel of Jesus) is a builder. It builds a useful structure out of a life of ruins. It builds design out of a life of confusion. It builds security out of fear and anxiety.  It builds strength out of weakness. It builds permanence and stability out of wavering uncertainty.  It builds beauty out of ugliness.

It brings us to the inheritance of everlasting joy because it has a sanctifying effect upon our lives.

Thank you Jesus for Grace that brings inheritance—and new life.   Thank you Lord for shepherds/officers/ leaders/brothers who will pay a costly price to serve, and protect, and teach the flock.

To close:  Paul reminds them of the words of the Lord Jesus, saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  The last thing Paul is doing as he ends this message is just what he said he was doing: he is committing them to the word of grace. And one thing that the word of grace says is this: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Or to put it another way, “The glory of God’s inheritance will restore to you ten thousand fold whatever you give up in a life of love.”  Because of God’s unsearchable grace, supplying every need and lavishing reward after reward, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Why is this Good News?  The word of God’s grace takes away the love of money and things.

Acts 25:33

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

: “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.” If you believe that the wealth of God’s grace and the glory of his inheritance are so immeasurable that giving is more blessed than getting, then the false idols of your heart are replaced!

One of the ways we are watchful against the enemy is to have a noble indifference to money.  The result:  it produces a passion to meet others’ needs. 

Acts 25:34

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

(ESV)

–35a. “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak.” The main point is that Paul did not want to get rich off anyone at Ephesus.  Instead he wanted to meet people’s needs. He wanted to make people rich with Jesus Christ.

This is our call as Soldiers for Jesus! Like Paul we need to:

• Serve the Lord with lowliness and tears and trials (v. 19).
• Care nothing for our own life if only we finish our course, because faithfulness is better than life (v. 24).
• Don’t shrink back from declaring the whole counsel of God or anything that was profitable (vv. 27, 20).
• Night and day, admonish everyone with tears (v. 31).

-Serving faithfully, faithfully serving.

By His grace and for His glory,

-Shepherd / Soldiers for Jesus MC / Bakersfield CA

Acts 24

Paul Before Felix at Caesarea

24:1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain¹ you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.² 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia—19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Paul Kept in Custody

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Footnotes

[1] 24:4 Or weary

[2] 24:6 Some manuscripts add and we would have judged him according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come before you.

(ESV)

Acts 23

23:1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

A Plot to Kill Paul

12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

16 Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

Paul Sent to Felix the Governor

23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.¹ 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:

26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. 33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium.

Footnotes

[1] 23:23 That is, 9 p.m.

(ESV)