Acts 26:1-23
Then Agripa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself."
Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
The Christ would suffer and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.
Once again Paul is called to speak in his own defence. As he told his story to the Jews in Jerusalem, now he tells it to the king. The central issue is resurrection - 'Why does it seem incredible to you that God should raise the dead? - specifically Chris' as the first to rise from the dead.
Why?
Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? This is the central concept to be a Christian. If Jesus did not raise from the dead, all of us are foolish and doing meaningless.
This Paul got vision from heaven, so Paul does not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
God's love from his own people and to the Gentile. This is the fulfill of the love from God.
How?
Trust in Jesus Christ and have faith to the Lord, whom will be saved?
Monday, June 10, 2019
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Festus is satisfied Paul has committed no crime
Acts 25:1-27
After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.
Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar! After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!
But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”
Two years pass, and Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus. His attempt to curry favor with the Jews compels Paul to appeal to Caesar. He has offended against neither Jewish nor Roman law. But he has more hope of justice from the Emperor Nero than from the Sahedrin!
When King Agrippa comes to pay his respects to the new governor. Paul's case is put to him. This is Agrippa II, son of the Herod of Acts 12:1, great-grandson of Herod the Great, Bernice, his sister and acting wife, crowned to the emperors Vespasin and Tutis.
Festus is satisfied Paul has committed no crime, so what charge can he write in his letter to the emperor about the prisoner he is sending to Rome.
Why?
This is a unjust, without righteous world!
Festus knew Paul has committed no crime, but they still kept Paul in prisoner.
Finally Paul asked I appeal to Caesar for there is not righteousness in their court.
How?
There is not real righteousness in this world, to be a Christian have to show the righteous of the Lord in our daily life.
After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.
Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar! After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!
But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”
Two years pass, and Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus. His attempt to curry favor with the Jews compels Paul to appeal to Caesar. He has offended against neither Jewish nor Roman law. But he has more hope of justice from the Emperor Nero than from the Sahedrin!
When King Agrippa comes to pay his respects to the new governor. Paul's case is put to him. This is Agrippa II, son of the Herod of Acts 12:1, great-grandson of Herod the Great, Bernice, his sister and acting wife, crowned to the emperors Vespasin and Tutis.
Festus is satisfied Paul has committed no crime, so what charge can he write in his letter to the emperor about the prisoner he is sending to Rome.
Why?
This is a unjust, without righteous world!
Festus knew Paul has committed no crime, but they still kept Paul in prisoner.
Finally Paul asked I appeal to Caesar for there is not righteousness in their court.
How?
There is not real righteousness in this world, to be a Christian have to show the righteous of the Lord in our daily life.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Keep my conscience clear before God and man
Acts 24;1-27
Paul replied:... My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
Five days after the transfer, Paul's case comes before the Roman governor, Felix. Tertullus opens ingratiatingly for the Jewish prosecution. Paul, confident of Roman justice, gives a succinct summary of events. His only 'crime' concerns his belief in resurrection. Felix adjourns the case, giving Paul limited freedom/
He later returns with Drusilla, a Jewess daughter of Herod, his third wife and the likely source of his information about the Christian Way. Paul's talk of 'justice and self-control and future judgment is too near the bone for this pair, especially as Felix was hoping for a fat bribe from his prisoner.
Why?
Paul is strive always to keep his conscience clear before God and man. This is our altitude of Christian.
Felix could not find any crime from Paul so he said you may leave, but he hoping Paul would offer him a bribe. This is the reason Paul could not be released.
How?
To be a Christian we may suffer trouble like Jesus, but God is with us, let us keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Paul replied:... My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
Five days after the transfer, Paul's case comes before the Roman governor, Felix. Tertullus opens ingratiatingly for the Jewish prosecution. Paul, confident of Roman justice, gives a succinct summary of events. His only 'crime' concerns his belief in resurrection. Felix adjourns the case, giving Paul limited freedom/
He later returns with Drusilla, a Jewess daughter of Herod, his third wife and the likely source of his information about the Christian Way. Paul's talk of 'justice and self-control and future judgment is too near the bone for this pair, especially as Felix was hoping for a fat bribe from his prisoner.
Why?
Paul is strive always to keep his conscience clear before God and man. This is our altitude of Christian.
Felix could not find any crime from Paul so he said you may leave, but he hoping Paul would offer him a bribe. This is the reason Paul could not be released.
How?
To be a Christian we may suffer trouble like Jesus, but God is with us, let us keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Opportunity and safety is provided by the Lord
Acts 23:12-35
The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot.
But when the son of Paul’s nephew heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
Forty men vow to kill Paul when he is taken to the Council for further questioning. But Paul's nephew alerts the tribune in time for a counter-plan.
The Romans administered the province of Judea from the port of Caesarea. The size of the escort provided for Paul and his fiends on the journey - heavy-armed infantry cavalry, light-armed troops - is an indication of the unrest in the province. Paul's emergency transfer turned into a weary two-year imprisonment, punctuated by three hearings of his case, without resolution.
Why?
Men formed a conspiracy to kill Paul, but heard by Paul's nephew, it is opportunity and it is God's arrangement to save Paul. Even the commander immediately order soldiers delivered Paul safely to Governor Felix.
This is two year imprisonment of Paul, but there was not resolution.
How?
God's plan is beyond our plan and mind. Opportunity is provided by the Lord.
The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot.
But when the son of Paul’s nephew heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
Forty men vow to kill Paul when he is taken to the Council for further questioning. But Paul's nephew alerts the tribune in time for a counter-plan.
The Romans administered the province of Judea from the port of Caesarea. The size of the escort provided for Paul and his fiends on the journey - heavy-armed infantry cavalry, light-armed troops - is an indication of the unrest in the province. Paul's emergency transfer turned into a weary two-year imprisonment, punctuated by three hearings of his case, without resolution.
Why?
Men formed a conspiracy to kill Paul, but heard by Paul's nephew, it is opportunity and it is God's arrangement to save Paul. Even the commander immediately order soldiers delivered Paul safely to Governor Felix.
This is two year imprisonment of Paul, but there was not resolution.
How?
God's plan is beyond our plan and mind. Opportunity is provided by the Lord.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Take courage!As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome
Acts 23:1-11
Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!
“My brothers, I am a Pharisee,descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Jesus stood silent before his accusers, but Paul is vocal. He does not hesitate to play one party against another in the Council, by stating that he is on trial for his belief in the resurrection of the dead. Again the Roman troops remove him to the safety of the fort.
At this low point, Paul is given a word of encouragement: he will be Christ's witness in Rome.
Why?
Paul did what is fulfilled to his duty to God in all good conscience to this day. No one can compare with his diligence.
Paul stood up to defense his accuse. for Paul understand the laws.
Paul said the truth that because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ, and it makes uproar among Pharisee and Sadducees.
God's word encouraged Paul continue to testify about Jesus Christ, not only in Jerusalem but also in Rome. For Paul has this ability and mission from the Lord.
How?
Do our best to testify about Jesus Christ.
Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!
“My brothers, I am a Pharisee,descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Jesus stood silent before his accusers, but Paul is vocal. He does not hesitate to play one party against another in the Council, by stating that he is on trial for his belief in the resurrection of the dead. Again the Roman troops remove him to the safety of the fort.
At this low point, Paul is given a word of encouragement: he will be Christ's witness in Rome.
Why?
Paul did what is fulfilled to his duty to God in all good conscience to this day. No one can compare with his diligence.
Paul stood up to defense his accuse. for Paul understand the laws.
Paul said the truth that because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ, and it makes uproar among Pharisee and Sadducees.
God's word encouraged Paul continue to testify about Jesus Christ, not only in Jerusalem but also in Rome. For Paul has this ability and mission from the Lord.
How?
Do our best to testify about Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Be a which citizenship of nation
Acts 22:17-30
“When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”
The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”
Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.
The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
But the mention of his mission to the Gentiles creates a fresh furore. Taken inside to be questioned under torture. Paul is strapped down , and about to be flogged, when he declares his Roman citizenship.
The story here differs in emphasis from the account in chapter 22. The goads are the pressures compelling Paul to a complete change of direction in life.
Why?
Paul's life changed for the appearance before him and show the vision to him.
The Lord send Paul to the gentiles for God loves everyone in the world, not only Jews.
But Jews refuse to listen Paul's explanation, so they raised their voices and shouted.
To be a Roman citizen has better treatment before Roman commander, so to be God's kingdom's citizen has better treatment before the Lord either.
How?
How great to be a citizen of God' nation.
“When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”
The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”
Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.
The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
But the mention of his mission to the Gentiles creates a fresh furore. Taken inside to be questioned under torture. Paul is strapped down , and about to be flogged, when he declares his Roman citizenship.
The story here differs in emphasis from the account in chapter 22. The goads are the pressures compelling Paul to a complete change of direction in life.
Why?
Paul's life changed for the appearance before him and show the vision to him.
The Lord send Paul to the gentiles for God loves everyone in the world, not only Jews.
But Jews refuse to listen Paul's explanation, so they raised their voices and shouted.
To be a Roman citizen has better treatment before Roman commander, so to be God's kingdom's citizen has better treatment before the Lord either.
How?
How great to be a citizen of God' nation.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Calling on his name
Acts 22:1-16
Paul spoke to the people that he was and what happened on him from Jesus.
Then he, Ananias , said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’
Permitted to speak in his defence. Paul recounts his own story.
Why?
God has chosen me to know his will and to see the righteous one and to hear words from his mouth. Even I have not the experience. But I have experienced God's grace and his wonder. God is my Savior. I will call on his name.
How?
Preach Gospel in my life to others and be a good witness for Jesus Christ.
Paul spoke to the people that he was and what happened on him from Jesus.
Then he, Ananias , said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’
Permitted to speak in his defence. Paul recounts his own story.
Why?
God has chosen me to know his will and to see the righteous one and to hear words from his mouth. Even I have not the experience. But I have experienced God's grace and his wonder. God is my Savior. I will call on his name.
How?
Preach Gospel in my life to others and be a good witness for Jesus Christ.
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