><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 22: 17-29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1)Paul argues in verses 19, 20 that he is well qualified to take the gospel to the Jews. Why? Yet God commands him to go to the Gentiles (verse zi). What practical lessons about Christian service and God's working may we learn from this? 2)With verses 22-29 compare 16: 22, 23, 37-39. Paul mentions his Roman citizenship to prevent scourging; yet at Philippi he had acted otherwise. Compare the circumstances and consider the reasons for Paul's action. Are you prepared to forgo your personal rights for the sake of God's glory? Cf I Cor. 9: 12. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 22: 17-29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 17: v17-21 -- Testimony Part III: Paul's life after inviting Christ to be his Lord (which he was unable to finish). 18: Leave Jerusalem: There are times when the audience does not have an ear to hear nor eyes to see. Jesus warned against casting pearls of wisdom before pigs -- certainly not a very complimentary analogy! (Matt 7:6), and to shake the dust off your feet (Matt 10:14) when listeners are not responsive to the Gospel. 19: v19-20 Is Paul arguing with God? Do we respond to God's direction by informing him that we have the background and credentials to minister in his name (which is what Paul is doing here). In the context of Paul's response to God, I am impressed with Paul's ability to find elements of his life that he feels will allow him to connect with the Jews in Jerusalem. But God has the bigger picture. Like the makers of fine lace who work in the dark keeping the pattern in the light, God did not explain his path or purposes to Paul nor does he with us. Therefore we must be satisfied with working in the dark but must keep our eyes/thoughts on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1). Note that God does not respond to Paul's argument. Instead, he counters with expanded direction -- the Gentiles were to be the focus of Paul's ministry not the Jews. It is interesting, in the context of the immediate situation, that Paul repeated his conversation with God thereby testing his rationale for ministering to the Jews. It had been 20-30 years since Paul's vision. The atmosphere and sentiments had not changed much in the intervening time. 22: The inciting words appear to be Paul's stating that God directed him to go to the Gentiles. The Jews refused to accept that God had sheep in other pastures. 24: Flogged to extract a confession. 28: The issue of Citizenship: Our citizenship is in heaven. It is a citizenship that we can not purchase nor is it given as a right of birth. But, our heavenly citizenship does have a price: A price paid by Jesus on the cross. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Paul really has a heart for the Jews, I think. However, it is very interesting how the Lord would NOT let him. One important lesson I get out of this is that God really will direct us. If we are steering wrong, God takes the wheel completely out of our hands and swerves us to the right direction. It is also noteable how Paul is an "envelope-pusher". He really tried to push his ideas; I believe this is an excellent quality which shows conviction; yet without God's approval, we can do nothing. However, we often don't know what to do. Sometimes it takes trying and if the Lord allows that door to open, it is a way; if not, we must accept and follow His will despite our own desires. He knows what's best for us.l (Rom 8:28) If Paul had announced his Roman citizenship at Phillipi before being thrown into jail, the jailer and his whole household would not have been saved. On the other hand, in Jerusalem he was just being detained from going on to the Gentiles as the Lord had commanded. It really was a sacrifice on Paul's part; The Lord certainly did grant him insight on when to use this citizenship protest, and when not to. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The prayer in a trance: In Jerusalem, P. was praying in the temple, and he was in a trance, Acts 22:17. In II Corin. 12:3-4 also mentioned the same kind of experience in third heaven and also in Paradise. This experience whether it was in the body or out of the body P. could not tell. Obviously, Paul was praying along. The point is that a deep praying experience seems to happen while we pray alone to the Lord. (ii) Paul's Unfinished Speech to Jerusalem Mob: After the crowd heard that dEPART, FOR i WILL SEND YOU FAR FROM HERE TO THE gENTILES, 22:21, they were so furious and started the riot because they would not accept the fact that Jesus is Christ. (iii) God Equips Every One Who He Calls: 22:22-29 is mainly talking about Paul's Roman citizenship. It leads me to think that when God calls each one to serve Him, He will properly equip us. When I read Genesis, at the earlier stage of my Christian life, about God's call to Abram, I did not see the reason behind it. When I first read the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew. I questioned so strongly in my mind - why did not it start with Adam? Later on, I started to realize that salvation was given to the called race, not the created race. It took me a while about the call of Abram. Yet, even up to now, I just take the salvation plan as what is written; it is beyond my comprehension. What is so sure in me is that Bible is God's Word. There are certain things there is no benefit to argue; because our wisdom is not up to God's level at all. Look around the saints among us and review how the Father calls each one of us to serve Him. Is it amazing that how each one of us is like and being called of what to do?! Praise the Lord. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) He is an example of a life changed by the Grace of God to work the Glory of God. We see here that what makes 'sense' in our minds and seems right in our eyes is not always exactly how God is working. When it seems that OUR skills and background seem just perfect for a situation, in fact, the Lord may say true, but then who would get the glory? God or us? It is for this reason that many times we are asked to /put into situations where we may not be comfortable so that Christ living in Us can be glorified. 2) It is interesting that at this time Paul chooses to make known his Roman citizenship, yet if we look carefully it is easy to see the reason. God told him to do so! Not in explicit words, but in telling him "..I will send you far away" Paul realized that God did not intend for him to be jailed. The other instance was when P&S were jailed and the jailor came to the Lord through the testimony and proclamation of the Gospel by Paul and Silas. In each instance, Paul was obedient to what God commanded. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 22:30 - 23: 10 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1)What is Paul's testimony concerning his behaviour and his belief? Cf 24:16 and 2 Tim. 1:3. He sought always to live to the glory of God. Are you able to testify in the same way concemirig your behaviour and belief? 2)Consider Paul's tactics in the courtroom: (a) his righteous anger(verses 3~5) and (b) his division of the court (verses 6-10). Once again the enquiry was abandoned. Was Paul more concerned for his own welfare and a settlement of the whole matter, or for the truth? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 22:30 - 23: 10 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 23:1: ...fulfilling my duty to God... -- Can we say this? 5: My Bible notes indicate that may have been one of several reasons why Paul said this: Irony, poor eyesight, the one sitting in the seat of the high priest was not always the high priest, or refusal to recognize the high priest in these circumstances. Ananias was know as a cruel and violent man. 6: Paul, purposely turning his accusers in on themselves. Indication that they were easily distracted or diverted from their objective -- do away with Paul. 9: Had Paul raised an issue that the Pharasee's could use as leverage against the Sadducees? Sound like any legislative body you know? Paul, politicising his position. The Pharasees claiming that the resurrection was the reason Paul was detained. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Good Conscience Before God, 23:1b: II Tim. 1:3a - i THANK gOD, WHOM i SERVE WITH A PURE CONSCIENCE, AS MY FOREFATHERS DID, ---- . I Tim. 3:9 - HOLDING THE MYSTERY OF THE FAITH WITH A PURE CONSCIENCE [Qualification of Deacons]. II Cor. 1:12 - fOR OUR BOASTING IS THIS: THE TESTIMONY OF OUR CONSCIENCE THAT WE CONDUCTED OURSELVES IN THE WORLD IN SIMPLICITY AND GODLY SINCERITY, NOT WITH FLESHLY WISDOM BUT BY THE GRACE OF gOD, AND MORE ABUNDANTLY TOWARD YOU. Acts 24:16 - tHIS BEING SO, i MYSELF ALWAYS STRIVE TO HAVE A CONSCIENCE WITHOUT OFFENSE TOWARD gOD AND MEN. These verses indicate clearly that a man without this essential virtue can not serve God. That is why the high priest Ananias asked those who stood by Paul to strike Paul's face. It seems to imply that Ananias is a man without good conscience and does not have the qualification to serve God. However, P. did not know that he was the high priest, 23:5, otherwise P. would not have said that to the high priest. (ii) The Divided Council: Acts 23:1-10 gives me an understanding that when we appear before the world, there is no need to be quiet and submissive like Jesus faced Sanhedrin and Pilate, Matthew 26 and 27. Jesus did it that way because He had a different mission. I strongly believe that today we need to use our wisdom to conduct ourselves on certain issues "to be like Jesus," to serve the Lord. On the other hand, on certain other occasions we ought to take "Paul's approach" addressed in today's text to deal with worldly affairs. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- It is strange; I would think that calling anyone a "whitewashed wall" (a hypocrite - something beautiful on the exterior but having unclean contents within, says my ref.)is not the best witness, but I suppose that what was important was that P acknowledged his wrong when he realized who Ananias was. Moreover, Paul first acknowledged that he had fulfilled his duty to God in good conscience. Living to the glory of God is not an easy task. We must always seek to make our speech seasoned with salt of the Word. We should not be grumblers or complainers, but full of encouragement and good fruits. Above all, it requires the Holy Spirit's working inour lives, for these changes come from Him and not us. I'm glad that there is such a term as "righteous anger"; I don't know how we would survive in this world without it. However, the key to righteous anger (in my opnion) is that it is under control. It is not in a rage of blind fury. It is recognizing injustice or extreme and deliberate ungodliness and despising it. Paul was sly! I admire his effective strategy. I am unsure whether he was trying to merely point out their own confusion or just cause division; but notice that when speaking the Truth, no lies are needed, just effective strategy given to P by the Lord. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul testifies that He is serving God in a good conscience. He even goes so far as to call the High priest a hypocrite. After realizing who he is, Paul apologizes. It is intesresting that he respects the organization he may not support. 2) Paul seems to be looking out for himself in a way. It doesn't appear that he tries to correct his views or make them crystal clear. As Luke recounts, they thought maybe an angel spoke to him. Paul doesn't clarify that it was Jesus CHrist who spoke to him. There are some time in our dealings with the world that we must just be silent and let the world go off in its own way and make up its own mind. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 23:11-35. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1)Consider how greatly Paul must have needed encouragement because of (a) the physical strain he had undergone, (b) the pain of Israel's unbelief, (c) the seeming failure of his witness, and (d) the danger of which he would be aware next day. How would the vision and the words spoken by the Lord meet all these needs? What words of the Bible have you found a help in such times? Do you memorize them? 2)God sends deliverance in many different ways. How did He send deliverance in this case? Paul must have been greatly encouraged by what his nephew did. Are you able to do any acts of kindness that will bring gladness to some person in need or loneliness or anxiety? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 23:11-35. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 11: Another vision! Paul's walk with the Lord was such that he knew and understood when the Lord was addressing him. It was Paul's desire to visit Rome! Now the Lord was indicating that that was where he would be going. Did this influence his thinking and actions when he forced the hand of the Festus, the Governor, by appealing to Caesar? That would certainly get him to Rome on Rome's ticket -- not his own! 12: I wonder if they actually followed through on the oath -- since it was several years before Paul's death? Another indication in a few short verses of the volitile situation in Jerusalem. First, the scene at the Temple, then the soldiers mistook Paul for an Egyptian rable rouser, and now the Jewish leaders themselves were ploting. Putting this in context -- Jesus was crucified in about AD 30. Paul had been preaching many years -- maybe as many as 20 or 30. This puts this incident within 10 to 20 years of the jewish revolt that brought Rome down on them in which the Temple was destroyed. 15: The conspiracy -- an emotional negative response to the gospel. At no point was there an attempt to debate the matter on intellectual or philisophical grounds. 23: The Commander was charged with keeping the peace. He also had, as a prisoner, a Roman citizen! he was not about to let the Jews kill his prisoner! 470 men to escort the prisoner! Under cover of darkness. 29: How do we respond to doctrinal positions (questions about the law) that conflict with our own? It is one thing to deal with core doctrinal issues, i.e., those that divide believers from cults. It is another matter to deal with issues that lie outside of the core issues, i.e., how we define what are and are not core issues. The Jews were split over the issue of the ressurection of the dead. How effective were they in being salt and light in their society when divided over doctrinal issues? How effective are we if we spend our time and energy in debating non-critical doctrinal issues? -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- I write verses that are relevant to my current problems on a sheet of paper and carry them around in my bag. Yes, words of encouragement are so much needed. Today, (coincidence?) I received such encouragement. It wasn't fancy or eloquent, just truly encouraging and with God's grace. It changed my whole attitude. let us never forget what words of encouragement mean to people. Make a conscience habit to do it more and to be sincere about it. Season it with prayer. Heb. 10:25: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (AMEN). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Plot Against Paul, 23:11-22: In case I have to go through what Paul had experienced, the encouragement Bible verse for me would be John 15:20 - rEMEMBER THE WORD THAT i SAID TO YOU, `a SERVANT IS NOT GREATER THAN HIS MASTER.' (John 13:16, when Jesus washed the disciples foot, He said that to them.) iF THEY PERSECUTED mE, THEY WILL ALSO PERSECUTE YOU. ---. There is a hymn that Watchman Lee used like to sing when he was in jail as a religious prisoner, he might be the writer too (author not identified) - Via Bethlehem We Started Our Journey. It has the same melody as What A Friend We Have in Jesus. It teaches us how to follow Jesus, starting from the manger, then the path of Nazareth, pressing on along the Lake Galilee, in the Garden of Gethsemane and finally on the cross ---. (I) Via Bethlehem we journey, We whose hearts on God are set; Babelike souls of Jesus learning, While our cheeks with tears are wet; For the manger and the stable Are not pleasant to our eyes, But our feet must follow Jesus, If our hands would grasp the prize. (II) Via Nazareth! The pathway Narrows still as on we go, Years of toil none understanding, Yet God teaches us to know That THE SERVANT IS NOT GREATER THAN THE LORD, who through long years Hid Himself from this world's glory, Follow Him! Count not the tears. (VIII) Just a few more miles, beloved! And our feet shall ache no more; No more sin, and no more sorrow, Hush thee, Jesus went before; And I hear Him sweetly whispering, "Faint not, fear not, still press on, For it may be ere tomorrow, The long journey will be done." Press on my friends, Faint not and fear not, Conflict is but for a day! -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul is visited by the Lord who gives him a simple yet reassuring message - Take courage! The Lord tells Paul that his testimony was not given in vain. We must cling to the Lord's comforting words in our times of greatest need, for they are the solid rock upon which we may stand. 2) Paul was delivered by a nameless young man(his nephew). It is very interesting that his name is not mentioned here. Paul thus begins his journey to Rome. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 24: 1-21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1)The Jewish prosecution employed on this occasion a trained advocate, Tertullus. What four charges are brought against Paul? What evidence is produced in support? 2)How did Paul answer these charges? See verses 12-13; 14-16; 17, 18. Note especially (a) that Paul had to contend with unsupported and false accusations (verses 19-21). He was firm but calm in refuting them. Are you, when you are in the same situation? (b) Paul was able to give a reason for the hope that he had (verses 14-16). Can you? (c) Paul was really on trial. because lie believed in the resurrection of the dead verse 21). Does this truth make a practical difference to your life? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 24: 1-21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 24: 5: Acts 17:6 "turning the world upside down" a repeat of the same charge. At least there is some consistency here. 13: The charges were untrue. 14: I am a member of the Way, but uphold the Law and the Prophets -- in other words, Paul is stating that, in fact, he was not in violation of the Jewish Law. 19: Jews from Asia who were the ones who instigated the riot. -------------------------------------------- * RJ Carr -------------------------------------------- Today, Paul is brought before Felix and charged with being a troublemaker, inciting riots, ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even desecrating the temple. There was no evidence brought up to back up these charges. Paul reacted calmly to the accusations... Fire only builds fire! I tend to be defensive when attacked and not stand up for what I believe in! I know this is not how to react. I was challenged by Bill McCartney on "Focus on the Family" yesterday morning. He said, we as men need to take a stand on what we believe in. We cannot continue to act and behave in certain ways with certain people. There needs to be consistency. Paul's principles and beliefs were the same across the groups he interacted with. I need to practice what I preach in all settings, especially when the heat is turned up! -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Tertullus is a lawyer, charging Paul as 1)troublemaker, 2) stirring up riots among Jews worldwide, 3) ringleader of the Nazarene sect (!), 4) attempting to desecrate the temple. In defense, P says that he recently went to Jerusalem to worship (not riot), peaceful and not arguing at the temple or stirring a crowd anywhere in the city. And they can't prove the charges they're making. Yet, P. admits his faith in the Way, and adds that he does believe the Law and Prophets, etc., and even was ceremonially clean in the temple. He further indicates the Jews from Asia that are absent should be there, or else those present should make clear what they have against him. Over all, he continues to profess his faith in the Way. It's a complicated issue they were arguing - the resurrection of the dead. Above all, it was important for P to stand firm to show his faith was immoveable. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Resurrection of Both the Just and the Unjust, 24:15: Jn. 5:28-29 - dO NOT MARVEL AT THIS; FOR THE HOUR IS COMING IN WHICH ALL WHO ARE IN THE GRAVES WILL HEAR hIS VOICE. aND COME FORTH - THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GOOD, TO THE RESURRECTION OF LIFE, AND THOSE WHO HAVE DONE EVIL, TO THE RESURRECTION OF CONDEMNATION. Galatians 6:8 - fOR HE WHO SOWS TO HIS FLESH WILL OF THE FLESH REAP CORRUPTION, BUT HE WHO SOWS TO THE sPIRIT WILL OF THE sPIRIT REAP EVERLASTING LIFE. In Revelation 20:4-6, two resurrections are mentioned. The righteous will be resurrected first to rule and reign during the millennium. Then, the lost will wait until the second resurrection 1000 years later for the judgment. I wrote an e-mail tonight to a friend to express my concerns of his eternal life that "It is great to have a friend like you. But I am a Christian. I have concerns of your eternal life ------ " The concerns we have is sharing our first resurrection together with others and not let them go into the second resurrection of judgment. The same concern Paul had for Governor Felix of Palestine. Unfortunately "the convenient time" never did come to Felix, 24:25. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin CHao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul is accused by Tertullus of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots, ringleader of a sect, and desecrating the temple. Witnesses are brought forward to attest to the charges and Paul himself is cross examined. 2) Paul answers the charges saying that he did go to Jerusalem, but did not riot, or argue. He also states that they cannot prove the charges, but does not deny them. He gave his stand and statement of faith(an excellent short sweet statement, easily understandable by even Felix). He remained cool and level headed. Paul is more than willing to stand up for his belief in the ressurection. We too must be ready to stand and give account for our beliefs and our reasons for believing I Peter 3:15. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 24:22 - 25:12 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1)Vs.24:22-27. Paul before Felix. What four motives controlled Felix's treatment of Paul? Do self-interest and fear ever stop you from doing what is right? 2)25:1-12. Paul before Festus. Why did Paul refuse Festus' offer for a trial in Jerusalem, and instead., as a Roman citizen, claim his right to appeal to Caesar? Do you think Paul was taking the right course of action regardless of the consequences? Note. 25:11. A Roman citizen could appeal to a higher Roman magistrate against his sentence, or at any stage in his trial. Paul now appeals to Nero. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 24:22 - 25:12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 24: Was Felix just curious, needed a diversion, or was his interest from the HS? 25: Not the message that Feliz wanted to hear! Paul was getting too personal, not just an intellectual or philosophical exercise. 27: Felix had obviously not sent for the commander, Lysaius or Lysaius would have come immediately. See v26 -- obviously Felix was certain that eventually Paul would offer him a bribe. 2: Paul had burned himself into their memories! 3: I wonder if the 40 men who made the oath two years earlier had starved to death by this time? 11: After two years, Paul takes action that will set him on the road to Rome. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Felix treated Paul based on 1) his own appearance before the Jews, etc., 2) his own judgement and level of mercy, 3) opinions of his wife, a Jewess and 4) self-interest and gain. He had 1/2 an ear to hear, but not enough. It's too bad. He was pretty fair, although too concerned with the crowd's opinions. He let Paul have some freedom, therefore Felix was not cruel and hard, more like a weather vane, blown by the opinions of others. Too bad he couldn't make up his own mind and accept salvation; it is really a pity. It seems obvious that Paul knew the destination God intended him to reach - Rome. Didn't the Lord speak to him specifically about going to Rome? Paul was shrewd, as usual. He was not unaware of the sly Jews' plans. Festus couldn't fairly order a trial in Jerusalem (also P had privileges of Roman citizen), I guess, since all that P said was true - he hadn't done anything against the Law of the Jews or Caesar's temple. It's important not to do anything illegal as Christians, so that we can defend ourselves fully by being innocent. Keep your conscience clear before God AND MAN. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Felix was a man who was acquainted with the Way. Like many people today, Felix knew the basics, but had never come to know Christ as his personal Saviour and developed that personal desire for a growing relationship with the Living God. Felix was motivated by: a)Fear(fear of the message of Paul) b) money(the hope for a bribe) c) Power(he wanted to keep political power) d)Status(he wanted favor in the eyes of men). Felix is 'Everyman' or at least EveryWorldlyman. He is seeking approval in the eyes of his peers. He yearns for the truth, but only wants it when it's "convenient" for him. He is so many characters in Jesus' parables wrapped into one. He is the rich young ruler, the lazy servant, the disciples bickering who would be greater...you can draw examples from so many parables for comparison. He epitomizes the world and someone who is so focused skyward that he doesn't see the hole he's about to fall into. 2) I think Paul appeals mainly due to the Lord's command to him 2 chapters back that He wanted Paul to preach in Rome. Even knowing that greater peril lay ahead, Paul pressed on obedient to the Lord's commands to him. Let us also press on in faith to claim the victory Christ has won for us! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Paul's Preaching to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla, 24:24-25: The topic of the message is Righteousness, Self-control and the Judgment. Why? Because they need to know how to live in God's Way. He needs to live right, not to be "a heavy-handed ( MEANWHILE HE ALSO HOPED THAT MONEY WOULD BE GIVEN HIM BY PAUL, 24:26), reveling in cruelty and lust." They should have self-control not to be a man of three wives or re-married to other man. When they heard about the judgment of these sinful lives, Felix was afraid and did not want to hear about this any more. Today, they are there waiting for judgment. This, in fact, is a good outreach message. (ii) God's Timing for A New Governor - Festus: Festus was a new Governor at that time and would like to be peaceful among them. He could find no fault in Paul. Then, Paul decided to appeal to Caesar. The reasons Paul wanted to appeal the case to Caesar are (a) being Roman citizen, he has the right to appeal the case to Caesar; (b) Otherwise, Paul would be given to Jews and be sent to Jerusalem. He would be killed even before reaching Jerusalem. (c) In the earlier years of Caesar Nero, he was gentle in nature. Therefore, praise the Lord! TO CAESAR YOU SHALL GO! 25:12b. During these years, AD 60 to 68, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, I & II Timothy and Titus were written. They are all God's word. I like Titus the best, because I like Titus, a strong young man. It was written in Macedonia during 62-66. Lord! Thank you for these books!!!!! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 25: 13-27 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1)What evidence is there that Festus can be commended for his fair dealings with Paul? Nevertheless, what major fault did he reveal (cf Mic. i5: Is; Acts 24:27; 25:9)? Do you believe that God sometimes uses non-Christians, with their faults, for His own purposes? Cf Is. 45: I. Should this alter our attitude towards people in authority? 2) What promises of God are now being fulfilled in Paul's eperience? Cf Acts 9: Is, 16; 22: 15. What condition did Paul have to satisfy? How would God's word prevent him from feeling that the last two years awaiting trial had been a waste of time? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 25: 13-27 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 19: Again and again the charges against Paul came down to a matter of the Jewish law, not the Roman law. If Paul was to have a hearing before Caesar, who would testify against him? Would the Jews from Jerusalem travel to Rome. 26: An admission that Festus was having trouble stating charges worthy of taking the case before Caesar. Yet Paul had appealed to Caesar. Was Paul trying to force Felix and then Festus' hand to release him since there were no valid charges or was this the Lord's method of giving Paul the opportunity of giving testimony in Rome. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Festus said "it seems unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him." This shows his fairness, and it is commendable, considering the past ruler (Felix) who followed the crowd. However, Festus was prone to do favors for the Jews. I believe God uses non-Christians every day for His purpose. It should alter our view towards leaders. We should understand that He is in charge ultimately, but we ought to respect those appointed as leaders. Paul is bearing witness before kings as promised in Acts 9:15. God's promises are true, and are "Yes" in Christ. Sometimes we feel impatient and wonder why nothing is happening. However, God is working good to those who love him (Rom. 8:28!) One perfect example of this is job hunting. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Festus Consults King Herod Agrippa II: Governor Festus was a new Governor of Judea and he could not find a charge worthy of sending Paul to Rome. So when King Agrippa came to visit him, Festus brought Paul before the king for a cross examination because of Agrippa's expertise and familiarity with Jewish cultural background. Acts 25 26-27: "i HAVE NOTHING CERTAIN TO WRITE TO MY LORD CONCERNING HIM. tHEREFORE i HAVE BROUGHT HIM OUT BEFORE YOU, AND ESPECIALLY BEFORE YOU, kING aGRIPPA, SO THAT AFTER THE EXAMINATION HAS TAKEN PLACE i MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO WRITE. fOR IT SEEMS TO ME UNREASONABLE TO SEND A PRISONER AND NOT TO SPECIFY THE CHARGE AGAINST HIM." (ii) Did King Agrippa Find Any Charge against Paul? No, King Agrippa could not find any charge against Paul's accusation set by the Jews - Acts 26:32: tHEN aGRIPPA SAID TO fESTUS, "tHIS MAN MIGHT HAVE BEEN SET FREE IF HE HAD NOT APPEALED TO cAESAR." In other words, it was Paul's own free will to go to Rome. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Festus tries to deal fairly with Paul in obeying what the law requires. He could have sentenced him at the will of the people immediately, but he upheld Paul's right to a trial before Caesar. Each of the leaders has "wanted to do the Jews a favor". As with Felix, Festus gives in to the pressures of this world and society/ the mob mentality and what is accepted in this world. We must as Christ commanded "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's" this means obedience to those in authority over us. 2) Paul was told that God wanted him to preach the gospel in Rome. I believe Paul's efforts in the court were motivated by this knowledge that the Lord was leading him to Rome. God's word was probably a reassurance that He was doing the right thing. Many times we become discourage waiting for His timing and action upon a direction we feel He has led us. I experienced this recently with my move to Harrisonburg. I sensed the Lord's leading there, and obeyed, I waited for 3 months before a true confirmation through my present job was given to me for my move there. All the while, I was holding onto the sense of 'leading' that the Lord had sent me to Harrisonburg. While my 3 months cannot begin to compare to 2 years, I have a small taste of the wrestling with security and certainty that Paul must have gone through in part due to the unusually lengthy waiting period for the Lord's confirmation.