BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 25:11

Thursday, 29 February 2024
 
“For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Acts 25:11
 
Paul just corrected Festus’s request by noting that he stood before Caesar’s judgment, where his judgment should take place. He also noted that he had done no wrong to the Jews. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for him to be sent to a judgment by the Jews. Continuing his words, he next says, “For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death.”
 
Rather, he ties the two thoughts together, “For, indeed, if I am an offender and have committed anything deserving of death.” It may be that he was an offender. That was the point of a trial. But the trial for such a thing did not belong to the Jews whom he had not wronged. Instead, Paul understood that if he had done something wrong within the confines of Roman law, that he would be judged and punished according to that law. If found an offender, he says, “I do not object to dying.”
 
A citizen of Rome bore the responsibility of being Roman. They were to live according to the laws of Rome and uphold the principles, values, laws, and statutes of Roman society. Those who offended were to be charged and punished in the manner set forth by the laws of Rome. That included the death penalty. He would comply with the law, even if found guilty of a capital crime. However, he next says, “but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me.”
 
Paul’s words are more succinct, “if, however, there be none of which these accuse me.” The charges were made by the Jews. He has demonstrated that their case has no merit because he did nothing that violated Roman law. But even if he did, they had no authority over such things.
 
He was in the court of Rome. Therefore, it was completely unnecessary and unlawful to send him outside of that court for a trial. Thus, asking him to go to Jerusalem was a pointless venture. Therefore, he notes, “no one can deliver me to them.”
 
The meaning of this is “no one can legally deliver me to them.” Festus could have done so, but it would have been a violation of Paul’s rights. If discovered, Festus would have to face the consequences of such a bold violation of Roman law. It is something he would not even consider.
 
With this stated, Paul could have stopped and waited for a response from Festus, which certainly would have been after a consultation with his lawyer, a note of feigned apology to Paul’s accusers, and then a “You are free to go” to Paul.
 
However, Paul still had the words of Jesus from Acts 23:11 in his ears, and he probably felt sure that by his next words, they would come to pass. And so, without waiting for Festus to give his response, he used his rights as a Roman citizen and said, “I appeal to Caesar.”
 
This appeal, stated before the court with any witnesses in attendance, could not be denied. Making this appeal meant that Jesus’ words would now come to pass. Paul would be sent to Rome.
 
As a side note, this verse is one the Bible’s surest proofs that the death penalty of the Old Testament was never set aside in the New. Paul, the apostle of our church-age doctrine, acknowledges that Rome had a right to execute people and that there was nothing contrary to Christian ethics that he could or would appeal to. If there were, it would be in one of his epistles. It is not. Paul takes it as the norm that the death penalty was acceptable and expected for crimes as determined by the government.
 
Life application: It is always good to either know the law or have someone who knows the law represent you concerning legal matters. The way the laws of most nations are structured, one must tread carefully in such things.
 
Even when someone has not committed an infraction and also has proper representation, those who sit in judgment are often completely flawed in their thinking. Judges are elected or appointed by politicians. Therefore, there is usually already a bias involved in how they will judge.
 
Because politics is involved, some of the least astute people are appointed, all the way up to the highest courts in the land. In the United States, a recent appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court could not provide a definition for what a woman is. This demonstrates either an amazingly flawed social and political bias or a level of mental retardation never before seen in this court. And yet, because of her gender, race, and political persuasion, she was appointed to this highest court in the land.
 
In other words, just because you have done nothing wrong, it does not mean that you will not be found guilty of a crime you did not commit. In such an instance, you may then appeal your sentence to a higher court. If they carry the same bias as the lower court, which is commonly the case, you may then appeal to the highest court in the land.
 
As long as there are a sufficient number of truly impartial judges, you may have a chance of being exonerated. If not, and it is becoming more likely by the day, you may find yourself punished. As Christians are the most recent societal punching bags to be targeted, this can be expected more and more as the future unfolds. Be prepared for such a time.
 
Lord God, we long for the day You come for Your people. It is an unfair world, and the wickedness in it is increasing daily. We know You will judge all wrongdoing, but until that day, be with Your people as we face the onslaught of increasingly hostile governments against those who hold fast to Your word. Amen.

Acts 25:10

Wednesday, 28 February 2024
 
So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. Acts 25:10
 
The words are more literally rendered, “And Paul said, ‘I am, having stood upon the bema of Caesar, where I should be judged. I harmed Jews nothing, as you also know very well” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried. In response, Paul speaks firmly and directly: “And Paul said, ‘I am, having stood upon the bema of Caesar.”
 
The verb is a perfect participle, active. In essence, “I have stood and continue to stand upon the bema of Caesar.” As such, it is not surprising that Paul declined the invitation to be tried in Jerusalem. He had nothing to gain, and it was evident that neither Rome nor Jerusalem had any basis for a conviction against him.
 
Therefore, it was to this that he made his appeal. He was brought to a Roman setting for alleged crimes against Rome. The religious crimes of which he was charged went unproven, and so to send him back to Jerusalem would be a mockery of his time spent under Roman imprisonment. Because of where he was brought and where he continued to stand, he next notes it is “where I should be judged.”
 
Barnes paraphrases Paul”s thoughts by saying, “I am a Roman citizen. I have a right to justice. I am under no obligation to put myself again in the hands of the Jews. I have a right to a fair and impartial trial; and I claim the protection and privileges which all Roman citizens have before their tribunals - the right of a fair and just trial.”
 
This, then, is almost a rebuke to Festus for leaving the justice of Rome and a Roman citizen in the hands of those who had failed to make a case against him, despite many weighty accusations which were obviously false. Regardless of Festus being in attendance in Jerusalem or not, the trial would be a travesty. With that understood, and to make the point perfectly clear, he next says, “I harmed Jews nothing, as you also know very well.”
 
Although the tone of his voice is lacking, we can guess that the words were courteously stated while still being cutting in their meaning. The “you also” indicates quite clearly that Paul feels Festus has overlooked his rights as a Roman to accommodate those he will have to face during his tenure as governor. The stand is inappropriate, and Paul reminds him of this.
 
Paul also uses a word, kallion, found only here in Scripture. It means “very well.” Paul not only says “you also,” but he adds in this direct and bold statement that what Festus was presented, he was completely aware of it, despite not acting on what he knew.
 
Life application: When Jesus was tried, John records a part of His time before the leaders of Israel –
 
“The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, ‘I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.’
22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, ‘Do You answer the high priest like that?’
23 Jesus answered him, ‘If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?’” John 18:19-23
 
Jesus’ words were truthful and were stated in a way that told the high priest that what He had previously spoken could be verified by others. If this made the high priest look biased in his judgment and incomplete in his actions that led to Jesus’ arrest, that was his problem. Jesus said nothing evil or malicious.
 
This is something we must consider in our own speaking with others. People may not like how we respond to them, but as long as our words are truthful, any offense taken by those who hear us is their problem. Jesus and Paul were brought forth for trial. In Jesus’ case, it was to bring false charges against him to eliminate him.
 
In a similar manner, the Jews falsely accused Paul. The previous trial had demonstrated that. However, Festus' actions only exacerbated the problem by not acknowledging Paul’s innocence and immediately calling forth a not-guilty verdict.
 
Therefore, they both stated what was true concerning the trials in which they stood. Should you find yourself accused of wrongdoing, if you are innocent, be sure to speak out firmly about what the situation is. If the law is on your side and the judge is fair, you will suffer no harm from your words. However, if the trial is unfair, it will not make any difference from the start.
 
Either way, saying what is true and standing upon the truth is always the best option in such matters.
 
O God, it seems more likely each day that those who are willing to boldly proclaim the truth concerning Jesus will face increased persecution. The world has quickly taken a stand against the message of sin, our need for redemption, and that it is only found in Jesus. Instead, people want to work out wickedness without being bothered by the thought of facing judgment for their actions. Therefore, they increasingly want to do away with the messengers who proclaim this. And so, O God, give us boldness to stand firm on this truth no matter what the consequences. Amen.

Acts 25:9

Tuesday, 27 February 2024
 
But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?” Acts 25:9
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And Festus, intending to lay the Jews a favor, answering Paul, said, ‘Are you willing, having gone up to Jerusalem, to be judged there concerning these before me?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul gave his short defense concerning the charges against him. Now, with that complete, it says, “And Festus, wishing to lay the Jews a favor.”
 
In this clause is the second and last use of the word katatithémi. It signifies to lay or deposit a favor, probably with the view of receiving one in return. It was first seen in Acts 24:27. Both uses are tied into the sitting governor’s relationship with the Jews.
 
Festus was probably asked, in advance, that after the initial presentation of the charges, the matter could be brought to Jerusalem for evaluation there. Because it involved non-Roman religious matters, such a request would seem innocuous but satisfactory. Otherwise, he would certainly have just rendered his judgment and been done with the matter.
 
But he was an appointed diplomat and wanted to tactfully handle matters between himself and those he would have to deal with. Therefore, he “answering Paul, said, ‘Are you willing, having gone up to Jerusalem, to be judged there concerning these before me?’”
 
What seems apparent is that Festus found nothing wrong in Paul from the standpoint of his Roman jurisdiction. However, being the new governor, such a request would help maintain a friendly relationship with those now under him.
 
As such, and in order to obtain that standing, he asked Paul if he was willing to be judged, with him in attendance for his protection as a Roman citizen, by the religious court of the Jews. For him, it was a win-win move. If Paul declined, Festus would still be shown to have tried for the sake of the Jews. If accepted, then Festus would have allowed what was unnecessary from his seat of judgment but favorable in the eyes of the leaders of his subjects.
 
Life application: Politicians are generally people who are looking out for themselves. They desire power, recognition, and the ability to enrich themselves. The larger a city becomes, the more power and ability to influence others at higher levels they wield. For example, the mayor of Chicago will have more power and political influence than the mayor of a city of twelve hundred people.
 
As cities increase in size, the electorate generally tends to become more liberal. This means the people are less godly, more inwardly focused, and their attitudes about political issues increasingly do not align with Christian values.
 
For this reason, biblical Christianity becomes less and less acceptable to those in power. They do not want to be reminded of their sinful ways. Instead, they replace God with corruption and wickedness. However, these local leaders will have more sway with the next level of authority, such as the governor. Therefore, his policies will naturally align with those who can keep him in power.
 
From there, the governors have sway with the federal authorities and the corruption continues to expand. The ones to suffer the consequences of this are those whose ideas and goals do not match those of the people in power. Eventually, true Christians begin to be considered the enemy within. One can see this in almost any country on earth where there is a sizeable Christian population.
 
Their calls for holiness and right living stand at odds with the extreme levels of corruption and perversion that continue to be brought forth. Soon, there is a dividing wall between the two. Thus, the two ideologies are completely at odds. Those with the power will eventually act to remove this supposed infection from their site.
 
It is a pattern that has repeatedly occurred in the nations of the world, and it is one that is coming to a head throughout the world today. Christians must be willing to stand on their values and speak out, even if it means trouble lies ahead. Paul did this, and many faithful throughout the ages have done so as well.
 
Evaluate yourself. Strengthen yourself. Be ready to stand up for what is right, even if it will cost you greatly. The Lord will return a great blessing upon you when you stand before Him.
 
Wonderful Lord God, Your way is right and just and holy. Help us to stand up for it in this world of ever-increasing wickedness. May our lives and actions be found pleasing in Your sight as we face the enemies of perversion and corruption head-on. Strengthen us for this battle, O God. Amen.

Acts 25:8

Monday, 26 February 2024
 
while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.” Acts 25:8
 
More literally, it says, “He, making defense, ‘Neither toward the law of the Jews, nor toward the temple, nor toward Caesar, have I sinned anything’” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that when the Jews had come down from Jerusalem, they stood about and made many serious complaints against Paul. In response, it now says, “He, making defense.”
 
Paul states his defense very precisely and without any ruffles or flourishes. If he said more, Luke did not record it. That, however, is unlikely. Luke’s record is usually very precise, and such is probably the case here. Paul simply states his side as a fact. There would be no need to expand his words because the burden of proof rests with his accusers. Therefore, his words say, “Neither toward the law of the Jews, nor toward the temple, nor toward Caesar, have I sinned anything.”
 
Paul specifically makes his defense against the three main charges, any of which could cause him to be punished. He had not violated the law, desecrated the temple, or offended Caesar. In his words, “not...have I sinned anything,” the English seems odd, and it is usually paraphrased to get the sense across. However, it would have been a perfectly clear and understandable statement to Festus.
 
The word he uses is hamartanó. It can refer to an offense against man or God, including sin. It most especially means “to miss the mark.” Paul had stayed on course and not strayed from soundness in any of these areas. He had not offended in any manner that could be considered a violation worthy of trial.
 
He may have offended the Jews by going to the Gentiles to proclaim the saving message of Jesus, but that would only be something that offended them emotionally. It was not something that could be avoided in normal human interaction. They would have to get over it apart from legal charges.
 
Life application: In today’s world, there is an attempt to regulate personal offense, as if nobody should be allowed to harm the emotional state of others on even a basic level. The problem with this is that by passing such ridiculous laws, those who are targeted by them are emotionally offended.
 
It is not possible to avoid offending others because every person experiences life differently. Some enjoy one thing, others another. People can get upset by simply hearing that another doesn’t like to do what someone might find completely enjoyable – 
 
“I just love going to the beach. It is my place of refuge and relaxation.”
 
“Oh my, I can’t stand the beach! The sand gets everywhere, kids running around are so annoying, and the water is so salty... I just hate the place.”
 
*And the first person is suddenly offended, going home to cry.
 
Despite this, people in power want to somehow legislate control over emotional distress. This approach caters to the weakest as if they have an absolute right to never be offended. It is an impossible avenue to follow, and it will only continue to degrade society as the end times approach. Be sure when you vote to not cast a vote for anyone who promises to eliminate such ridiculous things. This is not the purpose of the government.
 
The Bible does not focus on such petty issues. Rather, it focuses on offenses that are truly harmful to others. As for the emotional state of others, like the Jews in Paul’s time, they must simply grow up and get over their emotional insecurities.
 
Lord God, help us to be respectful and responsible in our interactions with others. At the same time, help us to understand the fallen nature of the world in which we exist. May we be sound in our thinking about what it means to accept personal responsibility for things that may offend us, but which are not truly offensive. Help us to understand our own limitations and not attempt to impose ourselves unnecessarily on others. Amen.
 

Acts 25:7

Sunday, 25 February 2024
 
When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, Acts 25:7
 
In the previous verse, Festus had returned to Caesarea and sat on the judgment seat the next day, commanding Paul to be brought forward. With that remembered, it next says, “When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about.”
 
Saying that they “stood about” seems to imply that there were quite a few who came down. It was a grand show that they put on for Festus. This was certainly intended to make it appear that all of the Jewish leadership was in complete agreement concerning the need to have Paul judged and removed from society. Therefore, it next says that they “laid many serious complaints against Paul.”
 
These allegations would have been the same as before and which Paul will refute, such as him being a defiler of their religion, which was the sanctioned religion of the province. They would accuse him of being a defiler of the temple, which Rome had sanctioned as an acceptable edifice for worship by the Jews.
 
They would also certainly accuse him of being one who disturbed the peace. As such, he was supposedly a threat not only to Jewish society but Roman rule as well. Further, they would certainly note him as one who would question the rule of Caesar because he claimed there was another king.
 
These, and any other such accusations, would be proclaimed against him, things “which they could not prove.” They could not prove them in the past, and they were not able to prove them at this time either.
 
Life application: The reason they could not prove the charges against Paul is because what they charged him with was not true. If he was tried in Jerusalem, this would not have mattered. They would have unjustly found him guilty and dealt with him accordingly. However, at the Roman judgment seat, reliable evidence of guilt would be needed.
 
Assuming that you were to be given a fair trial today concerning a matter, would you be found innocent or guilty? Paul had done nothing wrong because he lived his life in a manner that was in accord with the laws of the land.
 
This is what is expected of Christians. If we do wrong, we can expect to be judged according to our wrongdoing. If we act responsibly and in accord with the laws of the land, as long as a trial is fair and impartial, we can expect to be judged accordingly and be exonerated.
 
Obviously, not every trial is fair. In fact, fair trials are becoming less and less likely in the world because of biases, political agendas, a perception that Christians are somehow wrongdoers, etc. At such times, there is not much that can be done about it. However, for normal conduct in life, we should be obedient to the rules and laws that govern the society in which we live.
 
Lord God, regardless of what comes about in our lives, as long as we are living for You in a manner that is in accord with Your word, we can expect You to judge our lives accordingly. In this life, that may not be the case, but what happens now is just a temporary blip on the way to eternal glory. So, Lord, help us to live lives that honor You now. Amen.

Acts 25:6

Saturday, 24 February 2024
 
And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. Acts 25:6
 
A literal translation would be, “And having stayed with them more than ten days, having gone down to Caesarea, the next day, having sat upon the bema, he commanded Paul to be brought” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Festus had told the leaders of Israel to come down to Caesarea with him and to accuse Paul there instead of him being brought up to Jerusalem. Next, it says, “And having stayed with them more than ten days.”
 
Depending on what Greek text is used, there is then a difference in translation. Some variations are: “more than ten days,” “no more than ten days,” “eight or ten days,” or “not more than eight or ten days.”
 
Why the texts read differently isn’t sure, but it could be that “no more than eight or ten days” is an idiom for a short amount of time. From that, different scribes wrote it as they felt was intended. This is speculation, but for whatever reason, different texts do read a bit differently. Regardless of the actual time, it next says, “having gone down to Caesarea.”
 
During his short trip to Jerusalem, he probably would have been quite busy, possibly visiting all of the main soldier areas, the houses of the dignitaries, and the like, just like any such governor’s visit today.
 
From Jerusalem, he then returned to the governor’s station in Caesarea. And, notably, there was no delay in his commitment to bring the matter forward for the Jews to make their accusation. Therefore, “the next day, having sat upon the bema, he commanded Paul to be brought.”
 
The béma, or judgment seat, was normally an elevated place ascended by steps, somewhat like a throne. A literal explanation is “tribunal chair.” It is derived from the same root as the word basis, a step. Thus, it is a foot-breath. By implication, then, it is a rostrum.
 
Life application: In Romans 14:10, Paul says that we will all stand before the béma of God. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, he says that we must all appear before the béma of Christ. These are one and the same judgment, Christ Jesus being God.
This judgment will be for rewards and loss based on our lives in Christ. The judgment for salvation or condemnation for believers was determined at the cross of Calvary. By faith in what Christ did there, we are saved. We have moved from death to life and from condemnation to salvation.
 
The doctrine that says one can lose his salvation is actually heretical because it means that our salvation after coming to Christ is up to us. As this is so, it means that His salvation was not fully effectual for the purpose it was intended. Further, it means that our salvation was not of grace at all but of works.
 
If, at any point after being saved, that salvation can be removed because of our actions, it means that we are responsible for our salvation. But salvation is a gift, and it is of grace. Be sure to not let people trouble you with their incorrect ideas about salvation.
 
Having said that, what we do with our salvation is up to us. How will we be judged by Christ at the béma we must appear before? What we do today has consequences. Therefore, let us consider what we do and act in accord with the salvation we have been granted. May the Lord smile upon our lives and actions that we live now!
 
Glorious Lord God, thank You for the salvation You have granted to us through the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. May we be faithful to live out our salvation in a manner that is pleasing to You. Help us in our weaknesses, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 25:5

Friday, 23 February 2024
 
“Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.” Acts 25:5
 
A literal translation would be, “‘Therefore, those able among you,’ he says, ‘having descended together, if anything is wrong in the man, accuse him’” (CG).
 
The previous verse revealed Festus telling the Jews that Paul was kept in Caesarea and that he was going there soon. Because of this, his continued words begin with, “‘Therefore, those able among you.’”
 
Depending on the translation, various versions say something like “those who are able,” while others essentially say, “those who have authority.” The Greek could mean either. In one case, it would be considered “someone who could personally come and testify against Paul” like Tertullus.” In the other, it would be a leader who could speak for the charges against him.
 
Whichever is the intent, the outcome will be the same. Charges will be made concerning Paul in Caesarea during a trial. From there, a judgment from Festus can be expected. Next, “he says, ‘having descended together.’”
 
Just as a journey to Jerusalem is an ascent, so a journey from it is a descent. In his statement, a word not found elsewhere in Scripture is seen: sugkatabainó. It is derived from a word meaning “with” and another meaning “to descend.” Thus, it signifies “to descend together.” Finally, to finish the sentence, he says, “if anything is wrong in the man, accuse him.”
 
Once the descent to Caesarea is made, charges can be laid before Festus for consideration. It would be determined if there was any fault in him. The matter that should have been settled two years earlier when Felix was governor must once again be considered. This time, it will be before Festus.
 
Life application: In Psalm 122, it says –
 
“Jerusalem is builtAs a city that is compact together,4 Where the tribes go up,The tribes of the Lord,To the Testimony of Israel,To give thanks to the name of the Lord.” Psalm 122:3, 4
 
The tribes of Israel ascended to the place where the Lord dwelt among them. For the believer in Jesus Christ, something new has taken place –
 
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6
 
In Christ, we are, even now, positionally seated in the heavenly realms. The reason this is so is because we are, in fact, in Christ. As Christ is in heaven right now, and because we are in Him, in God’s view, we are there too. Therefore, Hebrews 4 says –
 
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
 
Though this is written specifically to the Hebrews, it is a truth that applies to all believers. We do not need to first ascend to meet with God. Rather, we simply need to enter His presence, coming through Jesus as our Mediator to make our petitions and praises.
 
As Jesus said –
 
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
 
We don’t need to physically be anywhere particular to worship God. We just need to be in Christ. If we are, then we have access to God. Let us not get so caught up in rites and rituals that we forget this truth. The church is not a place. It is the people of God in Christ Jesus. Live out your life in this understanding. There is no lack of access to God when you access Him through the Lord Jesus.
 
Glorious Lord God, all praises, honor, and glory to You for what You have done in and through Christ Jesus our Lord. We come boldly before You today in His name, praising You for who You are. You are the God who has received us because of Your own goodness toward us. How can we withhold our thanks and praise? We shall not! Yes! All thanks and praises to You, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 25:4

Thursday, 22 February 2024
 
But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. Acts 25:4
 
A more literal rendering would be, “Therefore, indeed, Festus answered, Paul is kept in Caesarea, and he himself is about in quickness to go out” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the leaders’ plot to have Paul ambushed on a journey to Jerusalem was noted by Luke. This was based upon their asking Festus to have him brought up to Jerusalem. However, Luke next records, “Therefore, indeed, Festus answered.”
 
The final decision on such a matter was up to the Roman authority. As Festus was the new governor at Caesarea, what he decided would settle the matter. At this time, rather than accommodate the Jews, it says, “Paul is kept in Caesarea, and he himself is about in quickness to go out.”
 
The intent of Festus is debated. Luke uses a present tense verb, “is kept.” Some, such as the NKJV, interpret this in the sense that Paul “should be kept at Caesarea” because he was a Roman. It was a matter which Rome had to judge, and, therefore, Caesarea was the place where Paul belonged.
 
Others interpret this as simply being a matter of fact, thus, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon” (NIV). In this, it is believed that it was just more expedient for them to come to Caesarea and have them attend a trial there.
 
It seems unlikely that Felix would have ignored informing Festus about Paul’s situation and the attempt to kill him. Thus, the first option may be correct. This also seems more likely because the Jews have asked the favor of having him brought to Jerusalem.
 
Further, as Festus was in Jerusalem, it would have been rather irresponsible of him to not have talked to those in the Roman garrison. During their talk, the subject of Paul’s imprisonment would have been a matter of importance. Therefore, it seems that, at least for the time being, he was aware of possible trickery on their part. Verse 9 may dispute this, though, as Festus is said to want to do the Jews a favor.
 
Another option is that Festus, being the new governor, simply wanted to establish the precedent that he was in charge, and by not caving to the demands of the Jews at such an early date, he was demonstrating this authority. Therefore, he would only yield to their requests when it suited his purposes.
 
Life application: As noted above, the verb used by Luke is present tense, “is kept.” Despite this, there are variations in translation: is being held, was at, was being kept, should be kept, to be kept, is to be kept, etc.
 
Such changes, though possibly correct, do not accurately identify what the Greek actually says. The job of translators is to translate. Unless the preface to a Bible notes that they take liberties with their translations, identifying what type of liberties they take, it is not really appropriate to insert guesses, biases, presuppositions, and so forth.
 
These things will often not make a great deal of difference, but at times, a pastor or preacher will argue over a single word from the version he is using to establish a doctrine, only for it to be incorrectly translated in the first place.
 
Therefore, as a student of the Bible, the more time you spend checking things out, the better off you will be in what you believe. Be prepared to defend what Scripture says, but if you are going to do so, it is best for you to be properly prepared.
 
Today, with internet access available wherever you go, you can easily check what the preacher or teacher is saying right while you are listening to him. We live in a time of great blessing concerning the ability to access information. Let us not ignore it!
 
Lord God, how blessed we are. We can carry a little device with us that has more information available on it than entire libraries. We no longer need shelves full of books to access important information about Your word. Help us to wisely use the technology You have favored us with at this time in history. May we be responsible with what we have available! Amen.

Acts 25:3

Wednesday, 21 February 2024
 
asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. Acts 25:3
 
The Greek more rightly reads, “Asking a favor against him, that he might summon him to Jerusalem, making an ambush to kill him along the way” (CG).
 
The previous verse told of the charges the chief priest and leaders made against Paul. Based on those, it now says, “Asking a favor against him.”
 
When Felix was noted as being replaced, the narrative said he left Paul in prison as a favor to the Jews. Now, with a new governor to replace FelixFestus, they are asking for advanced favor from the inexperienced Festus against Paul as well. The fact that they had previously planned to kill him was certainly erased from the memory of those serving under Felix after two years. And so, a plan is now made by the Jews under the government of FestusFelix. It was so “that he might summon him to Jerusalem.”
 
Paul was incarcerated in Caesarea. How inconvenient it would be for all of the leadership to be gathered in Caesarea when just one man could be brought to Jerusalem! It made all the sense in the world to not inconvenience FestusFelix with such a trivial matter there in Caesarea. One can almost hear their cunning words. But all the while, they were planning on “making an ambush to kill him along the way.”
 
Instead of a giant contingent of soldiers, spearmen, and cavalry, Paul would probably be conducted by a few soldiers. The contingent would be easy prey. In no time, they would be done with Paul once and for good!
 
Everything about the account shows that the memory of Paul was as fresh as it could be on the minds of the Jews. The failure of the past was to them a stinging rebuke concerning their supposed duties to God.
 
Until they made things right, they would feel they remained out of His favor over the matter. It is ironic that the opposite is true. They had left the favor of the Lord when they rejected Christ. It was Paul who could lead them back to the truth of their actions and into a right relationship with Him once again. But they were blinded to this truth and were, once again, plotting to do away with their loathed foe.
 
Life application: There are times that we become so passionate about a matter that it will blind us to any possibility of seeing other possible options concerning what we perceive as the truth. This is how Paul was before the Lord personally called him as an apostle.
 
Now, the people he was once aligned with had become his sworn enemies. People who are trained, for example, in the doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses are told that they possess the truth and everyone else is a heretic. They cannot see beyond their own state, and they are normally completely unwilling to hear any other option.
 
This is true with most of us in one way or another. It is a state known as cognitive dissonance. We shut out anything that interferes with our presuppositions, and we then refuse to believe things that may be evident on the surface.
 
We should be willing to test and verify everything, even if it goes against our presuppositions. The Jews who wanted Paul dead presupposed that Jesus was a heretic, and they were unwilling to even entertain the thought that Paul could be right about Him. What is it that we think we are so sure about that we are unwilling to see other options?
 
Let us honestly evaluate what we believe and let us be willing to check and verify it by setting aside those presuppositions. It is a healthy way to approach all matters because we may be completely blinded to a matter that we are promoting without the right knowledge to even speak on it, much less claim that it is the absolute truth.
 
Lord God, may we be willing to challenge everything we believe and teach to others, honestly opening our eyes and checking if we could be wrong. If we are, and if we don’t do this, we will be instructing others in that which is false. May we not be such people. Instead, help us to think clearly and rightly about all things that we in turn teach. Amen.
 

Acts 25:2

Tuesday, 20 February 2024
 
Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, Acts 25:2
 
Chapter 25 began with Festus coming to the province and then ascending to Jerusalem after three days. Now, while in Jerusalem, it says, “Then the high priest.”
 
Some manuscripts have the plural “priests,” while others have the singular “priest.” Either is possible because any previous high priest would still bear the title of high priest. By this time, the high priest was a person named Ismael, the son of Fabi (Josephus, Antiq., book 20, chapter 8, section 8). Along with him, it next notes, “and the chief men of the Jews.”
 
The word is prótos. It signifies the foremost, principle, etc. Further, it is this in time, place, order, or importance. In this case, it is referring to people. Being plural, it thus speaks of the principal men of the city. Of this gathered group, Luke next notes that they “informed him against Paul.”
 
After two full years of time, they were still stewing over Paul. They simply couldn’t move on from his words. Unlike the other apostles who apparently lived and moved freely among the people, Paul actively went forth to the Gentiles, evangelizing them and telling them that there were no cultural distinctions in Christ.
In other words, Paul clearly and unambiguously reveals in his words that Gentiles are just as favored by God as Jews. There is no distinction, even if there are differences (e.g., Jew/Gentile, Russian/Japanese, Black/Caucasian, etc.).
 
Yes, there are differences in all people and in all people groups, but there is no distinction in Christ. The Jews could not accept this. Therefore, they sat in Jerusalem stewing like meat in a pot, angrily awaiting the day that they could be rid of such a heretic. Therefore, when Festus showed up, they plotted in their minds, “and they petitioned him.”
 
The word translated as “petitioned” is in the imperfect tense, and so it indicates that they not only petitioned him but continued to petition him. The entire time he was there, they kept bringing the issue of Paul up to them. It shows that they were truly possessed by the situation and simply couldn’t let it go.
 
One can imagine them going to bed each night, lying on their beds, and tossing and turning at the nerve of this man who said they were just like the Gentiles. But this is how it is in Christ. Thus, they rejected not only Paul’s message but also the One Paul proclaimed.
 
Life application: To this day, there is an almost idolatrous reverence by some in the church to Jewish teachers. They are fawned over, regardless of what they teach or preach. Many of these teachers reinsert law observance, such as telling their followers not to eat pork, to observe the Sabbath, and so forth.
 
And yet, because these people are Jewish, they are held in special esteem. This is a bad approach to one’s theology. It doesn’t matter if someone has a doctorate, if he speaks fluent Hebrew or Greek, or if he has expensive, flashy clothes. The only thing that should matter to people in the church is adherence to and right application of God’s word.
 
Anything less should not be tolerated. Be careful to not get caught up in fallacious thinking. Evaluate leaders based on the word. In doing this, you will avoid many pitfalls and many false teachers who are out there, trying to steal you away from a right relationship with Jesus.
 
Lord God Almighty, help us to be sound in our thoughts about those who minister to us. May our hearts be directed to You. If anyone fails to proclaim Your grace apart from law observance, help us to identify this error and get away from it. You alone have done all that is needed to restore us in the giving of Jesus. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 25:1

Monday, 19 February 2024
 
Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Acts 25:1
 
The verse more rightly reads, “Festus, therefore, having arrived in the province, after three days, he ascended to Jerusalem from Caesarea” (CG).
 
Chapter 24 ended with a note that Felix was replaced with Festus Porcius and that Paul remained in prison, even after two full years under Felix. With the arrival of Festus as the new governor, it next says, “Festus, therefore, having arrived in the province.”
 
He has assumed the position as governor. It is expected that he would be in the province from which he would govern for a few days. He would meet those who were assigned under him, get his house and effects in order, etc. However, after a short time, he wisely did what a responsible governor would do. Therefore, it next says, “after three days, he ascended to Jerusalem from Caesarea.”
 
Only a short time after his arrival, Festus “ascended” to Jerusalem. Though Caesarea was where he ruled from, Jerusalem is highlighted. It is an ascent to Jerusalem from Caesarea. However, despite all manuscripts reading this way, many translations change the wording and say , “from Caesarea to Jerusalem.”
 
It is unfortunate because it takes the emphasis off of what is being conveyed. This trip was not an unimportant thing to do. It was the complaints of the Jews there that got Felix removed and he needed to show that they were important to him as a leader.
 
It may even be that a note was waiting for him upon his arrival in Caesarea that they wanted to meet with him. Paul would have continued to be on their minds, and with a change in leadership, there would then have been a chance to have Paul released to them or at least brought to them. If so, they could have him cut down on the trip to Jerusalem, exactly as they had planned two years earlier. This is just what verse 3 will indicate.
 
Life application: As you read the Bible, think about why things are worded the way they are. That is, if the translation is a competent one and if it is properly structured in its presentation. In the case of this verse, you would not notice the change unless you read other translations and compared them.
 
Having a parallel Bible with three or even four translations in it is a good way to compare things. Once you see a striking difference in a translation, you can then research further as to why they are different. Then, making your own margin note will remind you the next time through which translation is correct and why.
 
Study! Then think on what you have studied! Why are things written as they are? The more you think about what you are reading, the more your mind will explain concerning this precious word that God has given to us. Enjoy your time in Scripture. You will get out of it just what you put into it. So read! Study! And enjoy!
 
Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that You have expressed Your thoughts to us in a word that is understandable and directed to who we are as Your creatures. It demonstrates what a great and loving God You are. Thank You for Your precious word. And thank You for Jesus who is revealed in it. Yes, thank You, O God. Amen.

Acts 24:27

Sunday, 18 February 2024
 
But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. Acts 24:27
 
The words more literally read, “And after two years having been fulfilled, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus. ‘And intending to lay the Jews’ a favor, Felix left Paul bound’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Felix was hoping for money from Paul. Therefore, he called for him often and conversed with him. Now, the last verse of the chapter says, “And after two years having been fulfilled, Felix received a successor.”
 
In this clause is a word found only here in Scripture, diadochos. Successor is an exact translation. Felix’s time as governor had finally come to an end without any change in Paul’s status. It has been said that this succession was caused by the complaints of the Jews against Felix.
 
Their constant moaning finally led Nero to recall him. However, and maybe to keep from further complaints being filed against him, he granted them the favor of leaving Paul in prison. The justification for this was then a greedy hope of self-preservation.
 
Because of this, it appears that Paul’s frequent conversations fell on deaf ears if they were in relation to the gospel. No other conversations also changed Felix’s attitude concerning Paul’s imprisonment. Instead, Felix departed Caesarea having abandoned Paul to the fate of the next governor, “Porcius Festus.”
 
It is known that Festus came to the province in AD60. He ended up dying in his second year in office. During the two years that Paul was in prison up to this point, it has been conjectured by some that he wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews.
 
It is also conjectured by some that Luke used this time to do his research for the gospel and for the book of Acts, compiling them and using Paul for necessary reference. As for the verse and the chapter, it ends with the words, “And intending to lay the Jews’ a favor, Felix left Paul bound.”
 
In this sentence is a new word, katatithémi. It signifies to lay or deposit a favor, probably with the view of receiving one in return. It will only be seen again in Acts 25:9. Both uses are in tied to the sitting governor’s relationship with the Jews.
 
Paul came to Caesarea as a prisoner, having been falsely charged by his Jewish brethren. His time in prison outlasted the final years of the governor, and his state was left unchanged as a new governor was brought in to oversee the matter that should have been handled after the short trial two years earlier.
 
Closing out the chapter, the Pulpit Commentary says -
 
“The scene in this chapter is a very striking one, depicted with admirable simplicity and force. The bloated slave sitting on the seat of judgment and power, representing all the worst vices of Roman degeneracy. The beads of the sinking Jewish commonwealth, blinded by bigotry and nearly mad with hatred, forgetting for the moment their abhorrence of their Roman masters, in their yet deeper detestation of the Apostle Paul. The hired advocate with his fulsome flattery, his rounded periods, and his false charges. And then the great apostle, the noble confessor, the finished Christian gentleman, the pure-minded, upright, and fearless man, pleading his own cause with consummate force and dignity, and overawing his heathen judge by the majesty of his character. It is a graphic description of this very noble scene.” Pulpit
 
Life application: The conjecture about Paul’s writing the Epistle to the Hebrews at this time is interesting. Although the letter is unsigned, it certainly bears all the hallmarks of having been written by Paul.
 
Internal clues in the letter tell us that the temple was still standing at the time of its having been composed. Paul would have had time to consider the many facets of why he held to his position concerning the law, the temple, and the sacrificial rites associated with them. As such, it was the most opportune time to write such a letter.
 
Further, it would mean that the letter was penned to his beloved brethren in the land of Israel, a nice touch. Being a Pharisee, he had the knowledge of the matters contained within the epistle to piece together the words to make the very complicated issues penned in it understandable.
 
Paul didn’t just whittle away his time in prison playing solitaire. If he penned Hebrews there, it would add another level of industry to his time in confinement. This can then inspire us to take advantage of such times in our lives as well.
 
Just because we are in difficult or trying circumstances, we shouldn’t let them take away our joy and productivity in the Lord. Look at David and what he did! Note the introductory words to the 57th Psalm: “To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.” And again, the introduction to the 142nd Psalm says, “A Contemplation of David. A Prayer when he was in the cave.”
 
David was hemmed in by his enemies, and yet he took time to pen his devoted words to the Lord. How many of us would get stuck in a car in a snowstorm and stop to write a song to the Lord? And once again, the 3rd Psalm opens with, “A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son.”
 
Who would be on the move on a battlefield and stop to write a psalm to God? David did. Remember the Lord at the bleak times in your life. God may just use you to do great things because you did.
 
Lord God, may we be productive for You in our lives, even when things seem tough or troubling. It is at such times that we may have the greatest inspiration of all to glorify You. Remind us that You are there, and may we have the wisdom to acknowledge it. This life is fleeting. What we do with it now is important for ourselves and maybe for others as well. So, help us in this, O God. Amen.