If you read the chapter, (click here to check it out) you get the story. Paul's on his way to Rome with his co-laborers, some soldiers, and other prisoners. They run into some troubles and adventures along the way, and the part that jumped out at me is Paul's admonition to the others on the boat to "keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me" (verse 25).
The lesson here is something I can apply across all areas of my life. I may never have an angel visit me in the night, but God has made me plenty of promises. I need not worry or be anxious about anything. He will never leave me or forsake me. He is with me always, to the very end of the age. If I believe in him I will not perish but have eternal life. All these and more make it possible to keep up my courage when the storms of life come my way. There is nothing that can separate me from his love. Nothing.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Acts 26 -- Paul before King Agrippa
As I read through Acts, one thing that's a little difficult to wrap my brain around is the political structure of the era. We have an Emperor in Rome (aka Caesar), some governors spread throughout the empire, and now, we meet a king named Agrippa. Agrippa is the last in the line of the various King Herods that we read about in the New Testament. We don't learn this in the biblical account, but history tells us that Agrippa was also the brother of Drusilla, Felix's wife at the time. Although at this point, Felix has been replaced by Festus as governor or procurator of the region.
Paul is given permission to state his case and plead his innocence, and in verses 2-23 he tells his story, going all the way back to his childhood. He acknowledges the evil he's done in persecuting the church (v. 10), and tells the story of his conversion and mission since "seeing the light" (v. 12-17). Finally, after an interruption from Festus, Paul appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of the Old Testament and prophecy about the coming of Christ. After Agrippa's question in verse 28, Paul's answer is just awesome. "Short time or long -- I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, apart for these chains." You have to love Paul...a man who exhibits humility in all he does, and yet understands that God has made him something special. And what's more, rather than bask in his specialness, he earnestly desires and labors so that all might become what God's grace has enabled him to become.
The chapter ends with the ominous quote, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Paul is given permission to state his case and plead his innocence, and in verses 2-23 he tells his story, going all the way back to his childhood. He acknowledges the evil he's done in persecuting the church (v. 10), and tells the story of his conversion and mission since "seeing the light" (v. 12-17). Finally, after an interruption from Festus, Paul appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of the Old Testament and prophecy about the coming of Christ. After Agrippa's question in verse 28, Paul's answer is just awesome. "Short time or long -- I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, apart for these chains." You have to love Paul...a man who exhibits humility in all he does, and yet understands that God has made him something special. And what's more, rather than bask in his specialness, he earnestly desires and labors so that all might become what God's grace has enabled him to become.
The chapter ends with the ominous quote, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Friday, October 14, 2011
Acts 25 - Paul and Festus
Not sure what to say about this chapter; we get more of the "Paul on Trial" storyline. Appearing before the new governor, Paul reaffirms his innocence, finally appealing to the Emperor. Festus plans to send Paul to Rome, but first puts him in front of King Agrippa, and we see the first part of that encounter.
Through all this, I can't help but remember Paul has just spent the past two years sitting and patiently waiting as a prisoner. I wonder what was on his mind. And then I think about all the amazing writing Paul did from prison at different points of his life and I marvel at how this man is able to remain focused on others despite his own personal hardships. I also marvel at how God allows us to experience situations and circumstances that, while often amazingly difficult personally, wind up becoming an incredible blessing to countless people. The work did while Paul was imprisoned was absolutely used by God to change the world.
Through all this, I can't help but remember Paul has just spent the past two years sitting and patiently waiting as a prisoner. I wonder what was on his mind. And then I think about all the amazing writing Paul did from prison at different points of his life and I marvel at how this man is able to remain focused on others despite his own personal hardships. I also marvel at how God allows us to experience situations and circumstances that, while often amazingly difficult personally, wind up becoming an incredible blessing to countless people. The work did while Paul was imprisoned was absolutely used by God to change the world.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Acts 24 - Paul on Trial (sort of)
Paul's adventure continues, as he has the opportunity to meet his accusers and testify to his innocence before Governor Felix. The accusations are familiar, basically troublemaking, and it would be only too convenient for the powers that be in Jerusalem to be rid of Paul, just as they were able to rid themselves of Jesus. Apparently they haven't considered that "eliminating" Jesus didn't really end their trouble with his followers, or maybe they just don't care. They speak, Paul provides his defense, including the line "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man". (Good advice to anyone).
Felix then begins spending a little time with Paul, and we're told he's hoping for a bribe. Good luck with that one. At the end of the chapter we learn that Felix keeps Paul imprisoned in Caesarea for some two years without much happening, and we are briefly introduced to Festus, Felix's successor.
Felix then begins spending a little time with Paul, and we're told he's hoping for a bribe. Good luck with that one. At the end of the chapter we learn that Felix keeps Paul imprisoned in Caesarea for some two years without much happening, and we are briefly introduced to Festus, Felix's successor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)