Psalm 73:23-26 – Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
John 6:37 – All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
Father to Child “Dear, please put your open hands out in front of you with your palms up.”
Child does what Father asked.
Father to Child “Now Dear, please tell me, what is in your hands?”
Child to Father “Nothing.”
Father to Child “Now are you worried that if you turn your hands over something will fall out?
Child to Father “No Daddy.”
Father to Child “Why not?”
Child to Father “Because I’m not holding onto anything.”
Father to Child “Let’s check that out. Turn your hands over.”
Child does what Father asked.
Father to Child “Now did anything fall out?”
Child to Father “No Daddy.”
Father to Child “Why not.”
Child to Father “Because I wasn’t holding onto anything.”
Father to Child “Right! Keep it that way! Don’t hold onto to things. If you do, you will worry that you may drop them. Holding onto to them will keep you from doing more wonderful things with your hands like petting our dog, or the cat. Like touching a flower, or feeling the wind blow through your fingers, or the cool water in your hands on a hot summer day. Or it may keep you from holding my hand. And Dear, I don’t want anything to keep you from holding onto my hand. Do you understand?”
Child to Father “Uh huh, I think so.”
Father to Child “That is great Dear! Now, what is the one thing that you hold most dear and closest to your heart that you can never drop or lose?
Child to Father “Is it God?”
Father to Child “Yes, it is God? If you keep God closest to your heart you cannot ever, whatever you do with your hands, drop or lose Him. Do you know why?”
Child to Father “Um, yes, I think I do. It is because He is not in my hand, I am in His hands and He will never drop me!
Father to Child “Right! You are absolutely right! I see that you know the most important thing in life! How did you get so smart?
Child to Father “Mommy teaches me!”
Father to Child “Yes Dear, Mommy teaches you!”
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 23:12-22 – The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” 22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
“They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”” So these hired killers approached the Sanhedrin and told them that they had taken an oath to kill Paul but needed their help. Honestly, I can’t imagine the today’s leaders of Judaism or Christianity not only not going along with such a plot, but also reporting the plot to the police, and that whether the person was another murderer and not just someone who had a different faith. Truly this applies for even the intended victim even if a killer, but most certainly for someone who only had a different view of faith. But these in the Sanhedrin were not true leaders of the Jewish faith, but they were Sadducees who were very wealthy and drunk with power. Men of pride whose ego could not bear another differing in opinion and even worse, many of their congregants switching to follow this new faith that claimed to reveal the true fulfillment of the belief that they preached. Really, the level of depravity of such men who claimed to serve God causes one’s jaw to drop at the sheer evil.
So the Sanhedrin’s part was to lie to the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. They were to get him to bring Paul to them for a fair examination. But on the way the forty assassins would kill Paul and so fulfill their ungodly vow. I truly love the forbearers of our faith, the Jews, and I pray for them, and so knowing what the then leaders in Jerusalem did is so distressing! But of course, they instigated and demanded the killing of their Messiah, our Savior and Lord Jesus. Yet, even in these details, we see the truth of Romans 8:28 being borne out. The will of God for Paul to testify of Him in Rome was being unwittingly moved along by these assassins and the Sanhedrin.
“But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”” Oh, the superior wisdom of God! Even as these diabolical men were plotting the murder of Paul, the protection of God was present. It seems that Paul’s nephew was likely a young boy who was devoted to temple service (not unlike a Catholic Altar Boy) who was there to devoutly serve. However he came to be placed there, God has his agent in place to counter the evil plans being discussed. God always has His “remnant.” (1 Kings 19:1-18, Romans 11:1-6) God always has His people in place. Once again we see the truth of scriptures like Psalm 21:11, Proverbs 19:21, it is God’s will that will be done.
So the nephew snuck away from the men and ran to Paul to report the plan against him. Paul told him to tell the plot to the commander and Paul told one of the centurions to take his nephew to the commander because he had something to tell him. It seems odd that the centurion did as Paul said, but not so much when considering all that had just transpired.
The providence of God being played out before us is exciting and fascinating and for those who care to see, faith inspiring!
“The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”” Some people have questioned that the commander would have led the “young man” aside by taking hold of his hand. This man was likely a prepubescent boy (though could have been older). However it make most sense of a man grabbing a boy’s hand to lead him and to make him more comfortable. Some people, thinking of this in an out of cultural reckoning, cannot think of this commander who had men beaten and killed without troubling of conscience, as someone who would be so kind to a young lad. Yet we must consider the times, the culture and the position of this man. He may have had a boy himself and could have been tender to his son.
Paul’s nephew repeated the story to the commander. Interesting is that this young man started off by giving this commander direction in saying “Don’t give into them.” Some find trouble with that, however it is not so hard to believe, especially from a younger boy who had not yet learned all the proprieties of addressing elders or authorities. That is true of children then and today.
“The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” Claudius Lysias listened to all the boy reported and obviously believed him and upon dismissing him told him to tell no-one that the plot was now uncovered.
Family and Friends, the witness of God’s faithfulness is fully evident in the telling of these events. We see the plotting of killers and authorities in high places plotting against the man of God and indeed, against God’s very plans. Yet, God, who knew their plan since before time, already had arranged the defeat of their plans. Not only that, but He would use what they would do to bring about His plan. So these men unwittingly directly contributed to the bringing of Paul to Rome to testify on behalf of Jesus. In fact, they likely expedited it! We may have confidence that the plans of God for all they that love and serve God will also come to fruition. We do our best but as we can see, what we do is only a very small piece of the big plans God has long ago had in place. As the saying goes “Where God guides, God provides.” Amen! We, no matter what we see or don’t see, or understand or don’t understand, have full faith that God is able to carry out His plans for our lives. Paul knew this “…because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” Family, we also know this. Now let us remember it and fearlessly do and live as He has called us to. And that for His praise and glory! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 23:12-22 – The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” 22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
“The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot.” These men involved in this plot were not ordinary Jewish zealots. They were assassins who some may say had a well-intentioned beginning of driving out the Romans from Judea. However they not only snuck up to Romans in a crowd and killed them by use of their daggers, but they also killed others who they considered against Israel being a free and independent state. Some of whom were on their target list were Gentiles, Roman sympathizers, Hellenistic Jews, Herodians, and so forth. We can see that those unlike themselves were considered suspicious to their cause and worthy be killed. They were a murderous impious bunch who killed often and without what we might call common moral decency. They are sometimes called the earliest of terrorists.
The oath that they bound themselves with was not like an oath as we would commonly think. They did not merely vow to get something done. Anathematizō is the Greek word used here. A good understanding of its use here is that it was a strong oath to get something done and it is a calling of divine curse upon themselves if they do not do exactly as they have promised. We might express that as “If I do not do as I have said may I be cursed by God.” Yikes, what an awful thing to utter! (Peter, trying to convince the crowd that he was not an associate of the Lord, swore, using this word, that he did not know Jesus. Yeah, yikes again!) However, some people say things such things without any true knowledge of, or reverence for, God. So they make such oaths with no real thought of future consequence for failure to do their part. Though it was a resolute statement it was more like a statement meant to relate to others that they were “deadly serious.”
They had forty men who had taken their “oath.” It would have probably been sufficient to murder Paul except for one thing…God. “But God” is the reason we should always not say of the future “I will do” this or that, but “if God permits” I will do what I plan to do. Man makes plans but it is the will of God that will come to pass. (Proverbs 16:9, 19:21, Hebrews 6:3, James 4:13-15, Luke 12:16-21)
As we review this set of scriptures we see the sovereignty of God. The simple and absolute truth is that God determines what He wills and that is exactly what will be done. Some think that eliminates the free will of man but that is absolutely not true. That kind of thinking comes from limiting God to the understanding of men. God has absolute control while giving us our free will. He designed it that way and He alone has the ability to do it. We are not Him so of course we cannot fully understand it. Any person who demands full comprehension of how God rules and reigns before believing makes himself foolish and apt to miss blessings, lack understanding and leaves oneself open to false teaching. God has made us to love Him, to fellowship with Him, and to, by the nature of true Godly love, to obey Him. Jesus obeyed the Father and so we ought to obey our triune God. Family, in these scriptures we see the unstoppable, the insuppressible, the unrestrainable will of God at work. We see in these verses something that God has repeatedly done throughout scripture, it is that He uses evil men to bring about His will. Does that make God evil? That is so ridiculous it is not worth an argument! However it can be explained that God, knowing what is in the hearts and minds of all men, good and evil, can use that knowledge to bring about his will. God does not promote evil, but knowing what evil will do, knowing its actions before it does them, or thinks them, God can use that for His purposes. For example, God used the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart and mind to teach Israel that His will shall be done no matter the circumstance or who opposes Him. Though the mighty Pharaoh opposed God the people of Israel saw God do one miracle after another and their confidence in God grew. (True, they turned on God and Moses in the desert, but what happened there still inspires Jews and Christians to this day.) The point is that, unbeknown to them, God was using these assassins to hurry along His plan to bring Paul to Rome to be His witness.
Family, in everything and in every way we, in our lives and throughout scripture, see that God not only wants to bless us and to keep us forever as His dearly beloved, but that He is fully able to do it. When we are actively waiting on the Lord to provide a way where He has called us to go, we can be sure, whether we understand or not how He will do it, that He is able to do it. So, while waiting for the flood to subside, we know that God can bring a helicopter. We have full confidence in our God, the great “I AM.” He is everything we need, and that without exception. Praise our God! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 23:11 – The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” It was not uncommon for Paul to hear from the Lord, to be guided by Him. We can safely assume that the Lord appeared to Paul more times than is noted in scripture. We do know that He appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) to forever change Paul’s path. Then Jesus had, by His very appearance, proved that He was indeed risen from the death and seated at the right hand of the Father and so proving that He is the Messiah. Then Jesus gave Paul instruction what to do next. Jesus kept it simple for Paul, the message was for Paul to go to the city and wait for further instructions. We can be sure Paul would have a lot of questions, and Jesus knew that, but Paul was only given the first step of the journey that would last the rest of his life, and into eternity.
Now we know that God was continuously guiding Paul through visions, speaking to him, having other people speak to him in the name of the Lord, and here again, by personally appearing to Paul to give him encouragement and a glimpse into the future.
At Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus only gave Paul one step to take but Jesus also clearly expected Paul’s obedience. Here in this appearance of the Lord to Paul Jesus again didn’t lay out the plan of everything that would take place to bring Paul to Rome, He only confirmed to Him that Paul would be brought to Rome to be a witness for Him. Again Jesus gave him a simple instruction and Paul was expected to be obedient. Of course, our omniscient Lord knew Paul would be.
The Lord did not tell Paul to start marching toward Rome to be His witness, but instead He merely told Paul what would be. We can see that the Lord had been and was setting up all the pieces for him to be brought to Rome. It is clear for us to see how the Lord orchestrated the events for this to happen. Paul did nothing to be saved, but Jesus interceded in his life. Jesus even had arranged for the then blind Paul to have helpers with him who would lead him to the city where Paul would wait for further instruction. (Later the further instruction would come from Ananias.) Here in Chapters 21-23 we see God’s hand moving to bring all events together for His plan for Paul. Paul had arrived in Jerusalem where he had no sooner arrived and been greeted by the elders then they advised him that he could be in danger both from the Jews who knew of him, but also from Jewish converts who had heard that Paul had been teaching against Jewish custom. So Paul agreed to sponsor some young men in their rituals and go to the temple with them. However, in doing that, a lie was spread that Paul was dishonoring the temple by bringing gentiles into it. So that started the uproar against him. Paul then saw the opportunity to witness to his beloved fellow Jews, but they almost tore him apart. Paul had to then be rescued by the Romans whom also had no love for him. Then, as we shall see, a group of Jews formed a conspiracy to kill Paul and so the Roman commander ordered that Paul be taken to Caesarea to be in the protection of Governor Felix and also to put this nuisance out of his life and into the care of the governor. In this we see that it was the Lord, not Paul, who had arranged all these things to bring about His plan for Paul to be His witness in Rome. Our God is so much more amazing than we can fully comprehend!
It would have been easy for Paul to wonder what in the world was happening. Though he had been well intentioned in all he had done he was meeting nothing but opposition and danger. Though, really, Paul clearly knew by this point that being on a “mission from God” does not mean it is an easy journey, but instead will be met by opposition from the enemy. For Paul, who had been through so much for the sake of the Gospel, it would seem obvious that He knew that these events had the very fingerprint of God on them.
Jesus appeared to Paul for two reasons. The first was to encourage him. Paul who expertly knew the of received Old Testament encouragement and likely understood that when God makes an appearance to encourage, it is sometimes because the person has had it rough, or will have it rough, and that usually means something very rough. Paul knew that in our Christian walk we are all called to a path that takes over hills and through deep valleys as well as through the flat meadows. So Christ encouraging him was, as His appearing showed, Jesus was with Him through it all. Paul knew this, but remember that Paul was also just a man. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of what we already know, either by reminding ourselves, by being reminded by others, or even by the very presence of God appearing to us that He is always with us to heal, encourage and empower us to carry on.
The encouragement was to empower him to do what the Lord revealed to him that he must do. Paul, always ready to do the will of God, received the encouragement and looked forward to see how God would lead. What the Lord had not told Paul is that the road to Rome would lead to end of Paul’s ministry, and his life. All this in the divine plan of God for Paul’s life. Paul did not fear this, but embraced all of it that the name of Christ would be lifted up.
Family, from time to time we all need to be encouragement in the Lord. Sometimes, often times, we need it to do what we, in our flesh, would prefer not to do. Even a task we abhor to do, but do not shrink away from, because our ultimate goal is to faithfully serve God. The Lord, like He did with Paul, can use others to encourage us. Still we should, to the best of our ability, seek the face of God, His presence, His peace, His Word, as guided by the Holy Spirit, to provide the encouragement and strength for all that lies ahead of us. Too often, and quite unconsciously, we can set up idols, often from places of past blessings and victories that the Lord has provided for us. It is easy to return to them for peace and comfort rather than to God. The enemy can deceive us into thinking that we are seeking God, and perhaps that is the intent, but we are doing it all wrong. Let’s not return to places where we were blessed and expect to receive the same blessing. It is not the place, but rather God who blessed us (James 1:17). Though we can receive comfort from each other, and should take great comfort in that (it is God ordained), ultimately all good things, all blessings come from God. So let’s not return to the mountaintop expecting that it is holy, or the beach, or the desert, or anyplace in search of the presence and blessing of God. It is not the place that is holy, it is God’s presence there that is holy, it is God who is holy. And God clearly has said that He does not dwell in man built buildings (Acts 7:48), but rather has created His temple within the hearts of all who call Jesus their Savior and Lord (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19). Yes, let’s go to the only true “hook-up” with God. Let’s go straight to Him through the only path He has provided for us to get to Him, through our beloved Savior and Lord Jesus. Praise God who loves, heals, encourages, and strengthens us! Praise God who is always with us! Praise God who is so good and loves us so! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 23:1-10 – Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
“Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)” Paul knew that he may at least may get some sympathy from the Pharisees as he was once a highly regarded one (Philippians 3:5). Seeing that the accusers were hardened against him, perhaps he was thinking of Julius Caesar’s “divide and conquer” strategy (Versus the Gauls)? The Pharisees and Sadducees were strongly opposed to each other’s doctrine on the resurrection. Since the Sadducees were dug in and did not believe in resurrection (figuring this life is it, nothing afterward), perhaps they could be talked to on another day. However, the Pharisees did believe in resurrection and so may listen to reasoning about the resurrection of Jesus. Resurrection was constant and charged subject of debate between the two groups and immediately, as Paul likely surmised, the two began arguing over it. Furthermore, as Paul had hoped, there was a glimmer of hope that the Pharisees would stand with him.
“There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”” As Paul had hoped, the Pharisees rallied to his side, at least so far as to say they should hear him out. Perhaps, they said, “a spirit or an angel” had spoken to him? Indeed a spirit, in fact the Supreme Spirit God, had spoken to him. Paul must have been excited at the sliver of opportunity that they may listen to him if he could separate them from the Sadducees? However the divide over Paul’s declaration that Jesus, the resurrected Lord, created not only a divide but a violent furor. Obviously there was pushing, shoving and some punches being thrown between the two groups.
“The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.” Paul was likely being physically and violently pulled by both sides. The Sadducees to pull him among them to kill him and Pharisees to pull a fellow Pharisee back to among the safety of them. Family this was no polite disagreement, it was a violent brawl. The commander became afraid that Paul would be literally torn apart. The commander did not want to have to explain how he let the Jews who he had authority over were allowed to tear apart a Roman citizen, so he sent in the troops to remove Paul from the danger.
Jesus said in John 16:2-4a “They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them.” The time when the Jews, really the Jewish authorities, would cast Christians from their synagogues had come. The last days were the days since Jesus ascended to the right side of the Father. These authorities claimed that the Christians were blasphemous in their teaching the Jesus was God in the flesh, the very Son of God, who now, after being crucified, was alive and sitting on the right side of God the Father. And, if Jesus was not everything that He had claimed to be, it would have been blasphemous. They taught the common Jews to hate Christians by claiming that they opposed Judaism (though at first, all the Christians were Jews).
However, as we know, Jesus was everything He claimed to be, He is sitting at the right hand of the Father and He was the Son of God. He was God incarnate and He brought God’s love, mercy and grace to all who would come. He came to save man and so that all could physically see the beauty of the love of God and personally witness it as Jesus brought the salvation that only God could bring. Only God is perfect so only He could die for the sins of man. If there was another way for man to be made right with God, then God would have provided that way. But there was no other way so Jesus came to die for us. And it is clear from the Word that even Moses and Elijah were not worthy of being The Savior, Jesus eternally stand while these great heroes of the faith have given way to Him (Matthew 17:1-8). There is no other way to God the Father, there is no other way to Heaven (Acts 4:12). That makes people angry when they hear it. In their delusion, or pride, or both, they want to create their own “way” or to cling to the error that their forefathers clung to. Some want to create their own religion or philosophy and they demand that God will accept them on their own terms and they assert that if He does not, then he and not them are evil. This is great foolishness and unless such people resent, they will never see Heaven but instead will forever dwell in the Lake of Fire with the great deceiver, with the one in whom pride was first found, the devil, and also with all the demons who followed him. For them that refuse Jesus the Lake of Fire is an eternal, no-way-out destination place of suffering beyond what man can currently imagine. But to all who love and serve the Lord, our eternal home is with God Almighty. Forever we shall live in His love, His peace, His joy and His rest. Not idleness, rest in the Spirit. Praise our God who loves us so very deeply and wants all to be saved, and that only through Jesus. Praise our God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 23:1-10 – Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
“Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” Paul was angry as he had been struck out of line. Have you ever been surprised by an unexpected slap or punch? Once when I was in school I was being falsely accused. The principal had promised to not strike me and then, when I was looking away, slapped me on my face. I was immediately furious at the unprovoked and unwarranted slap. I just managed to control myself not to strike back. Paul was unjustly struck. It was not the practice of the Jews to punish someone without due process (Deuteronomy 25:1-2). Besides, wasn’t Paul there to defend his innocence just as the Sanhedrin was there to accuse him? So obviously Paul said what a man who believed himself innocent would say, that his conscience was clear of wrongdoing. It was not for the sake of courtly order or because of wrong doing by Paul that he was struck, but because of the poor character of Ananias who directed the attack from anger and pride.
Paul, not knowing that the one who called for him to be struck was the high priest, spoke out against the one who gave the wrongful order. Paul called him a whitewashed tomb. This was a reference to the practice of white washing a tomb to make aware to any person traveling by that they were passing by a tomb. If it were not whitewashed and someone touched it, not knowing it was a tomb (a carved out cave), then that person was considered unclean. In that circumstance there was a seven day cleansing ritual (Numbers 19:11-22). So the expression a “whitewashed tomb” was to state that the person who looked clean and white on the outside was unclean on the inside. It was calling them a vile hypocrite.
As noted, Paul, until he was told, did not know it was the high priest who had given the instruction. It has been offered that he did not know because perhaps the high priest was not dressed in his priestly garb (due to the impromptu meeting), and in addition to that Paul had not been in Jerusalem for some time and may not have known who the current high priest was.
Though Paul had been wronged by the high priest he immediately apologized for disrespecting him. He pled ignorance of the knowing it was the high priest. He quoted the verse that would be the one he had broken “Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.” Family, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 that authority should be honored because the authority is there only because the Lord has allowed it. Respect the authority even if it is inhabited by evil because we don’t know the reason or plans of God. Therefore we respect the authority even it is represented by an evil person (though not the person). God has His purposes which we quite probably do not at all know. Respecting authority is respecting and trusting God. An authority, such as Ananias, may not personally be one of honor or personally a respectable person, but we trust that God has a reason. If we have a complaint of injustice, we call out to God. He will recompense (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:17-19). Going further, pray for those who persecute us and abuse us and that shows the heart of God within us. After all Jesus died for the very ones who tortured and killed Him. If His love lives in us, how much more so should we, the bearers of His love, also pray for those who harm us? (Matthew 5:43-48)
Family, those who belong to God act from the love of God, and live out a godly character, not because we want to be long to Him, but because we do. Therefore, as Jesus taught us, we who are ordained by God as the light of the world let it be shown by how we live. Let the Light that shines from us, that is Jesus (John 8:12), shine out to the world. Acts of retribution do not display the Spirit of Jesus who instead of retribution to those who killed Him, blessed them with opportunity to God’s grace and love. Let us let our light shine (Matthew 5:14-16) and we do so not to win praise for ourselves, but to bring people to Jesus, that they may also receive His grace and love. Praise God who has given us the great honor of representing Him! There is no greater honor! Let us do so in a respectful manner that is worthy of the Lord. Thank you Jesus! Praise God! Thank you Lord God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 23:1-10 – Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
“Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”” When Paul was before the Sanhedrin he was just where he wanted to be. The Sanhedrin was like the Supreme Court in the United States. Paul was not intimidated because he knew that he was bearing the truth that was for all and because he knew the Lord was with him. In a court we know that usually the prosecution speaks first but here Paul, the accused, spoke first. He could not wait to start on this opportunity to again share the Truth with them in hopes that they would receive salvation. Paul was relentless in his witnessing and his hope in the saving power of the Gospel was untiring.
When addressing the Sanhedrin, which was populated by Sadducees and Pharisees, Paul started out by calling them “brothers.” Normally, a person addressing this august governing body, out of respect, called them “fathers.” Paul was raised as a Pharisee and received his education under the imminently respected Gamaliel. Paul had risen to the upper echelons of Jews and he addressing the Sanhedrin as “brothers” may well be indicative that he once also belonged as a member of them, or at least was considered a peer of them.
Paul states that he has fulfilled the duty God has called him to in “all good conscience to this day.” Some wonder how he could say that he had a good conscience in light of the fact that he once persecuted Christians to have them beaten and killed. Yet we know that Paul is not reticent about his life before becoming as those he persecuted as even in Acts 22:4 he confesses to it. We must remember that Paul was used by the Lord to teach us that all our sins are forgiven because of the substitutionary act of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5;21, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9). Paul is the one who wrote 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Paul was also an expert in the Old Testament and he was well aware of Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us.” Paul was not stating that he never sinned, he never claimed that he did not sin and actually in Romans 7:15-20 revealed that even he carried the desire to sin, and that he did. Surely he did a great job of resisting sin, but he never claimed to be perfect and he was not. And aren’t we glad of that! He was like us and yet increasingly gained victories over the flesh and sin and was mightily used of God. Family, there is hope for us, God forgives our sins and can even use sinners like us! Praise our God who has not only saved us but also brings us into the family business! Praise God!
“At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.” The high priest, whose mind was against God (he opposed the Gospel) ordered that Paul be struck on the mouth. To him Paul was a blasphemer and it seemed obvious that Paul would again be defending The Way. It was not legal under Jewish law that a man should be punished, or struck, without due process revealing the need for punishment (Deuteronomy 25:1-2). But as would later be attested to, Ananias was corrupt and one of the worst high priests ever. He had told priests to reject as imperfect and therefore unworthy sacrifices the animals that travelers had brought to the temple to sacrifice. He did that so that then the priest could say to the disappointed worshipper “That’s too bad but fortunately we just so happen to have a lamb that is pre-approved as acceptable. Of course, such a lamb is costly!” In this way Ananias and his corrupt cohorts lined their pockets with filthy money. Later, in AD 66, Ananias was assassinated by militant Jews for being a pro-Roman conspirator against his own people. This Ananias was not a holy man.
Family are we able to say that we have a clear conscience with God? I hope and for the same reason Paul could say so, all of us likewise can. As Paul did, we can say that we have a clean slate with God that is not based on our works (that are still plagued with sin) but because of the cleansing work of our Savior and Lord Jesus. Family we all have a clean slate with God. As we strive to draw near to God, He will draw near to us and continue to transform us from who we were to become more and more like Him (Hebrews 10:19-23, James 4:7-10). And that not for His benefit, but for ours. So let us approach God without fear because of the mighty cleansing work of Jesus. Praise God who loves us so! Praise God who saves us and continues to sanctify us! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 22:22-30 – The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” 23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” 27 The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. 28 Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. 29 Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. 30 The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
“When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” 27 The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered.” The Lord blessed Paul’s strategy. The Roman soldiers were alarmed and immediately went to their commander and reported the news. The commander immediately became concerned and went to ascertain for himself if Paul was a Roman citizen, to which Paul confirmed that he was. Something awe inspiring about this is the love God has for us and the ability of our omniscient God to beforehand work out all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). We see the providence of God (Psalm 103:19) as Paul did not purchase his citizenship as the commander had but was born a citizen. How Paul was born a citizen is not directly known (from scripture) but what we may surely know is that it was the Lord Himself who arranged it so. It is possible that Paul was born a citizen by being born in a Roman province (Tarsus), or that his father or grandfather were citizens as the result of military service for Rome. Yet either way, long before Paul was born, God knew then of the use of Roman citizenship to save Paul from beatings and death. How great is our God! Praise God who even before we are born is arranging blessings for our lives. This is just another part of the proof of how greatly God has always loved us! Indeed God is all-knowing, He is good, and He loves us! We are safe in His love! Praise God!
“Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.” Buying Roman citizenship was, though legal, somewhat of a backdoor in. It of course was, to some, a dubious honor and considered a lower citizenship than being born a Roman citizen. So Paul’s level of citizenship exceeded that of the commander’s.
“Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.” The commander, and even all the soldiers beneath him, were now in a very precarious situation. We can easily picture the soldiers shrinking away from Paul not wanting to be implicated in the mistreatment of this Roman citizenship. Roman citizens greatly valued their liberties and the violation of them was a serious act punishable by sentencing from a people who zealously guarded their liberties. Any who had a part in even the binding of Paul were in danger of possibly having to answer for their indiscretion.
“The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.” Now the commander was going to go about the interrogation of Paul in a proper way. Paul was to face his accusers. So the commander unbound Paul from his illegal binding and called the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to come to testify against Paul. The commander wanted to hear the accusations, the evidence and to give Paul a chance to defend himself. The commander could have saved himself worry if he had been a good man who gave equal treatment to all, Roman citizen or not. Yet it should not be absolutely concluded that this rascal had changed his ways, but was, more likely, trying to make it right should he have to defend his actions. Perhaps he was hoping that Paul had broken a Roman law and then his binding might be justified. Nevertheless, Paul was brought out to confront his accusers who were, sadly, the very people he loved and would die for, if it would have meant their salvation.
A common question is, if a Christian is wronged, should that Christian pursue their rights through legal recourse? In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Paul admonishes the Corinthian church against taking other Christians to court to settle a manner. He states that we who will reign with Jesus (2 Timothy 2:12) should not be seeking the ungodly to settle our disputes. We should, as servants of the Lord Jesus, be able to settle our own disputes. He even states that it would better representing our fellowship with each other to suffer wrong than to go to a worldly court against each other. We know that the world administers the truth and justice as they know it and much too often that can be contrary to the truth of justice of God.
However should a non-believer violate rights given to us by the government of our land, then it is our right to pursue those rights through the courts of the land, just as Paul here did. We can look to the reply of Jesus concerning paying taxes as He said “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:15-22) If we love Him, God rules over all parts of our lives. Yet Jesus here clearly notes that we shall be aware that the government of our land has power and authority. Give to the government what belongs to them as long as it does not conflict with what the Word of God reveals to us. So the government has laws we must all abide in (that do not conflict with the Word) and also rights that we are all endowed with. If someone, be it a public entity or person, or a private entity or person, who is not Christian, violates our legal rights, then they are subject to correction by the very government that has given our rights to us. So, since these are rights are given to us by the government, then it is reasonable to pursue and guard those rights within the government that gives and protects them. So, against non-believers, it is okay, even proper, to seek government redress in a proper way. However, against each other, let us settle disputes among ourselves, or with elders, or by the whole church, but we ought not to take each other to a government, and public court. Let us rather, in love, prefer to suffer wrong so that the name of our beloved Jesus is not dragged through the mud. Don’t we know that non-believers love to point and scoff at such behavior. No, God forbid, let’s not drag each other into government court and so shame the name of Jesus. But if a matter cannot be settled with a non-believer, than, when necessary, pursue legal rights as the laws have prescribed. In all these things we submit our behavior before God. In all things, let us do things that honor and praise God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Yes, may we always honor and praise our good God! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withActs 22:22-30 – The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” 23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” 27 The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. 28 Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. 29 Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. 30 The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
“The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” We remember that the Jews were offended by Paul’s statement that the job of proselytizing the gentiles had been moved by God from the Jews to Paul and the Church. They may not have been so angry if Paul had been bringing the Gentiles to God through the door of Judaism but he was not. He was not only not bringing the Gentiles to the Jews for conversion but he was also, in essence, putting the Jews on the outside of a right relationship with God, just as the Gentiles were. Both needed conversion. Though the message of Paul was true, naturally they became incensed.
Secondly let’s remember the strong point that if Paul and the church were now being used by God to reach the Gentiles, then that meant that the Jews had been put aside. Which He had (temporarily). Not that salvation was no longer offered to them and not that God did not still have plans for them, but that they were in a time of discipline, just as so often they had suffered through in the Old Testament. Now their offence was worse, they had rejected the Son of God Jesus who had come to bring salvation to them. All so sad. We know their tendency toward migrating to hard hearts hurts the very heart of God (Matthew 23:37).
Remembering that the chief offence that accusers had leveled against Paul was that he had defiled the Temple by bringing Gentiles into it. It was not true, but that was the charge claimed against Paul. So in their minds, Paul had defiled the Temple and was now placing the Jews (not Judaism) on an equal plane with the Gentiles. To them, Paul was guilty of defiling the Temple and profaning Judaism, since they equated accusing them as being the same as accusing Judaism, though it was not, just as to say that a Christian has erred is not the same thing as saying the Christianity has erred. In consideration of what they thought to be true of Paul, it is not hard to understand their rage and their statement that Paul was not fit to be alive. It is always dangerous to, no matter the accusation, find a person guilty before due process. The United States honorably has law that states that all are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This is a very noble presumption and standard. May this always be what the United States holds to in every situation!
“As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this.” It may logically be presumed that the Hebrews were speaking in a language that the Romans did not understand (Acts 21:40). So that their shouts were likely directed straight at Paul. Though the Romans did not understand the language, their expressions of rage were obvious. Imagine a group of people who were so offended and outraged, and only wanted to hurt and kill the offender, but were unable to do so. They would be besides themselves, “out of their minds” raging, they might also take off a garment and violently wave it and, not having stones available, may threw dirt in the air. These Jews, who didn’t even know all the facts, were in a frenzy with violent intentions.
The commander did not know what was going on but he saw the obvious, these people wanted to kill Paul and if he did not separate Paul from them the situation was likely to quickly become much worse than it was. He brought Paul back into the barracks to protect him and to calm the crowd.
Consider how worked up the commander must have been. Here is a Jew (Paul), and the commander cared nothing for their beliefs, who was the anathema of the Jewish crowd, that the commander had to decide what to do with. At that point he was likely frustrated and angry and so he turned to the usual practice of the Romans against non-Romans. Beat them till they confess. Let’s remember that beaten people who are in extreme pain may falsely claim guilt just to stop the pain and so the truth may likely never be found.
“As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” They stretched him to increase the effectiveness of the beating. Paul waited to the last minute before revealing that he was a Roman Citizen. Why did he wait? It was surely a strategic move on his behalf. It was not legal to beat and torture a Roman citizen in such a way. It was not legal to bind or beat or imprison a Roman citizen without due process. In fact, even if they were found to be guilty of a capital crime, their punishment was never something like crucifixion that was a long tortuous death, it would be something that would be carried out quickly. It would be quick and private, sparing the condemned and the condemned person’s family of the ignominy of public execution. Roman citizens carried rights far above none citizens. Violation of these rights could bring serious repercussions on the violator of the rights. Therefore, Paul waited to the last minute so the commander would worry about his own safety since he had already unduly bound Paul. The soldiers carrying out what the commander had said were also in danger and instantly drew back and went to report this new revelation to their superior.
Family, like Paul, when we speak the truth of God’s Word, it can be condemning to those whom the Word pierces (Hebrews 4:12). If we say that something is a sin because the Word of God states it is so, we are often accused of being unloving, judgmental, or condemning. Yet then we, like Paul are falsely accused. Standing by the Word of God and sharing it is not unloving, it is in fact, the most loving thing we can do for one another, or even to the unbeliever. And if a person feels condemned by the Word of God, it is not us who condemn what they do, but God Himself. And the person who feels condemned is short of understanding as the Word condemns their sin, nevertheless they are still offered grace for the forgiveness of sin. So let’s follow the example of Paul and never compromise the Word of God, which Paul refused, at all times, to do. (Galatians 1:6-10) Let us not be ashamed of who God is, or the truth He has spoken to us. For those who truly love God will never be ashamed of God or His Word. (Mark 8:38) Let us instead be unashamed of our God and His Word, as Paul was and then we also may have the assurance of salvation and of eternal life with our God (Romans 1:16). Praise our God who is faithful to us, who knows and forgives us, and who always loves us! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob withZephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Oh our God is so great! Great is He who created all that is created and who has created us to His exact design. He created all the creatures of the earth and He gave them to man to love and care for. He also gave to man plants to likewise love and care for. How highly does He love man and place man to rule the earth that He created? His love for us is beyond our ability to conceive and we are called not to fully understand His love but to fully receive it. He loves all and calls to all to come and receive from Him. He, the Majestic One is in stature and greatness far beyond man or any created being or thing. There is none like Him and nor will there ever be one like Him. He gives us understanding that can only be fully known and assimilated into the very being of those who truly love and honor Him. Only by those who bow before His Son to call Him Savior and Lord. Within those titles of Jesus, are the whole of His loving message to us. Those who hate and reject the thought of needing a savior and lord will not, indeed cannot, know the fullness of His love and mercy. It is well said that no-one can fully know what it is like to have children until one has them. Likewise no-one can know the bliss of requited love until one has it. Highest among all blessings, among all joys, is the receiving and holding dear the love of God, who first loved us. He does not love as the world loves, but loves us as only He can love. Only those who humble themselves before Him can know this highest love. In His love is a joy that not only endures through hardship, but grows stronger through the trek.
For those who hurt, and we all sometimes do, God, the Mighty One to whom none can see and not fearfully tremble, He who is the Creator of all that is created, it is He who is the most fearsome of all, and whom is also the most tender of all. For those who love Him, truly love Him, He is the Mighty Warrior who has no equal and He is the comfort where there seems to be no comfort. To the hurting, to those to whom hope is merely something to hope for, He bends down to closely look at us face to face, eye to eye, to say “Look at me, I am with you, we will do this together.” God, who loves us, is so very, very good! All children of God, let us look to Him, the Mighty One, and receive His love that is sweeter than the imagination and stronger than anything known to man. Jesus said ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus, the incarnate Word, was expressing not only His love, but the love of the Father (John 12:49).
When we are crying, let us cry to the Lord. Why do we look into our thoughts, our memories, our reasoning or anything else for comfort? True and lasting comfort, eternal comfort, comes only from God. Cry to Him and do not tell Him what we need to be comforted, but rather receive what He gives as comfort. Just open our hearts and minds to receive what He gives. He gives Himself. He has given Himself. Since there is none and there is nothing like Him, the giving of Himself is the highest gift and what we most need. Given by the One who knows what we most need because He knows us better than we know ourselves. Look to God. Receive Him. Therein is our peace and comfort. Whatever has overtaken us, we have Him as our comfort. Look at no-one or nothing else. He alone is the cure for our woes. Praise our God! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
by Bob with