Romans 8

 Good morning....bright shining sun and the threat of snow this afternoon and evening! Spring in upstate NY! It is going to be a good day!

Yesterday's chapter was tough to read- sin and bad- ugh! Not a fan of reading how bad I am! Today's chapter comes to us in a different light- the idea that we have a new and wonderful life available to us!

Right out of the gate, Paul says those of us who are in Christ are not guilty (v 1)! But that's a big word- in! If we are one with Jesus, we cannot be condemned. God didn't condemn Jesus and so will not, cannot, condemn us...if we have Christ as our head, our leader, our master. Do we? Being in Christ shows that there is a mystical, spiritual connection between Christ and humanity- if we accept that connection. If we are in Christ, we are bound by the law of the Spirit (v 2), and that law brings life-- rather than "the laws" which brought sin and death. We are freed from the dominion and power of death-- if we are in Christ. The laws can tell us much- guide us, teach us, tell us about God's character, but t has no strength or power over us; only Christ and the Spirit have the power over us- if we are in Christ (v 3). The law could not defeat sin, it only detected sin and allowed us to be guilty; Jesus defeated sin and that destroyed the sin in us, through his death on the cross (v 3). God sent Jesus to earth; Jesus had to identify with those that were bound by the law; Jesus had to know us to save us. Jesus wasn't sin, but he identified with it. Because of Jesus, our life is now marked by obedience to the Holy Spirit (v 4). 

When we are obedient to the Spirit, we are good; when we are obedient to the flesh- we are sinful (v 5). When we walk in the Spirit, we change our course and see goodness and compassion and love and justice; when we walk in the flesh, we see hate and bad, and sin and injustice. It is a mind set that we have to focus on; once our head is in the game- our body will follow. If our mind is on "fleshly desires" then our body will follow- no matter how much we want to be good. Want and desire comes from our head- and we need to get that in the game if we are to follow Christ. Getting our head in the game, having the mind-set of a Christian, comes from study, discussion, prayer, conversation with others of the same mind set. 

The Holy Spirit (v 9) comes upon each one of us as we are born again (or at our baptism, to bring up a point from yesterday); we then have a higher power already available to us- we just need to harness that power and not be weak and fall to the desires of the flesh. If you call yourself a Christian, then you have the Spirit in you-- you can;t be a Christian and not be full of the Holy Spirit (v 10). The difficult part of that is recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in us. We are so full of other feelings that we look beyond and over the fullness we have from the Holy Spirit. I know I am guilty of that!

Our obligation, our debt, is to live in the Spirit (vv 12-13).Sin does nothing for us, Christ did something for us...so, we don't owe sin anything, we owe everything we are to Christ. Paul constantly reminds us that following the flesh brings death; following Christ brings us life. We have the choice to make. 

As we follow the Spirit and become fully ingrained in following the Spirit and being in Christ- then we are the sons and daughters of God (vv 14- 17). Just because we read the Bible, just because we attend worship, just because we take communion- doesn't make us a child of God. What makes us a child of God is being lead and controlled by the Spirit. Are we lead by the Spirit or lead by the flesh? When we are living in the Spirit, when we are children of God, then we can cry out Abba! Father! Imma! Mother! We can build that relationship with God as a child builds a relationship with their parents. We can relate to God as Jesus related to God; we can have a connection with God as Jesus had a connection with God. If we are children of God, then we are heirs to God's kingdom (v 17). In Luke 18:18, the rich young ruler asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" We can't "do" anything- we can "be" something though!

Paul now (vv 18) takes a look at human suffering (keeping in mind the suffering and pain he has gone through). Paul knows that the future is so much brighter than what we are going through now; the pain and suffering that we struggle with is nothing compared to the greatness of what is yet to come. The image of the excitement (v 19) is something to cherished...all that God has created is excited for the day we are all united together! Imagine- creation and God being excited! As excited as a woman about to give birth (v 22). I remember the excitement I had when Joseph was born- now imagine that excitement in all of God's creation! Yikes!! However, there is also pain in that magical moment. Excruciating pain, and we all are going through those birth pains as we live out our lives. We must persevere through those pains (as a woman in labor has to push through), and with that brings endurance to continue in the hope of something better. 

Even in our moments of weakness, when we say we can't do this anymore, God knows our desires (vv 26- 27).  God's work is an enduring promise and God will use all things for good and to see God's kingdom come to fruition (v 28). Though we must face trial and sufferings now (go back to v 18), God will capitalize on them for our good and the advancement of God's dominion. The ones God love have always been in God's mind-- even before our birth, even before creation (v 29). We were created to be like Christ, to be in Christ, to be in the Spirit. God's plan has always been- foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified (v 30). God has always been and will always continue to be, part of our lives. It is God's nature to care about God's children. We are all chosen, we are all a product of God's good works in humanity, we are destined to do good. 

"If God is for us, what can be against us?" (v 31), seems very different from the first few chapters of this book. In those chapters, it seemed like God was against us! However, God has gone through great lengths to save us from God's wrath. God has done what God can do (through Jesus and the Holy Spirit)  to save us from sin and death (v 32) and we have been found "not guilty" by the highest judge, God (v 33- 34). 

Paul then goes in to one of his most quoted passages (v 35- 39)-- "What can separate us form the love of God/Christ?" Nothing. God loves us so much. I tend to forget that sometimes; I tend to look the other way; I tend to not believe those statements that Paul gives us. I need to remember God's love is always present and always unconditional. Nothing good or nothing bad can come between us and God. If that is true, then we are united with God. Hard to believe at times though! Be present with each of us, God.

This is a good stopping point for the weekend. The first eight chapters were about humanity's need for God; the next few chapters take a hard look at Israel and the Jews- How did they miss Jesus as the Messiah? What does it say about God? What does it say about Israel? What does it say about us today?

Have a great weekend and I look forward to chatting with you all again on Monday.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Romans 7

 Hi All! Great day yesterday. Lots of yard work completed and some gardening done: second crop of lettuce, radishes, beans, peas, kohlrabi, and onions are all in and ready to go! I am ready!! 

Great thoughts and comments about yesterday's reading. Thanks so much for all the hard work and time you are taking with this! This is a big task!! Today's reading continues with Paul's thoughts from yesterday and the idea of being a slave to sin even though we are offered the freedom of grace from God. 

These first verses are directed to the Jews that are reading Paul's comments. Paul explains that upon death, all contracts are null and void (vv 1-3); this includes the laws that people were living under. Obviously, if you are dead, you can (or can't) follow the law. He brings up the contract of marriage; marriage was a highly regarded covenant in the Judaic tradition and was thought to last forever; however, if the husband dies, then the woman is free to marry again. Odd statement, but it is addressed in the next few verses. Paul is setting up an analogy here.

Paul circles back to the beginning of  chapter 6:3-8 (we are dead to sin) with the following verse (v 4). If we died with Christ and we rose with Christ, then we are also dead to the law and the laws have no hold over us. So, not only have we died to sin, we have also died to the laws. People of the time were thinking, "We may be saved by grace, but we have to please God by following the law." Paul is saying that we are also dead to the laws. In some translations, v 4 comments about "marriage to another" (my translation says "you might belong to another"). The idea is that we are free form the law (dead to the law) so we can re-marry to Christ. In the past (before our covenant with Christ) we didn't produce fruit, we weren't good people, we did as we pleased (vv 5-6). However, now that we are married with Christ, we are better able to produce the fruits that God desires. Paul writes more about this in chapter 7!

As a result of these last two paragraphs, people may comment, "The law is equal is in then!" Paul comes back with the comment- No, the law is good as it showed us what sin was (v 7). We need to know the limits. We have to set rules in place sop we can know boundaries. You can't get mad at a child for touching and breaking something if they didn't know they shouldn't grab it in the first place! The issue we now have is that once sin knows the limits- it likes to push those limits! I can remember one time when Morgan was young (maybe 3?). She was taking a bath and would stand on the edge of the tub and jump in. Sherri told her a few times to not do that because she could get hurt. Morgan did it once more, Sherri said, "If you do that again, I will spank you." Morgan looked right at Sherri, climbed on the edge of the tub, and jumped in. I heard a blood curdling scream as I ran upstairs and saw a little red hand print on Morgan's bare butt! That is the idea Paul is saying- once we know the limits, we like to push them! We are innocent (alive) before we know or understand what limits the law sets (v 9).

Paul now looks at himself (vv 15- 20). Essentially saying, "I know I want to do right, I just can't sometimes." Paul lacks the power to do right because the law doesn't give power. The laws says, "These are the rules; follow them!" Paul realizes that as he sins, he is working against himself in being a new creation in Christ (v 17). A Christian must own up to the sins that are in  and from them, yet know that those sins are not really us if we are in Christ (v 19). 

We have a battle of our two selves waging war in each of us (vv 20- 23). We don't know how bad we are until we try to stop! C.S.Lewis once wrote: "No man knows how bad he is until he tries to be good!" Paul realizes that inwardly he wants to do good, but that there is this thing inside (some translations say "another law in my members") that makes him want to do bad. His "real self"is the one that desires good though. Paul seems to really struggle here and there is some discussion that Paul may have not yet fully converted to Christianity at this point; others comment that it is the regular struggle that all Christians face on a daily basis. The point of the passage is that it defines a man who is trying to be good and holy but gets beaten down by the power of sin. For Paul, and many of us, the war inside is real and daily. We are always fighting that desire to do bad with the idea and knowledge that we should be good people. It is a real struggle and constant!

Paul really comes down hard on himself in v 24, "What a miserable man I am" (some translations use wretched). These words were used by many of the saints; they never say, "Oh, how good was I!" Paul is worn out and exhausted from trying to please God under the law as he turns to someone outside of himself (v 24), "Who will save (deliver) me?" The voice of someone looking for salvation or deliverance. 

He turns to see Jesus (v 25)! "I thank God for saving me through Christ Jesus...." Through- Jesus is between God and Paul, the intermediate that has so long been looked for so that we can have an intimate and personal  relationship with God. I am reminded of the hymn "Victory in Jesus" with this comment from Paul. "Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood; he loved me ere I knew him, and all my love is due him; he plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood."

Let us remember these words as we go about our day!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Romans 6

 Good morning and get ready for another great day! Yesterday was great...church work in the morning, then a quick 5 1/2 mile hike on the Finger Lakes Trail, then back home for lawn mowing and yard work. My allergies are in over-drive right now!

My lunch view at the Firefox lean to

Yah, I know, I need to smile more!

Yesterday's reading brought many questions and thoughts. The essence is that God's grace is over-bounding to each of us. The free gift of grace was needed because of Adam bringing sin into our world and was provided through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Paul comes back to the Adam-Jesus theology in a few other epistles (1 Corinthians and Philippians, I think). In the Corinthians texts, Paul calls Jesus "the second Adam". That's an interesting discussion!

Chapter 6 isn't too difficult and is a continuation of yesterday's concepts of grace and sin.

In 5:20, Paul essentially says, "where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." He begins chapter 6 with a "disclaimer" saying, "After all...if God loves sinners the more you sin, what's the point of being good!" (v 1). Paul responds to his somewhat rhetorical question by saying absolutely not (v 2). Once we have a relationship with Christ, then our relationship to sin and with sin has also changed. Once we become a life-partner with Christ, we can't also be a life-partner with sin!

Paul then uses baptism as an illustration of what he just talked about. The concept of baptism is that we are "acting out" Jesus' death and resurrection. As we are covered with the baptismal water, it is as if we are being buried (with Christ) and when we come out of the water, we are rising as Christ rose at the resurrection. The immersion in the water represent our dying to the sin and our new birth comes about when we come up out of the baptismal water. Paul's point is that something dramatic and life-changing has happened at your baptism; you can't die and rise again without it dramatically changing your life!

Paul's use of the words "united together" or "joined with Him" (or whatever your translation uses) in v 5 symbolizes the close unity we have with Christ's death and with Christ's resurrection. If we participate in the death of Jesus then we also certainly participate in Jesus' resurrection. Our old life (v 6) of sin and hate and evil died with Jesus on the cross (some translations say "old man" referring back to Adam!). If the "old man" our old self is dead, then it can be replaced by the "new man" (Jesus) and the goodness of God will take the place of sin. The "new man" is a new person in us: obedient and pleasing to God. "Death is the only freedom a slave knows, that's why he is not afraid of it" were words spoken by Kirk Douglas in the 1960s film Spartacus. We are no longer slaves to sin, because those sins have died.

If all this is true, then we need to live in Christ (vv 11- 12). Death to sin is only one side of the equation; the other side is our new life in Christ. Do all Christians live up to this? Self-doubt, unbelief, backsliding all take us back to sin at times...some more than others. I remember reading a story of a slave woman after the Civil War questions if she was free or still a slave. She commented that when she asked her master, the master said she was still a slave and Lincoln had no right to sign the proclamation of independence; however, when she asked "her own people" they responded that she was a free person. Similar to the black woman, we have been "set free" yet some still question that validity of the proclamation!

We may know that we are "set free", yet we may still act as though we are slaves to sin. Think of a prisoner that has lived in prison for most of their life. When they are set free, they may still live and act as a prisoner, because that is the life they know best. It is difficult for them to integrate back into society. That's how it is like for us. We are set free, but we remember the life we used to have- and we continue to live that life of sin. We need to build habits of a Christian life (vv 13-14) by knowing what we are doing. We must not use our body for sin! We have ears- let them be sin free; we have heads- let them be sin free; we have legs- let them lead us to good and not bad, etc....Offer what we have to the goodness of God and let God use our body for good! 

Paul gives us an option (v 16): we can present ourselves to sin and be slaves to sin or we can present ourselves to God and be "slaves" to God. Paul proposes that we were once slaves to sin, but now that God has presented grace to us, we would choose being "slaves" to goodness and life (vv 17-18). Paul continues through the rest of the chapter emphasizing the way we were compared to the new way that we should be living. Paul tries to drive home the point of sin and goodness; death and life. He does say that we may fall back and "visit our old master" (sin), but we have a new master that we need to stay with. We have had a change of ownership and must remember that we work for a new master now!

I think this was an easy chapter- quite repetitive (as Paul usually is), but he is trying to drive home a point. Paul will continue this discussion of good and evil in the next few chapters, giving different examples to work with. 

I hope you have a good day and thanks for all your hard work with this!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Romans 5

 Good morning! I hope you all had a good day yesterday and are planning on having a good day today! I am hoping to get out to the FLT for a short hike (7 miles) later this morning! There is plenty of yard work to do and house work- but I hear the woods calling me!

Thanks for all your comments and thoughts yesterday. I think we were all glad to hear some positive words from Paul! 

A brief discussion of circumcision as the topic of circumcision comes up quite often, especially with Paul. Circumcision was practiced by several cultures "back in the day" (some used it as a rite of passage, some used it for religious purposes), but was not practiced by the Jews until after Abraham. In Genesis 17:10-11, God creates a covenant (promise) with Abraham, and says that the sign of that covenant will be circumcision. At that point, all males in Abraham's house were circumcised- regardless of age (Abraham was 99 years old when this happened). After that- All boys were to be circumcised by their eighth day of life; unfortunately- there is no corresponding symbol for women- primarily due to their lower status. This religious ritual continued, even through today in Jewish homes. Greek culture was very opposed to circumcision- even convicting those that did it to death! The big disagreement between Jews and early Christians is the point that Christians aren't circumcised (during the "inter-testimental" time and early New Testament). Paul says there is no need for circumcision, as we can be circumcised in our heart- the idea of removing our "fleshy, unnecessary" parts and becoming more spiritual. Circumcision is practiced today for various reasons: cultural "acceptance", health, religious, rite of passage to adulthood. 

OK- on to chapter 5! Chapter 5 has some very deep and theologically intense statements!

Paul has convinced us, I hope, that the only way to salvation is to be justified by grace through faith. He now begins to talk about the practical "benefits" of this justification. The first "benefit" is that we all have "peace with God" (v 1). Not peace with the world, not peace with the flesh, peace with the devil- peace with God- and it was given to us through the complete action of Jesus Christ. 

Our second "benefit" is the grace that we are given (v 2). Grace- God's undeserved favor towards us- was given through Jesus to us and gained by our faith in God. One point of grace is that God just doesn't love us, God likes us! With God's grace, there is no "score sheet", no "gold stars" to obtain. We can spend more time worshiping and loving God than hating ourselves for our actions. Our "access" to this peace and grace is only by our faith and through the actions of Christ. The conclusion of this peace and grace is our ability to have joy and hope (v 2b)

Paul addresses the "nay-sayers" by saying that we will have tribulations and troubles (v 3), and Paul should know about these tribulations! Even with these troubles, we can know God is near us. And with these troubles, we can be happy, because we know they will give us strength and endurance. You can't gain unless you struggle. I could stand to shed some pounds and gain some strength back from this last year of quarantine and odd living behaviors- but it is going to take work! Marathon runners just don't do it- they spend countless years struggling and training. Christians need to spend that time struggling so we can gain endurance and strength. Paul then creates a "golden chain" of Christian development: patience produces character, character produces hope, and hope wins (v 4-5). The culmination of this is that God pours God's love into our hearts.

God sent Christ to those that were the ungodly ones Paul mentioned in the first two chapters. I think I saw myself in that list a few times! Jesus was the substitution, the propitiation that we talked about earlier, that took my place of the sacrifice. Christ died for the ungodly, for "those people", for me, for you (v 6)! God demonstrated that through the death of Jesus on the cross. The cross, originally a symbol of torture, man's extreme hate for others, the vileness of humanity, became a symbol of love and grace and peace. The cross was the ultimate description of God's love for us- to have God's only Son (who was also God, the Trinity), hung on the symbol of the height of man's hatred, to become the symbol of the height of God's love. The last line in this paragraph (v 8) contains a line in our communion liturgy- "Christ died for us while we were yet sinners...that proves God's love for us." When we celebrate communion this weekend, and when I say those lines, I will definitely think of them differently now!

If we are justified through the actions of Jesus, we can then be saves form the wrath and anger of God through Jesus (v 9). It is God's righteous wrath, God's justified anger at us, but we are saved from that! And God did that when we were enemies of God (10), ungodly, sinners. Now that we are justified, imagine what kind of relationship we can have with God. 

Paul turns now to a discussion of Adam and Eve and the origin of sin and God's anger to us. Paul believes that Adam and Eve were real and the story of Genesis is historically accurate. The life of Adam and Eve had an effect on our life today- but they are also the foundation for salvation- also for us! Adam is given credit for the fall of humanity (v 12)- not Eve! In 1 Timothy, we will hear Eve was deceived, but Adam had full knowledge of right and wrong. Because of Adam's sin, death entered the world. Death and sin are connected (v 12)- each grave is "evidence" that people are sinners! Tough for us to hear- right?! There were no laws before Moses (v 13) so sin entered the world regardless of having to follow the laws. Paul now takes a big leap- I hope you're ready for it. Paul presents a similarity between Adam and Jesus and Adam is a Jesus-type person (v 14). Both of them did something that was for the entirety of humankind. Both were sinless at their "birth" and both did something for all of humanity.

Paul then quickly dives in to the contrasts though (vv 15-17). Phew!! As a result of Adam's "gift" to humanity- we have judgement, sin, death, guilt, condemnation. Jesus's gift to humanity gave us grace, peace, salvation, justification. Death reigned over us because of Adam; life reigns over us because of Jesus. Adam and Jesus are sometimes referred to as "The Two Men" (v 18) and all of humanity has identification with both. We are born into this world identified through Adam; we are born again identified through Jesus. This is sometimes referred to as the "Federal Theology". In a Federalist society (United States), representatives are elected to speak for a group of people. Some people "elect" Adam; some people "elect" Jesus. One results in condemnation, one results in justification. We "elect" Adam with our first sin; we "elect" Jesus when we accept God and the grace that God offers. We really don't have a choice in electing Adam, sin happens- to us all. The choice comes when we decide to "elect" Jesus as our representative. We elect Christ as our representative through faith- not all people do this (v 19). The laws didn't make us sinners- Adam did; what the law did was make our sins worse (v 20a). Now that we had rules to follow, we became more bad because we would break those rules! (Confused yet?) However, the more bad we became, the more grace God gave us (v 20b).Grace upon grace upon grace!

Like I said, some deep and heavy theology today! My head is spinning!

I hope you understand most of this!

Have a great day and look forward to more deep theology tomorrow!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Romans 4

 Good morning and welcome back! I hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was great...the entire family was together for the first time in 18 months! Morgan finally got to meet her nephew Joseph!

Morgan and Bobbi-Jo meet Joseph!

Happy Grandma and fidgety kid!

Joseph and Lauren will be back with us this weekend. Lauren has a girl;s weekend planned in Albany- so we will be full time grandparents this coming weekend! Gotta rest up before then!!

Chapter 4 presents us with some positive news and some good things to look forward to!

Paul closed chapter 3 with this line, "So, do we destroy the law by following the way of faith? No! Faith causes us to be what the law truly wants."( NCV).  Another way to think of it- did what God do in the Hebrew Scriptures become irrelevant with Christ? Paul goes into a deep examination of Abraham to answer this question. Abraham was probably the most famous and most-loved of the Hebrew ancestors, so a good example to use. 

If anyone could brag about being justified by works (v 2), it would have been Abraham. However, it wasn't his works that God loved- it was Abraham's faith (v 3). We hear in Genesis 15:6, "Abraham believed the Lord. The Lord was pleased with Abraham because he believed. So, Abraham's faith made him right with the Lord." (NIRV) Paul makes it clear that Abraham's righteousness wasn't from what he did, but what Abraham believed and had faith in. Paul continues by saying there is nothing you can do to earn the grace that God offers (vv 4-5), it is something that is given freely! Grace is a freely given gift; works mean you try to earn it (as you would earn a salary from doing work; people don't just give you money because they like you- usually!) If we think we have to work to get grace, then that puts God "in debt" to us- i.e. God would owe us something-- God doesn't owe anybody anything!

There is a brief interruption here with some words about David- we will come back to Abraham in v 9.

David (v 6+) knew what it was like to be a sinner and  and be guilty! If God based judgement just on actions- David would have definitely been condemned! In Psalm 32, David talks about the joy and happiness of being found right with God because of faith, because of God's grace. God forgives, God pardons, God finds us not guilty. 

Paul circles back to the ritual of circumcision- a huge discussion point of the Jews accepting the Gentiles into Christianity. Paul comments that God accepted Abraham's faith long before he was circumcised. Abraham was 99 year old (Genesis 17) when he was circumcised- long after God accepted his faith. This opens the door for Gentiles to be accepted by faith alone. Abraham's circumcision was an outward sign of his righteousness. Jews of the time understood and believed that to be a true descendant of Abraham, you needed to be circumcised (v 11-12). Paul insists that to be a true descendant of Abraham, you need to follow his footsteps of faith- not actions. This probably shocked the Jews- because Paul is now saying that the uncircumcised Gentiles are also children of Abraham!

God's interactions with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were before Moses, so there was no Mosaic Law, so they were right not by laws but by faith (v 13). The "purpose" of the laws were to bring about God's wrath- not because the laws were bad, but because we couldn't keep the laws. So it was the faith that was important. Our inability to keep the law is a vehicle for God's wrath to humanity. 

The clincher verse in this chapter (and all of Paul's theology) comes now (v 16),  "People receive God's promise by having faith." (NCV). Grace isn't gained by works, by following the laws, by any of that. Grace is appropriated by our faith, given to us because of our belief in God. 

Genesis 17:5, God says to Abraham, "I am making you a father of all nations." Jews are the children of Abraham through their circumcision and the Laws of Moses; Gentiles are the children of Abraham because of their faith like Abraham...so we are all Abraham's descendants...and as descendants- heirs.

Although physically past the age of children, Abraham (about 100 years old now) continued to believe God and have faith. God said, "You will be the father of many nations." Abraham believed and continued to have hope that God would provide. Abraham's faith never wavered, and he continued to believe the promise God had made (v 20). 

In the closing argument (vv 23- 25), Paul comments (again) that we need to have faith in God, that Jesus died for us, and that we will be found right with God through our faith. 

By faith alone...

Tomorrow we venture into Paul's similarities between Adam and Jesus- a tough concept to understand! 

Enjoy the day. 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Romans 3

 Good morning. It looks like it is going to be a good day! Sun is shining and wind has decreased! Maybe spring is here for a while!!

I think the general consensus has been that the first two chapters have been tough to read as we see ourselves in what Paul is saying! Paul does seem very harsh, especially to people he hasn't met before (as someone pointed out in the comments). The Jew-Gentile, "Laws"- Jesus, circumcision- non-circumcision debates and discussion continues for a short while in this chapter, and then there is some good news for us all near the end of the chapter! Remember from my original discussion, this letter is probably one of the most influential (other than the gospel stories) pieces of scripture- so there has to be good news!

Paul just spent the last part of chapter 2 explaining that circumcision or possession of "The Laws" alone will not save a Jewish person. So, he asks the question, what advantage is there to being Jewish (v 1)? After all, God shows no partiality (2:11)!  Paul answers, of course there is, you have the entire library of faith given to you (v 2). The Jews are the library gate-keepers of God;s holy and sacred word. The Gentiles (us), don't have that! (As an aside- that is evident- we are missing the entire history of the Jews from our thoughts; we don't have the words of the prophets engraved in our hearts, as the Jews do.)

God was faithful to the entire nation, yet some Jews didn't believe (v 3), but God's promise to them will continue and was not wasted on the Jews. God's word is to be trusted- God cannot lie, God does not lie, God cannot change, God does not change (v 4). 

Even our "wrongness" shows God's righteousness (v 5). The best example is Judas' betrayal of Jesus. God used the evil and wickedness of Judas (and we can have a huge discussion on that) for good. If Judas didn't betray Jesus, there would have been no crucifixion- and no resurrection- and no Christianity! So, God used evil for good. The common thought of the day was that God's judgement day was coming soon...like maybe tomorrow! And that the Gentiles would be found guilty because of their sin and the Jews would be saved in spite of their sins because of their faith. A unique perversion of Paul's comment about justification by faith- "If we sin more, God will be glorified more because God can do good with that!" Confused yet??

The conclusion of the last few verses,"all of mankind- Jew or Gentile- is guilty before God." The one thing Jews and Greeks have in common is our sin! Paul then lists several Hebrew scriptures to show the witness of universal depravity of humanity! Paul, using Psalms, looks at the human condition from head to foot (literally) and shows how every bit of humanity is wicked and evil and depraved! Depressing? Sad? Upsetting?

Vv 19- 20 sum up what Paul spoke about in the last few lines- the law cannot and does not save us! The laws show us how bad we are! Jews would look at the laws and then judge the Gentiles for their wrongness- not seeing that they too (the Jews) were doing wrong (v 19)! Laws don't save us; laws don't justify us (v 20). 

I am so sad at this point...there seems to be no point. There seems to be no way I can do anything good. I am tired of being beaten down, tired of being called out, upset at the condemnation that has been fired at me!

But.

BUT!

There now comes a transition in Paul's writing!

But there is something out there that can save us! Oh I see glory coming!

Paul says, "But, now...(v 21) Now= Jesus= new covenant. The laws didn't save us, the law can't save us, there is something apart from the law, apart from our merits, apart from our own earnings- that can cause us to be right with God. 

We are made right through our faith (v 22)! Not by faith- but through faith. Relying on God, knowing God,listening to God, hearing God. There is a universal need (v 23) and a universal offer (v 24) Of grace- forgiveness. We all, even you (!), yah, even me (!) fall short of God. But (there is that word again!), God offers us a free gift- there is no way we could pay for it! So, it is free! God's unmerited favor given without respect to us deserving it.

Paul moves to the centrality of his gospel message- it is through Christ that we are given this gift (v 25). Redemption- the concept of cost and buying back- paid by God so we could freely receive. Jesus, by his death, was a substitute sacrifice for us; Jesus was judged "guilty" so we didn't (don't) have to be. God judged Jesus in our place, sparing us that deserved the judgement. Side note- some texts use the word "propitiation" which means (for Greek and Romans gods) "a sacrifice to buy off the anger of the gods." Meaning- to take the punishment for our sins. And it was God that did it for us (v 25). At the cross, God demonstrated God's righteousness by offering humans justification ("not guilty") by having Christ pay our penalty (v 26).

Paul comes back with a request to stop boasting about what we have done and how good we are (v 27), because we haven't done anything! God did it all...for us. And that justification is for both Gentile and Jews (v 29- 20). Remember- God shows no partiality! We are justified not by laws and faith, but by faith alone (v 30). Martin Luther really focused in on this on his 95 Thesis and the Protestant Reformation. One of his biggest premises was Sola Fide (Faith Alone). The Epistle of James will continue more about the faith that Paul speaks of- what true faith is and how we can express that faith. In short- it is directing our mind and will to be in agreement with God- that is true faith. If we have true faith- then we will live the righteous life that God desires of God's people. Getting back to the law (v 31), people may say- well, then if I have faith, there is no need for laws! However, Paul says that our faith, our true faith, will turn us into the people that are defined by the laws- good people tat do the work and will of God (without having laws) Now, I bet you're really confused! Our faith in God turns us into the people that God desires. 

More about this in chapter 4!! 

So, the good news we have from Paul is that we are all sinners- but it is through our faith in God that makes us want to be good people and strive for excellence. And thus we are justified (made right) to God.

Some very heavy and deep words! Good thing we have the weekend to digest them!

Enjoy the weekend!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Romans 2

Sorry these are later than usual-- I forgot I had a district meeting from 9 until 11 AM! I am now part of the Ministry Audit team for the Binghamton District-- a tool to help all churches identify where they were, where they are now, and where they want to be in the future. Looking at demographic and financial and current ministry data, we can help churches look to the future and see where they should be going! It looks to be exciting as we work on revitalizing churches!

And now for today's thoughts:

I hope you are ready for some more harsh words from Paul!

Boy, I am so glad I'm not like those people Paul mentioned at the end of chapter 1. I mean, I am such a good and wholesome and upstanding person; I'm a pastor- so righteous and destined for salvation! Highest of moral standards- not like those people!

That's the idea of Paul's first verse in this chapter. He is assuming that people will read chapter 1 and think that they are morally better than everyone else! How many times do we look at others and comment, "I am glad I'm not like them?!" We have a tendency to look at others and not see what we do; we look and find fault- not recognizing our faults. The moralist is just s guilty as the sinner! Paul focuses in on the fact that we will all be judged, and rightly so, by Gold (vv 3-4).

We all do things that we are not proud of. Well, other do things they shouldn't be proud of- certainly not me! ;) I know I have said many times in my life (v 5)- "I need to change. I need to stop doing that. I know what I did is wrong , I will start being better." God continues to look to us for a change, God is leading us to repentance, to be better people. The loving character of God was presented to us at Jesus' first coming; God's righteous judgement will be shown to us at Christ's second coming (v 5). 

If someone is genuinely good and upstanding all the time, then they will be rightfully "rewarded" with eternal life. However, we are all guilty of sin and bad. At some time in our life, we will be self-seeking, unrighteous, untruthful...the list could go on! God's wrath will come out to all- Jews first, then the non-Jews (Gentiles) (v 9) because we all fall short of God's perfectness. The Jews- first in line for the Gospel, are also first inline for judgement! Us Gentiles are not exempted though! For God shows no partiality (v 11); we are all in this together! Some ancient rabbis taught that the Jews would be judged by one standard and the gentiles by another- not so! And just because you heard the laws/ commandments doesn't mean your saved (v 13), you have to live by those laws. If you're going to talk the talk, you need to also walk the walk! The Gentiles, even though we don't have the laws (vv 14-15), have a conscious and our hearts (if we are truly  living in God) will tell us right from wrong- we don't need the laws to do that. It is the "unwritten law" that goodness is written on our hearts. Our moral compass is what guides us rather than the Levitical and Mosaic laws (as with the Jews).

Paul turns to the Jews, and comes down hard on them (vv 17- 20). The Jews of Paul's time were proud and confident that, because God gave them God's holy laws- that confirmed that they would be provided salvation- as a nation. But, Paul assures them that possession of the law means nothing if you don't follow the laws! Paul makes the big statement (v 21), "You may teach others about the laws- but it means nothing if you don't follow the laws!" God looks at both our actions and our attitudes. I have said several times in sermons, the church (or the congregation) is hypocritical- we call out others for wrong, yet we don't see the wrongs we do. That's where Paul is going here!

Surprise-- we again circle around to the idea of circumcision (vv 25- 29)! The Jews thought that because they were circumcised and shown to be descendants of Abraham- they were justified and saved! And that the Gentiles- because they weren't- were not justified or saved! To Jews, circumcision guaranteed salvation-- they may be punished, but would never be lost.

Circumcision or baptism or any ritual, doesn't save anyone; those actions identify us as a child of God. One commentary says those rituals are like the labels of a can. Does the label match the insides? If there are carrots in the can, putting a label on the outside that says peas doesn't change them. What our outside label says needs to match our inside contents! God require obedience and righteousness!

Some really difficult words for us to hear today! But, there is good coming!!

Enjoy the day- nice and windy and cold and snowy and gray! Possible run at 80 degrees next week though!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Romans 1

Good gray morning! Dark, cool, windy, and rainy up on our hilltop now- maybe snow later?! I planted onions and some brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) yesterday, so I hope we don't get too much! Lettuce and spinach are up in our raised beds and covered with windows to protect them! Early farming has risks!

Acts was a great story and we can now all appreciate Paul's drive to get the gospel message out to all people. It was a long book and I think we are all ready for a change now though! Romans is probably one of the most influential (non-Gospel) books written. Here are some comments I "harvested" from the internet about Romans:

• Martin Luther praised Romans: “It is the chief part of the New Testament and the perfect gospel... the absolute epitome of the gospel."
• Luther’s successor Philip Melancthon called Romans, “The compendium of Christian doctrine.”
• John Calvin said of the Book of Romans, “When anyone understands this Epistle, he has a passage opened to him to the understanding of the whole Scripture.”
• Samuel Coleridge, English poet and literary critic said Paul’s letter to the Romans is “The most profound work in existence.”
• Frederick Godet, 19th Century Swiss theologian called the Book of Romans “The cathedral of the Christian faith.”
• G. Campbell Morgan said Romans was “the most pessimistic page of literature upon which your eyes ever rested” and at the same time, “the most optimistic poem to which your ears ever listened.”
• Richard Lenski wrote that the Book of Romans is “beyond question the most dynamic of all New Testament letters even as it was written at the climax of Paul’s apostolic career.”

Let's see if we agree!

It is agreed on that Paul wrote Romans while he wintered over in Corinth during his third missionary journey (mid-50s AD)- eventually getting to Jerusalem (remember from Acts 21 the warning he received about trouble in Jerusalem). Paul had been actively preaching for about 20 years at this point! It is thought that this letter was written so comprehensively that, if he never made it to Rome, the Romans would understand the Gospel story. This letter is different in that it focuses on God's plan of redemption and salvation rather than addressing a specific church and its problems!

Paul begins (vv 1-6) with his typical greeting that we have sen ion a few other letters we have already read. Interesting note- the word God was written seven times in these seven introductory verses. In the book, the word God is used over 150 times- an average of once every 50 words or so! Clearly, the focus is on God! Paul goes back to the beginning and comments that God has always had a plan of salvation- it wasn't something made up from people (v 2) and that Jesus is both divine and human (vv 3-4). Paul emphasizes that Jesus' resurrection was through his own power (this addresses a comment from someone-Donna?- last week about Jesus being the first resurrection). 

Paul had never been to Rome and did not start the Roman church (v 7)- the church seems to have spontaneously formed when Christians began to settle there. There has been some discussion that the Apostle Peter started the Roman church, but that is up for debate- still! Paul is grateful for the church (v 8) because they are in a highly visible city and the entire world is focused on Rome and what happens there. Paul adds that he prays for the Roman church "every time he prays" (v 10). Imagine if we prayed for churches (other than our own- because I know we always pray for our own church right?!) every time we prayed! Paul emphasizes his desire to get to Rome, but the possibly unlikeliness of it happening. Paul emphasizes again his drive to preach to all people (v 14)- again remembering that not all Jews accepted his inclusivity. 

Paul then issues his "thesis statements" for the letter. "I am not ashamed of the Gospel" (v 16) and "Salvation comes to those who believe" (v 17) are the two points that Pail will drive home in the next several chapters! First addressed to the Jews, and then opened to all (non-Jews, some translations say Greeks- not as in people from Greece, but all others), a model used by Christ and the disciples. 

Get ready for some tough words from Paul- the human race deserves the wrath of God (v 18). Collectively, humans are ungodly and unrighteous! We know God, yet we ignore God (v 21) and we change the image of God to fit into what makes us comfortable. Do we still do that today? We reject the truths of God, we worship things that are not God, we do things against God. We are bad!

So, what does God do? God lets us continue on our path of destruction (vv 24+) and allows us to feel and experience the full result of our self-destructive sins! Does that sound like God? Part of these words are from Paul's environment. Remember- he is writing this from Corinth- a city well known for all imaginable (and probably some unimaginable) forms of sexual immorality and ritual prostitution!

Paul then says some hard words for me to hear and listen to. The next two verses (vv 26-27) are on homosexuality and Paul's commentary. My opinion and thoughts- and I know people do not agree with me- when I see homosexual couples- I see love and compassion and togetherness between the people. Are there promiscuous homosexuals- sure- but there are also promiscuous straight people too. I think one of the big issues if the promiscuity of either "lifestyle" that Paul is commenting on and that God has an issue with. In addition- homosexual unions do not result in children- and children were needed to carry on the population! I do not believe that my brother, Eric, or my daughter, Morgan, are condemned for their love for their partners. I have several friends that are in monogamous loving gay relationships. I also have several friends that are in "straight" relationships that are full of hate, promiscuity, and "outside" relationships. Which is the wrong one?

Paul continues with a list of wrongs people commit (vv 28- 32): envy, covetousness, gossip, jealousy, murder, fighting, lying, etc... ending with even harsher words..."these people should die." (v 32). So, based on this list- are we all condemned to death?

Then I guess we need God's forgiveness and salvation!

Tough words to end this morning!

Have a great day! Think about these words. I imagine lots of discussion!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

An Introduction to Romans

In 386, a young pagan by the name of Augustine converted to Christianity after reading just a few verses of Paul's letter to the Romans (Romans 13:13-14, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. In 1515, the Protestant Reformation "began" after Martin Luther read Romans 1:17, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith." In 1738, it was Martin Luther's commentary on Romans that John Wesley was reading with some Moravians at a Bible study and he had his Aldersgate Experience saying, "I felt my heart strangely warmed and that I did trust in Christ alone for my salvation." Paul's letter to the Romans has had a major impact on the theology and doctrine of the Christian church!

Paul didn't know the people at Rome, to whom he was writing this letter. He typically writes to churches that others have started and that he has visited or has started himself. Although it is the first of the epistles in our Bible, it was written well after many of the other epistles were written. It is placed first in the sequence of epistles because it is the longest Pauline epistle. This letter was written approximately 58AD; Paul is possibly in Corinth at this time on his third missionary journey. This letter predates the Book we just read, and as we know, Paul's trip to Rome was interrupted by his arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21). Paul eventually makes it to Rome, under armed guards, at the end of Acts. 

One major emphasis throughout this letter is that Jews and Gentiles are on the same footing as far as God is concerned, and that salvation is available to those who believe and have faith in God. Paul highlights women in this letter (contrary to his usual take on women!) and mentions at least  at dozen women and their influence on Christianity in Rome. 

One of the big arguments Paul makes is "Justification by faith alone" and I am sure we will have some great discussions about that concept. This concept was an important point in the Protestant Reformation and also in John Wesley (and then by extension, Methodism). Paul proclaims that the gospel argues salvation to all who have faith- Jew or Gentile, Greek or Roman."

Everyone that studies Romans end up somehow transformed and a new and different creation. I hope that we can all benefit from this reading! I look forward to journeying with you.

Shalom+
PastorPaul

Acts 28

 Today is our last chapter with Paul in Acts! This was a long book but a great story! Tomorrow we begin Romans...the book that follows Acts in the Bible.

The ship has been destroyed and the men all wash up to shore. The land mass they are on is Malta (the name Malta means "refuge", a very fitting name!). Paul is bitten by a snake (some translations name it as a viper) , and it doesn't seem to phase him as he just shakes it off (v 3)! The native population, however, looks at the incident as Justice rearing its head and finally getting rid of the prisoner! They even go to the extent of calling him a god, since he didn't die. There must have been some super-power that he possessed after not being killed by a viper bite! Look at it from their perspective- Paul had survived a harrowing storm at sea and then was bitten by a viper and didn't die. He must be great! He has to be a god!

New story (v 7)! Publius' father was sick with some disease. Many think he was sick with Malta fever, a disease people would get from drinking infected goat milk. Symptoms lasted usually 4 months or so and people would eventually get well. Paul prayed and he was healed, but also remember that Luke was with them, so possibly medical intervention was also helpful? Side note about Publius...he converted to Christianity (possibly as a result of this healing) and was the first Bishop of Malta. He is credited with converting the entire island of Malta to Christianity- the first nation in the west to become Christian. His feast date is January 22 in the Roman Catholic Church.

Paul and the others finally leave Malta now that winter is over and seas are more safe for sailing (v 11). They slowly make their way northward up the Italian peninsula. Paul finally gets to Rome; his letter to the Romans arrived a few years before, so they already knew something about Paul and were excited to finally meet him. Some Romans came out as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns (towns that are about 30 miles from Rome) to greet Paul and then escort him back to Rome; treatment like this was usually reserved for emperors and dignitaries!

Paul enters Rome, a city of about 2 million people (half slaves, half free). Rome had been around for about 800 years at this time; the Coliseum was probably not yet built, but the temples for Jupiter and Mars were prominent. Paul is set to house arrest, always having a soldier chained to him.

As per usual, Paul calls the Jewish leaders to meet and greet (as he always does in every town he enters, v 16). Paul recounts his trial and accusations and then the trip to Rome, but the Jewish leaders have heard nothing (v 21); however, they are interested in hearing what Paul has to say about "this religious group."

The day came for an extensive Bible study on the Hebrew scriptures and how they pointed to Christ (v 23). Paul probably taught as Jesus would have taught- talking about a spiritual kingdom (although the people wanted a new political kingdom). And as per usual, some agreed with Paul and some left in anger (v 24- 25)!

Paul then hammers them with "their hardness of heats" as spoken about by Isaiah (v 26+). Probably not the best way to gain friends! I feel that Paul really preaches these words from Isaiah and there is pain in his heart if even one person turns away from believing in Jesus. Then his "go-to" statement: God is even for the Gentiles- and they will listen! No wonder the Jews really didn't like him too much!

Paul was in Rome for two years before his case even came up! Several commentaries mention how back-logged the courts in Rome were (similar to today's courts?). He lived in a rented home (v 30) so it is evident that he had a job or some other means of getting money; he supported himself during this time. It was also during this time he wrote letter to the Ephesians, the Colossians, and the Philippians. An uneventful end to Paul's story! We are not really sure why Luke stops here and doesn't mention the trial and death of Paul in Acts!

Not written in Acts- but historically- Paul eventually was tried before Nero and found not guilty. He was released and stayed in Rome for another few years. It was then that he was arrested (again). This time he was found guilty and sentenced to execution. Tradition says that Paul was beheaded late May- early June 68AD. Nero committed suicide in early June 68AD (after Paul's execution).

Tomorrow we begin Romans. I will post an introduction to Romans later today (I hope)!

Enjoy the beautiful day we are going to have before the cold and snow returns!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 27

 Good morning and welcome back. I hope you all had a nice weekend. Today looks like a beautiful day ahead! Enjoy the sunshine while we can!!

Reminder- we left Paul after he defended his case to Agrippa and Festus. Neither of them could find fault in what he said, but because Paul requested an audience with the Emperor, he must go to Rome. I think it was wise for Paul to request that audience, as now he will be able to preach to Emperor Nero. Early in his career, Nero was a relatively good and wholesome person, however, later on (in a few years) he turns ugly and slightly crazed and he heads up some of the most dramatic and ugly persecutions of Christians that Rome was ever responsible for!

Paul boards a ship headed in the direction of Rome. Also on the ship are several criminals going to Rome for trial and their accompanying Roman soldiers. It was common to have Roman soldiers on ships where there were criminals. We assume Luke is present with Paul as the word "we" is used several times. Paul was granted some privileges that other criminals didn't have, e.g. allowing "guests" to travel with him: Aristarchius (and Luke). As Paul landed in some of the ports, he was also allowed to get off the ship and visit Christians (v 3). Part of the freedoms from Julius (the Roman commander) is because Paul wasn't convicted (yet) and possibly Julius was leaning toward becoming Christian. The other prisoners were probably convicted of crimes and condemned to death in the arenas of Rome. 

The Alexandrian ship (v 6) was  likely a grain freighter that carried grain from Egypt to Italy. These ships were approximately 150 feet long and 40 feet wide; they had just one mast and a huge square sail and there were two large paddles used for searing rather than a rudder. The single sail prevented them from sailing into the wind. 

Paul suggests to the captain that they shouldn't sail any longer (v 10) as the sailing season was coming to a close. Paul mentions the Day of Cleansing festival (v 9). This date is early October and winter is quickly approaching; sailing during winter moths is quite dangerous. Paul wasn't speaking as a prophet (as some suggest), he was speaking as an experienced sailor who has sailed over 3500 miles by sea already! At this point in his career, he had already been in 3 or 4 shipwrecks- so he understands weather!

The captain doesn't listen to Paul and decides to sail on. The harbor they were docked in, Fair Haven, is actually a misnomer; the bay faced the winter winds and boast would be destroyed during winter months if they stayed there! The decision was to sail to Phoenix, still on the island of Crete but about 40 miles away and a much safer harbor than Fair Haven; also, the city of Phoenix is larger and more populated (i.e. translation- the sailors could have more "fun" staying the winter there than in Fair Haven!). 

The winds seem favorable and they set sail from Fair Haven (v 13). Soon, though, a "Nor'easter" begins howling (some translations name the wind "Euroclydon"- a cyclonic tempestuous northeast wind, usually during autumn and winter months). Many of us have had experience with "Nor'easters" and we know they can be rough! The crew was helpless against the wind and just let the ship sail where it did (v 15).

The crew did some emergency care: brought in the lifeboat (skiff) that was normally towed behind the ship; used cables to wrap around the hull to prevent the ship from bursting apart; let down the sail; tossed off non-essential equipment to lighten the ship. Normally, navigation was done using the sun and stars- and the storm was so bad for a few days that they couldn't even see them! They were all (276 people, see v 37) hopeless at this point (v 20).

Paul has an "I told you so" moment (v 21)- so unlike Paul (some sarcasm in my statement there!). Paul's godliness comes out and offers hope to the lost (v 22)! The good point Paul brings up- nobody will die; the bad point- financial ruin to the ship owner as the ship and what is left of the cargo will be lost at sea!

Paul talks of his angelic visit (v 23); maybe this was a gentle reminder from God that "you are mine!" This story reminds us that not everything goes positively for people that follow God. Our life will have some set backs and some tough times. I have said several times in preaching, no where in the Bible does it say that life will be easy- but it does say that God will be with us all he time! The angle says (v 24) "Paul, do not be afraid!" We all face storms in our life and then possibly question the presence of God; we should remember these words from the angel. "__(Insert your name here)___, do not be afraid!"

The promise from God (v 24- 25) is that all the men will be saved and that Paul will get to Rome. The ship will be a complete loss though. Paul had to pass this hope that he had on to the men of the ship. We don't really know how the men of the ship received this information. How would you have received this information? How do you respond when people say- have hope!? Paul does say (v 25), "I trust God."

They had been tossed and pummeled for two weeks (v 27). The sailors may have heard waves crashing on rocks, they assumed they were close to land so dropped anchor to slow their movement and prevent crashing (v 28). And they prayed (v 29). Some of the sailors decide to jump ship and save their lives (v 30). Paul tells the centurion that they men need to stay on board. One reason- they were the experts at sailing and the ship would definitely crash if they were gone. Second reason- God promised all the men would be saved- so they all have to be on the ship! The men must have trusted Paul, because they let the lifeboat go!

Paul begins to comfort the men and there is slight indication that he treated the "meal" as a Eucharist/ Last Supper type remembrance (v 35). There seems to be some comfort and calm, even for a brief moment, until they make a last ditch effort to save the ship by tossing out the cargo (grain) to lighten the ship. 

The land that the sailors see is Malta; the place where the boat crashes is now called St. Paul's Bay. The next closet piece of land is Tunisia (almost 200 miles away!). The ship strikes a sandbar and begins to fall apart. The Roman guards wanted to begin killing the prisoners (v 42). Roman law says that if a guard lets a prisoner go free, the guard would be subject to the same penalty as the prisoner. For most of these prisoners, they were probably going to Rome to be executed in the arena! However, Julius, the commander has a change of heart (God influenced??) Paul and all the prisoners was saved. Maybe Julius remembered what the angel told Paul in v 24- that everyone would be saved?

I have said several times, Acts would make a great movie! This chapter could be an intense few scenes!

Tomorrow we pick up Paul in Malta and he eventually gets to Rome. Our next set of readings will be Paul's letter to the Romans (we begin on Wednesday); I will prepare an introduction to Romans and post it tomorrow.

Enjoy the day.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 26

 Good morning and welcome back winter!! Some snow on our deck and driveway but nothing major! It is spring in upstate NY!!

Today we get to hear Paul's side of things as he defends himself before Agrippa. Remember- Agrippa is the great grandson of the king who killed all the babies under 2 years old, the grandson of the man that beheaded John the Baptist and the son of the man who martyred James. The family lineage isn't too positive! Chapter 26 isn't very eventful and isn't very exciting, yet there is evidence that God is at work even in these mundane moments!

Paul says that he is "happy" to defend himself (v 2). Two reasons possibly- his case is finally being examined by the highest official in the area and second- he is able to preach the gospel to a king!

Paul begins with an outline of his high credentials (vv 4-8): a good Jew, a respected Pharisee, a rule follower- and he is still following his Jewish heritage. Paul comments at the close of this section (v 8), "Why do you think God can't raise people form the dead?" Agrippa as an expert in Jewish law and ethics, but he did not believe in resurrection. The point- if you (Agrippa) trust God in everything else, then why not resurrection?

Paul then goes on about his persecution of the Christians (vv 9- 11) and talks about his hatred and energy against the early Christians. Even to the point of going to other places to find them and bring them to Jerusalem for trial!

Paul retells his conversion story, in great detail. Paul is being obedient to Jesus as he is telling the story and witnessing about Jesus. He is definitely a truth teller in this story! This is a great story and I would have liked to hear Paul say it- I imagine it packed with emotion and passion. Paul mentions (v 20) that the gospel is for all people, including the Gentiles. And that is the only reason why Paul is being convicted (v 21)...the Jews arrested me because I was telling the Gentiles! Paul's work, and the Gospel, is based solely on what the prophets and Moses had talked about- so there can be no wrong. Paul ends with his three main preaching points (v 23):Christ would die, Christ would be resurrected, salvation is for all- Gentile or Jew.

Festus responds(v 24), "Paul, you're crazy!" In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul writes, "The message of the cross is foolishness to those  who are perishing." To people that don't/won't/can't believe in the Gospel- it probably does sound crazy! Paul counters (v 25) with truth and reason- "My words are true. I am not crazy." Paul then begins to address Agrippa and have him witness by asking him (v 27), "Didn't you believe?" Paul knew now was the time to drive home the point!

Agrippa responds (v 28), "You almost had me..." I see it as a sad commentary on Agrippa; he heard all the evidence and what Paul was saying and he "almost" converted. What stopped Agrippa? Why didn't he go all in? How far had he come prior to his hearing Paul's defense? Remember- he is seated next to Bernice- his sister, yet lover; he is seated next to Festus- who called Paul crazy for telling the Gospel story; he is surrounded by Roman guards who are ready for "action"; in front of him is Paul, in chains for his belief in God and Christ! Peer pressure for even the king! 

Insert awkward silent reflection moment, maybe even with dramatic music playing in the background as Agrippa thinks about his response.

The verdict (v 31): not guilty! Agrippa sees no evidence in Paul's guilt- even though he may not agree with what Paul is saying. However, there is one small glitch...Paul requested an audience with Nero, and once requested, it cannot be retracted (v 32). Side note- "Caesar" is a title, not the actual name of the ruler at this point, and is the emperor of Rome; it happens to be Nero at this time in history. Paul may have been set free at this point, however, now he gets to preach to the Emperor of Rome!

Paul travels to Rome in chapter 27...and there is excitement!

Enjoy the weekend!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 25

 Good morning! Good day yesterday- had the opportunity to get 7 miles in at Shindagin State Forest (near Candor) . Great day to be out in the woods!

We begin our story this morning with Festus as the new governor. Festus was known as a good and honest person (in contrast to Felix); he only survived two or three years after obtaining this position. Remember- Paul is in prison in Cesarea; the term prison is a loose term as it was really protective custody from the Jews that wanted him dead (v 3).

The Jews requested a change of venue, but Festus rejected it. We are not sure if he knew of their intentions to kill Paul and that this drove the rejection or he just didn't see a need for a change. At any rate, the result of this new "trial" was the same- lots of accusations, but no evidence (v 7). Paul basically responds, "I told you so!" (v 8).

Seeing no change in attitude, Festus suggests to Paul to go to Jerusalem. Paul, possibly assuming a death plot, says that he'd rather stand trial in front of Caesar (v 10). He wasn't afraid if facing the lions, but he'd rather not put his head in the lion' mouth if he could avoid it! Every Roman citizen had the right to appeal court decisions to the emperor (Caesar Nero in this case; v 11); this would be similar to a supreme court trail in the United States. Although Nero was know as a wicked and ruthless ruler, in his early years (which would be now), Nero was highly regarded as an honest and just ruler. To use a statement Jack used yesterday, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." How many people do we know have changed in their philosophy (I guess both good or bad) under the influence of others so that they will be better accepted? Paul is making the request for an appeal since he believes the evidence is in his corner.

Agrippa II and Bernice visit Festus in Caesarea (v 13) and Festus begins to retell the story of Paul's trial to Agrippa II; Agrippa II was an expert in Jewish law and tradition. He didn't have jurisdiction over the case, but was providing "expert testimony" even though Festus knew there wasn't enough evidence to convict Paul. [Side note- Agrippa II great-grandfather was the Kind Herod Agrippa that was out to kill all the baby boys less than 2 years old in the Matthew birth narrative; his grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded in Matthew 14 and Mark 6; his father martyred James. Good family lineage! Another point of interest- Bernice is Agrippa II sister and it was common knowledge that the "knew" each other!]

Agrippa II and Bernice come with great pageantry and pomp and circumstance, they are "acting like very important people" (v 23) even though they really aren't; they have no jurisdiction and can really only offer advice to Festus. Do we know people that like to act like they are great and have influence yet they don't?

Paul is brought into the courtroom and even Festus says he found no evidence for a death sentence (v 25). Sounds like an open and shut case! The closing line (v 27) in my translation is "I think it is foolish to send a prisoner to Caesar without telling what charges are against him." Festus is having a difficult time drumming up charges, so he is hoping Agrippa II can find some fault in Paul!

Paul's trial begins tomorrow! I'm excited to hear what Paul has to say!!

Enjoy the day! 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 24

 A nice and easy reading chapter for today, so we can get out and enjoy the sunshine!! Hoping for an 8 mile Finger Lakes Trail walk today in the Shindagin Hollow State Forest (between Candor and Caroline)- famous for some of the best mountain biking trails in the state and a great area for bird watching!

Paul is facing a court trial to determine his guilt. Ananias brings in Tertullus- a big-wig lawyer (side note- the name Tertullus is derived from tertius- meaning liar or impostor) hired by Rome to help convict Paul. His opening speech was typical of Roman advocates- knowledge of Roman law, eloquence, and a dash of flattery (like some lawyers today!). Is flattery used today to "win cases"?The presence of Ananias (the high priest), elders of the synagogue, and Tertullus in Felix's court show how badly they wanted a conviction! Interesting side note about Felix- he was born into slavery; his brother (Pallas) was a friend to emperor Claudius, which allowed to Felix to gain freedom and through some "deals" rise to governorship. He still remembered his slave life and one commentator described Felix as a "master of cruelty and lust who exercised his powers of being king with the spirit of a slave." When Tertullus says (v 2) "our people enjoy much peace because of you..." is a outfaced lie, as Felix defeated several Jewish insurrections (that began due his cruelty and power) using horror, torture, and brutality. 

Tertullus attempts to show that Paul is one of the false-Messiahs that are going around stirring up trouble against Rome (vv 5-6). He comments that he is a leader of the Nazarene group (well, he did take Nazarene vows- remember the hair vows a few chapters ago, and Jesus was a Nazarene too); he is stirring up Jews across the world (a testimony to the success of  Paul's mission trips). The only possible real case is that he tried to defile the temple- but there was no evidence of that. How similar is this to today- trying to fabricate realities that don't exist? The Jewish leaders (elders of the synagogue) agree to what Tertullus says, but offer no evidence. Sounds like a weak case!

Paul now takes on his defense (v 10). He begins- and offers no flattery! Paul comments that the prosecution has had 12 days to gather evidence (v 11)- and they don't have any! If Paul was such a rabble-rouser, they certainly should have been able to find people to testify against Paul!

Paul makes it clear he has not abandoned his heritage (v 14)- he believes in God of our ancestors, he believes the laws of the prophets, he believes in resurrection (something that many Jews believe in, but not all). Paul is not afraid of telling the truth. Are we? Do we know people afraid of the truth?

Even though Felix had enough "evidence" to make a decision, he postpones it until Lysias (a Roman commander) comes, possibly bringing more evidence. Felix knew Paul was innocent (look at the liberty of Paul's freedom while still in custody), but didn't want to make the decision! Felix is caught in the middle- he knew Paul was innocent, but didn't want to be seen by Rome supporting "The Way". The best decision for Felix to make is no decision and keep Paul in custody until someone else decides!How often do we do that- make no decision and just keep things going the same- even though a decision needs to be made!

Felix does what I would do...call in his wife Drusilla (v 24). He wanted her to hear Paul's comments about God...either as a curiosity or to help him make a decision. Wise man, looking to his wife for help and support! Drusilla was the youngest of three daughters of Agrippa I (Agrippa I is the grandson of King Herod who ordered the death of all boys under age 2 in Matthew 2- Jesus' birth narrative) and was sister to Agrippa II and Bernice (Acts 25); reportedly very beautiful, Felix lured her away from her husband and was Felix's third wife! Drusilla and Felix had a son, named him Agrippa III; he ultimately died in the eruption of Vesuvius (79 AD).

Anyway (I have to stop sometimes and realize I chatter way too much!), Paul gets an opportunity to teach Drusilla (and then also Felix) about "The Way". Paul gets very bold and "attacks" Felix (v 25), mentioning living right, self-control, and God's judgement of the world! I assume Felix was quite uncomfortable with this! Maybe Felix finally understood the Gospel at that moment too! Felix asks him to leave. Do people treat you that way when you share/witness- get too uncomfortable and ask you to leave? I think "uncomfortableness" is good to a point. Many times, when I am preaching on a Sunday and say something like Paul did, I see people fidget and become uncomfortable; in my head I think "Ah, good...you heard me!"

Felix's ultimate goal comes out at the end of this chapter (v 26)- greed! Felix was looking for a bribe so he could let Paul go! Paul was left in prison for at lest two years until the next governor (Festus) was announced. Paul remained in prison (Against Roman law- this type of custody was to last at most two years). Porcius Festus comes to power 55-60 AD and is known for being fair and honest; he will ultimately send Paul to Rome for trial under Emperor Nero. But lots to cover between now and then...lots of danger and trouble!

I hope you liked today's reading. I found it quite interesting! Have a great day! Enjoy today's sunshine as we are to be blessed with rain tomorrow and snow on Friday!! Yahoo!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 23

 Welcome back! What a beautiful rainy day yesterday! And snow is coming the end of the week!! Spring in upstate NY!! At least the grass is greening up and the spring flowers are bursting all over...and the pollen is beginning to pour out of trees!

Another "exciting day" for Paul (the apostle, not the preacher!) is coming up!

The previous day Paul saw a great opportunity go unfulfilled when the crowd at the temple did not allow him to finish his message to them, but started rioting. Now Paul had another opportunity to win Israel to Jesus, and perhaps a better opportunity. Here he spoke to the council, the Sanhedrin, with the opportunity to preach Jesus to these influential men. After all, they had to listen to Paul, he was at one time- one of them! By calling them "Brother" (v 1), he was attempting to address them as an equal (even though eh was no longer an equal to them). Does it help to look at people as equals when we address them?

Paul seems to start off honest and in good will saying, "I have lived in all good conscious before God until this day..." a seemingly innocent way to start preaching. He didn’t mean that he was sinlessly perfect and that his conscience had never told him he was wrong. Rather, he meant that he had responded to conscious when he had done wrong and had set things right.

These words weren't out of Paul's mouth long before Ananias said to his guards, "Strike him in the mouth!" No matter what Ananias' motive was, his order was illegal, for Jewish law says, ‘He who strikes the cheek of one Israelite, strikes as it were the glory of God,’ and ‘He that strikes a man strikes the Holy One.’” Ananias, the current high priest, was known for his unscrupulous behavior and greed; he was well known for skimming off the tithes funds for his palace. He often used violence, even assassination, to gain "popularity" and was in the pocket of the Roman government. 

Paul rebuked them (v 3), calling Ananias a "whitewashed wall" (a white veneer of purity covering over obvious corruption). Paul calls Ananias out and exposes the hypocrisy of the man who made the command. The men of the council were supposed to be example of the Law of Moses- and here they are both spiritually and physically opposite that! Paul chastises Ananias, saying "God will strike you back!" Very prophetic words from Paul as Ananias was eventually assassinated by Jewish nationalists.

Paul is confronted by the council, commenting "You cannot treat the high priest like that!" (v 4). Paul knew that he was wrong in his outburst, no matter how he said it, and uses text from Exodus 22:28 to back it up (v 5). He apologizes, saying he didn't know Ananias was the high priest. This isn’t unreasonable, since Paul had been away from the council and the high circles of Jewish authority in Jerusalem for more than 20 years. Probably, he simply didn’t recognize the man who gave the command to strike him as the high priest. However, some think he didn't know because Paul’s eyesight was bad. Or maybe it was sarcasm!

Paul seems to give up on preaching the gospel (v 6) to the group, sensing they were too aggressive (?) and argumentative. His line was to begin to separate the two groups of the council  (Sadducees and Pharisees) from each other. Knowing his audience, Paul referred to his heritage as a Pharisee and brought up the idea of resurrection (Sadducees do not believe in resurrection). The point he makes is true- he was being judged because he believed in the resurrection of Christ. 

Paul picked the right issue. He immediately gained the Pharisees as an ally, and he let them argue it out with the Sadducees (v 7-8). Pharisees and Sadducees were always at odds and bitter enemies. About the only time they united together was for the trial and crucifixion of Christ. Have you ever noticed or seen how people with nothing in common will come together as friends to oppose God or God's work?

Imagine the commander that had to rescue Pal again! He definitely had to think that these Jews were crazy in their endless and violent disputes. Previously, they rioted over the one word “Gentiles,” now the distinguished men of the council fought over the one word “resurrection.” Are we, the church, ever known to argue over one word or phrase?

The commander takes Paul away and saves him again! Paul’s ploy rescued him from the council, but he could not have been happy with the result. He had the opportunity to preach to a huge crowd of attentive Jews on the temple mount and it ended in failure. Then he had the opportunity to preach to the influential Jewish council, and it also ended in a fistfight. Sounds like a church meeting doesn't it!

It must have been a tough night for Paul, realizing/knowing his failure at spreading the gospel. One can be bold and courageous during the day, but it is the loneliness and silence of the night that  condemns! However, it was in the darkness of that night when the fears came upon Paul; when his trust in God seemed to falter; when he worried about what God was going to do and if he was going to make it. It was in the darkness of that night that Jesus came to Paul (v 11). When are we most likely to be receptive to God- when life goes well or when we are in trouble/ turmoil?

I just preached this point this past Sunday. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says "...I will be with you until the end of times..." Jesus knew where Paul was; Jesus did not lose sight of Paul. Paul was alone, but he wasn’t alone; if everyone else forsook him, Jesus was enough. Better to be in jail with the Lord than to be in heaven without! Paul had been miraculously delivered from jail cells before; but this time, the Lord met him right in the jail cell. We want God to deliver us from our troubles, but sometimes God says, "You and I are going to ride this one out together!" Remember that next time you're praying! Jesus commends Paul for the work he has done, and then says, "Now, off to Rome!" 

The next morning, an assassination group is formed (v 12- 13). In the days of Paul and Jesus, there was a secretive group of Jewish assassins who targeted the Romans and their supporters. They were dagger-men, because they often concealed daggers and stabbed Roman soldiers as they walked by. It seems that these same kind of assassins now targeted Paul. They devise a plan to get to Paul through a false meeting (v 15).

Somehow Paul's nephew caught wind of the plan. This is the only family reference we have of Paul. Since Paul wasn't staying with them, we can assume that they didn't live in Jerusalem. Which brings up the point- why were they there(maybe to celebrate the feast, maybe he was there for education as Paul was earlier)? We don't even know if they were Christians, although the nephew's quick response would lead us to believe they were. 

Paul had committed no crime; yet he was a prisoner. Because the Roman commander suspected he might be a revolutionary of some kind, Paul had to be kept in custody until the facts of the case could be discovered. 

Paul ultimately escapes to Caesarea- escorted by 470 trained Roman soldiers (v 23). It was as if God wanted to exaggerate God's faithfulness to Paul, and show him beyond any doubt that the promise of Jesus was true. And, to top it off, Paul was given several horses for his upcoming journey!

Cladius Lysias, the Roman tribune and the commander of the Roman garrison in Jerusalem, writes to Felix (full name likely Marcus Antonius Felix, governor of Judea, he is well know for his cruelty and violence toward people) transferring protection of Paul to him.  In his letter, Lysias implied that he learned of Paul’s Roman citizenship right away, and he said nothing of the way Paul was bound twice and almost scourged for the sake of interrogation.

Antipatris is a town about 35 miles from Jerusalem (and about 25 miles from Ceasarea). This was the most dangerous part of the trip (lots of towns and hills = opportunities for ambush and robbers, after that it was more flat and open) so the soldiers (200 of them and 200 men with spears) only went that far. The seventy (interesting number- remember Jesus sent out "the seventy" in Luke 10, some translations say 72 also) horsemen followed through and took him to Ceasarea. The plot of the 40 assassins was foiled! Some wonder if the men who made the vow of fasting died because they failed in their mission to kill Paul. This was probably not the case. Ancient rabbis allowed for four types of vows to be broken: “Vows of incitement, vows of exaggeration, vows made in error, and vows that cannot be fulfilled by reason of constraint” – exclusions allowing for almost any contingency.

Felix questions Paul's origin (v 34) probably hoping that Paul came from someplace that required that someone else hear his case. Apparently, learning that Paul was from Cilicia meant that Felix would indeed be responsible to hear and rule on his case. Upon transfer to Herod's palace, this would begin a two-year period of confinement for Paul in Caesarea. After that he spent at least two years in Rome. Taken together with travel time, the next five years of Paul’s life were lived in Roman custody. This was a striking contrast to his previous years of wide and spontaneous travel.

Paul lived many years with great freedom, and had to trust the promises of God through those years. Yet he also had to trust the promises of Jesus in his years of little freedom – and to know that God could work just as powerfully through those more difficult circumstances.

More of Paul's trials tomorrow!