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
I am so in awe of Paul and how calm he seems to be through out all his time being imprisoned. When he says I am on trial today because I believe that the dead will be raised to life. He wasn’t hurting anyone he was just preaching what he believes. There are so many times today where individuals are judged by how they look or what they believe. I just don’t understand it. When I was working we had a lovely young woman who dyed her hair bright pink and always wore pink. On numerous occasions people would comment on her appearance in a negative way. I remember one time in particular when an elderly woman made a comment to her. I told the woman how valuable this young woman was to our company and how we loved her beautiful appearance. Why would anyone care what color my hair is or that I believe the dead will be raised to life...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day!
You are so correct Cindy! We are judgmental people- and I'm not sure why or how that started- even why it started. I guess we don'to want others to be better than us, so we find a "fault" with them! Small changes can work though- keep trying!
DeletePaul remains in prison in Caesarea under Fekix's rule Felix I think wants to believe Paul but he is also guilty of greed wanting a bribe from Paul. Felix is also frightened by Paul's of God's judgment.
ReplyDeletesometimes we can be frightened by the unknown what will God do as he judges us after the second coming will we be found wanting and be sentenced other than we think into the fiery pit forever. We know Jesus died to save us but how many times can we continue to sin and ask for forgiveness? Will God continue to forgive us always?
How long will God forgive...forever! We do need to try to be better people though! It is difficult at times- but try we must! Small daily changes and attempts will grow into routines that we can't break!
DeleteI certainly hear your comments Cindy. As a manager of people even in a small business like our library we have "noticing" going on. I recently had to make an accommodation for an employee. I knew another person was going to be a little "unhappy" or at least have something to say about it. I couldn't decide if it wasn't any of the complainers business and to just move ahead or to let the complainer in on it to keep peace. I did the later. Even though it was none of the complainers business I didn't want comments starting. Sometimes it doesn't seem like things have changed much in 2 thousand years.
ReplyDeleteIn how many situations can we see people just doing the wrong thing, making the wrong decisions, accepting what they know is a lie as the truth, being swayed by money or power, taking what they can get just because they can get away with it. Everyone knew that Paul should go free but to win favor with the Jews they were swayed.
It sure is nice out but if it could get a little warmer, that would be ok too. Have a great day, everyone.
You make a good point... many people suffer from what my daughters call "FOMO" (fear of missing out) and we need to be involved in everyone's business! And we like it when we can find fault in their business! We want to be liked, so we do what is popular and what will benefit us to the most!
DeleteGood points!
What sunshine??? It's been flurrying here all day. The temps are in the mid 30s. However, it should be in the sixties on Saturday. I have contracted with some folks to clean up from the winter, but they must be behind since it keeps on being winter. Oh...life in the north. I'll take this over the south, however.
ReplyDelete"The more things change, the more they stay the same." A crooked lawyer, a judge hoping for a bribe, kicking the can down the road. It seems like they have taken a page out of our book, when it is actually the other way around. Sad, sad, sad. Government doesn't seem to change, it keeps staying corrupt. It's good tp see that Paul saw what was happening and he did not buy into any of the shenanigans. It's too bad that he had to rot away in jail for his goodness, however. To his credit, he did some of his finest work while incarcerated. Also, the way he felt about the worth of his life ("nothing without Jesus") had to have helped him when he was in prison.
I just sent a text to Morgan and Bobbi-Jo in Vermont. Their area is expecting 8 to 12 inches tonight and tomorrow! Just sprinkles here so far!
DeleteGood quote- the more things change... Right- things really haven't changed much have they?! HE did do lots of good work while in prison- and that's a statement for us too!
Good comments!
I am in Philly visiting my daughter and family until Sunday - sorry to have missed yesterday but read the chapter and all your comments - which I enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI love Paul - I think because he was so determined to be the guy to rid the world of the followers of the way to become the guy who was determined to tell the world about Jesus. No wonder God/Jesus chose Paul as his vessel. Once Paul was in he was in all the way - no matter what the cost. Paul knew and loved both the Jewish beliefs and laws but also the Roman way - and now Christianity I do find it a bit strange that Paul does claim to be "completely" innocent of all charges. This was - his third time in Jerusalem? So people knew Paul and knew what he was preaching. It was really considered treason to preach a religion not recognized by the Romans and even though the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead - no believed Jesus was the Son of God. I can imagine how frightening it was for Jews of the time to side with Paul - risking their own lives and the real threat of being tortured. Not even the Jews and Gentiles that had converted stepped forward to side with Paul - only the Pharisees but they had no fear of being arrested and tried and they only sided with Paul on the thought of resurrection not Jesus. I do understand why it was Paul's nephew who came to him and went to the Romans he must have been a Roman citizen himself - through the family.LITTLE MEADOWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
843 Pennsylvania Ave., Little Meadows, PA 18830
I find this chapter extremely interesting but have to admit I am beginning to wonder what the point is with so many stories so similar.
I still have faith in the goodness of people. But today, just like in the time of Acts, mostly the bad are noticed and reported on.
The stories do seem repetitive- and I think the purpose may be to remind us that we need to keep trying. If we only had one story of Pal facing difficulty and no other stories- what would we learn. With so many stories- we see he continues to struggle, but also continues to persevere and fight. That's the lesson for us- to continue to fight for our beliefs and fight for what is right. The point of Paul's stories is life is tough and not everyone will greet what you have to say with joy and peace! Sometimes the right thing is a struggle!
ReplyDeleteGood point- when we watch the news or hear reports- it is typically the bad. If its a good story- it is usually at the end of the newscast when we are transitioning into our next thing. Good is not often noticed- but bad is!
Enjoy Philly!