090925 Meditational Bible Study from the Book of Acts 24 KJV
For Mithcah Bible Baptist Church – Bahrain
Morning Online Group Devotional Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship 091025
“10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.”
The Resurrection of the Dead:
In this was highlighted the Complaints of the Jews against Paul.
Acts 24:1-8 KJV
“1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.”
With calculated, convincing speech this orator, Tertullus: Paul’s accuser, by his manipulative pleading words, he obviously appeared to be trying hard, on how to win the approval of Governor Felix; that it seems like, he was hired by the high priest Ananias. That beingemotional in his plea, a ruler may most likely will be moved; Paul’s cause, is needed to be acted upon with urgency. And there were many Jews who confirmed that his complaints against Paul is true.
Looking at it in the current normal human’s perspective, the accused is already condemned, like it has been through trial by publicity.
But the confidence Paul had, during his ministerial journey, was misappropriated by them who were blinded by their own madness.
For who is able to go against the man of GOD and the will to him of the LORD Almighty?
They may have been put Paul bounded, but the work GOD has imparted in him to do, could never be apprehended. For even his jailor, Paul was able to testified the truth The LORD instilled in his heart.
This is how the hand of the LORD moves. And this, worked for generations, even unto our current days; the GOD who called and sent Paul, is also able to change the heart of you and me.
Though one thing we ought to be; we should listen to the promptings of the HOLY SPIRIT; let our ears hears and the eyes of our souls shall see. Yet, if His hand moves, no one, or no power is able to resist.
And the good thing above all else, He is not far to all whose heart and mind trust His words, and rely on His power, strength, and from His redeeming grace, which was given to us for free.
Let not the hardiness of heart overrule our head. Let us altogether be likeminded, in sharing the gospel of grace, and be not among the accusers of the truth and its good deeds.
Let The LORD be our Defender from every attack of enemies.
For the GOD who created all things and the Holy One who called us into His service listen; because He hears every word and in all our doings He sees.
Acts 24:10-21 KJV
“10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.”
The very essence of the virgin birth, death and burial of JESUS the CHRIST: The Resurrection of the Dead
The Gospel of CHRIST’s fundamental components, which is His Resurrection, has been one among the cause why the Jews tried so hard to kill Paul.
But the top of it all: Paul’s stand in presenting through his preaching, that the promise Redeemer written in the Old Testament’s manuscript is none other but JESUS of Nazareth, which is the very reason why the high priest exaggerated the accusation against him; brought with him an orator to speak about their complaints to the governor, make their accusation extreme, by adding in his report that Paul led many to sedition and insurgency against the Jewish culture, law and tradition; thus, intensely stirred the hatred of the people, who sought incessantly to kill Paul, and all other JESUS’s disciples, who preach and teach about JESUS CHRIST’s death, burial and resurrection.
Wherein, from this cause, Paul, who before was named Saul, has been one among the fiercest pursuers of the believers and followers of CHRIST; that right there and then, The LORD JESUS CHRIST, from His Heavenly throne, work His way for Saul to Paul’s miraculous conversion; speaking to him in His audible voice; teaching and inculcating in his mind His law, and His instruction; with informative warnings about the sufferings he must suffer in proclaiming His Name.
By the way Apostle Paul depended himself from his false accusers from this chapter, we can get guidelines on how to depend ourselves, who are called to proclaim GOD’s way of salvation to everyone, who do not yet have known the importance of JESUS CHRIST crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. As Paul has been, we also must be:
That whether they believe or not, disdain us or defend us, will not matter so much to us. Because our heart and mind settled one hundred one percent sure, that:
This didn’t mean that we have to be robotics in our ways of living; without feelings of infirmities, nor shouldn’t get angry. For surely, heightened feelings sometimes from rejection and restraint have been or will become overwhelming; that we can’t refrain from shedding tears.
But let us be reminded of what Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:4-5 KJV - “4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Even in tears we may be able to find ourselves rejoicing in the Lord, if we give all our cares and concerns to Him.
The resurrection from the dead of our LORD is our blessed hope.
For Paul certainly has written if He rose again, we too will arise with Him in His time appointed.
Romans 8:16-18 KJV16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Let the LORD JESUS CHRIST vividly live in our lives, in our gestures, in our gratitude, and in our gracefulness toward sharing His gift of salvation to others.
Acts 24:22-27 KJV
“[22] And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
[23] And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
[24] And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
[25] And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
[26] He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
[27] But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.”
From these verses were words paraphrases; that may open the eyes of our understanding, supposing for us to see the true colors of an undignified, disintegrated ruler in the person of the Governor Felix.
Wherein, we can spot the flaws from his behavioral response; citing from these written words of Luke:
These kind of governors runs offices even in our present time; that even them who believe, and are in power seems to have left their faith, and were found guilty of these disgusting systemic of leading.
Nevertheless, we must not be wholly affected not get distressed; for our GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST sees, listen and hears our prayers.
In the most crucial time of our existence here on earth, let our resilience makes a difference. We must be skillful and shielded with discernment; to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Know when to rise up, to move and know when to be still.
In everything, let us always give due diligence. For in everything we do, the GOD whom we serve have His perfect time to give justice to all human being: rewardto the wholeheartedly obedience, steadfast and zealous in the service. But to the compromiser, corrupt and concealer of truth, recompense.
And for us all women in faith, choose always to be calm, compose and put in CHRIST our confidence. For our faith in CHRIST is measured by our resiliency, resolute, and responsive from what we were taught and learned.
Let us all face our days with integrity, honor and courage. For the battle is not over until we see our Savior JESUS CHRIST face to face.
We must choose to always have a pleasant day ahead!
0 comments:
Post a Comment