Acts 26 Door of Opportunity

Acts 26 NIV


Doors
Ft. Boonesborough, KY

God will provide opportunities to proclaim the Gospel. Some opportunities come in gentle ways; others, not so gentle. Even while Paul is imprisoned he manages to tell others about Jesus. He is able to tell the story of Jesus to rulers, even kings because of his bondage. In fact, he seems to relish the idea as he has asked to be sent to Caesar for trial. In spite of the fact that King Agrippa finds him innocent; to Rome he will go, simply because Paul has asked to go.

Paul has chosen the not so gentle way to get the Word out there. Yet, even in the face of more false accusations and more bondage, he freely gives his life so that others might be saved through faith in Jesus the Messiah. There will be plenty of opportunities for each of us to share the life saving message of Jesus the Christ with others. When opportunity knocks, open the door, and enter in. God will be with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 25:13-27 Settling Petty Disputes

Acts 25:13-27 NIV
We see it all the time. People are falsely accused publically. So called News Reporters do it all of the time. They judge situations before all of the story is actually in. The stories explode without the truth ever being uncovered. By the time the accusations get to court, everyone has their opinions about guilt or innocence based on biased news reports. Innocent men and women's reputations are drug through the mud without any good cause.

Paul is still in custody. The Jews are still accusing him of things that really are not even criminal. He has challenged them to send him to Caesar to be tried since it is his right as a Roman citizen. But, Festus can find no charge that he can bring to warrant sending Paul for trial.

There is enough real crime in the world to have to deal with. Why waste anyone's time with petty disputes? Petty disputes can be taken care of without going to court. All it takes is a little bit of empathy and the willingness to listen to and to talk to one another (without attacking them). All it takes is a desire to love God and His children.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 25:1-12 Appealing to the Court

Acts 25:1-12 NIV
It is best when things can be resolved out of court. But, sometimes it is necessary to appeal to the state so that things can be straightened out; so that the innocent one might be protected; so that peace (at least some semblance of it) might be restored.

Paul's message intimidated the Jews. His message was one of grace for all people who would follow Jesus. The message of the Jews who despised Paul was one of strict adherence to the law. But, Paul was out of reach, he was in the hands of the state in Caesarea. The Jews really wanted to get Paul back in their own territory so they would be able to manipulate the local courts. But, Festus would have none of that. Paul would have none of that. Paul appealed to a higher court. He appealed to Caesar. The request was granted. His life was prolonged with this request. His ability to continue to proclaim the Good News to those around him continued.

According to Matthew 5:25, Jesus said:“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison." 

The Jews who persecuted Paul had no intention of settling matters with Paul outside of court. They wanted him gone for good. They wanted the message he carried gone. The chaos that comes with falsely accusing someone seems not to have bothered them much. Paul, with his message of forgiveness in Christ Jesus, really seemed to be a thorn in their side; a thorn which they wanted to remove by removing Paul from this world. There was no reconciling. They were right. Paul was wrong. So they spent their lives angrily chasing after Paul. What a way to live! Is it not been better to discuss things rather than attack those who disagree with you? It appears that the imprisonment the Jews suffered in the hardness of their hearts may have been worse than Paul's imprisonment by the state.

The continual persecution provided some obstacles for Paul's ministry; but, he was still able to continue to testify in spite or maybe even because of his imprisonment. Hardships may come; but, God's will, will still be done. Is it not better to resolve things before they go too far? Sitting down and talking or praying together might be a good start before one's life is wasted away; before one is imprisoned by their our misplaced anger and fear.

May the peace of God be with you all and may we be reconciled to one another in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace -  Pr. J
 

Acts 24 Truth

Acts 24
Have you ever been in the position where no matter what you say to defend yourself; what you believe or what you have done, you continued to be attacked? It seems that there will always be those who just always have to be right and refuse to hear the truth. They refuse to accept the truth and they will go to all lengths to persecute those who desire to speak the truth. Jesus was not found guilty; but, he was crucified. Paul is tried over and over again. He has not been found guilty; but, his accusers are always ready to accuse him in their attempts to be rid of him. Paul, an innocent man, spends an inordinate amount of time under guard as the Jews continue to attempt to discredit him.

Paul is locked up and one would suppose that this would keep him from speaking the truth about the resurrection through Jesus. At least, that's what the Jews want; for the truth to be silenced. But, no, it does not have that effect. In fact, the bondage enables him to testify over and over again to the truth. There are still jailers and judges as well as the Jews, themselves, who accuse him who must listen over and over again to the truth of Jesus the Messiah.

I know I'm repeating this; but, let me say it again.... God knows what He's doing. He has a plan. Speak the truth. Testify to His goodness through Jesus Christ. Do not be afraid. He is with you now and always and works all things for the good of those who love Him according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

May God grant us the strength and the courage to speak the truth in love, always, for His glory.

God's Peace - Pr.