Author: Charlie Garrett

WWI Memorial. West Virginia Capitol.

Friday, 2 February 2024

“because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Acts 24:11

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

More literally, the verse reads, “You, being able to know that there are not to me more than twelve days from which I went up to worship in Jerusalem” (CG).

Paul had just presented his opening words of defense, beginning with an acknowledgment that Felix was the duly appointed judge for the matter. With that, he next says, “You, being able to know.”

The meaning is that Felix has the means at his disposal (the verb is a present participle) to readily ascertain if what Paul says is true or not. Each thing he will say can be searched out and verified. Therefore, it would be the mark of a truly corrupt person to attempt to make a claim that was untrue. Understanding that, he says, “that there are not to me more than twelve days.”

It is a specific amount of time that is so short and precise that retracing the steps would take almost no effort at all. Considering that several of those days were spent under Roman guard, the events preceding that are condensed even more.

As the time frame can easily be corroborated, Paul’s words bear the mark of either total honesty or a loony desire to be incarcerated. To assist in the verification of his claims, he specifically notes that those twelve days were “from which I went up to worship in Jerusalem.”

What he says here and in the coming verses are given to challenge the three charges made against him by Tertullus, which are sedition, heresy, and profaning the temple.

Concerning sedition, he implies that it would be impossible to form a party and act in a seditious manner because it was just twelve days earlier that he arrived in Jerusalem. Five of those days were in Caesarea, two were on the journey, and the rest were in Jerusalem, where he went to worship and was subsequently incarcerated. If he were there to worship, he could then not be a heretic. He was obviously following the customs of Jews who came for exactly this purpose.

The Pulpit Commentary divides the 12 days in this manner –

(1) arrival at Jerusalem (Acts 21:15);
(2) Visit to James and the elders (Acts 21:18);
(3) first day of purification (Acts 21:26);
(4) second day of purification;
(5) the third day;
(6) the fourth day;
(7) the fifth day, when the tumult took place (Acts 21:27);
(8) Paul brought before the Sanhedrim;
(9) the conspiracy of the forty Jews, Paul leaves Jerusalem for Caesarea – the first of the five days mentioned in Acts 24:1;
(10) arrival of St. Paul” next day” at Caesarea, and lodged in the pretorium – second of the five days (Acts 23:32, 35);
(11) Paul in Herod’s judgment hall – third of the five days;
(12) ditto – fourth of the five days;
(13) the current day, being also the fifth day of those mentioned in Acts 24:1. The mention of the brief time of twelve days shows the narrow limits of time within which the crime must have been committed, while the adroit mention of the purpose of his visit, to worship, would show how unlikely it was that he should have gone with any evil intent.

All of these could be supported by eyewitnesses if necessary.

Life application: Paul’s words directly challenge the accusation against him. He doesn’t waste a lot of time with superfluities, and he refrains from any verbal attacks on those accusing him. He is calm, cool, and collected in his address.

And more, he understands the process of what is going on around him. It is important to remember that if you don’t have the same demeanor, or if you are unaware of how to properly navigate such things, it is a good idea to have someone skilled in what you are involved in to assist you. If it is a legal matter, a lawyer is a good idea. If it is a financial problem, a certified accountant can help, and so forth.

The world is there trying to trip you up. Being ready to defend yourself with the right people around you. This is always a good idea.

O God, the world in which we live can be a complicated place. Governments exist that often heap burdens upon their people that require a lot of attention, without which all kinds of trouble can result. Help us to be wise in our actions and interactions regarding such things. May we live rightly and peaceably in our societies, honoring You with the lives we lead. Amen.

Another coal mining plaque. West Virginia Capitol.

Thursday, 1 February 2024

Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, Acts 24:10

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A literal translation would be, “And Paul answered, the governor having beckoned him to speak, ‘Knowing from many years, you, being judge to this nation, cheerfully these concerning myself I make a defense’” (CG).

Tertullus presented the charges against Paul, and the Jews assented to what Tertullus said, maintaining that his words were true. With that complete, it next says, “And Paul answered, the governor having beckoned him to speak.”

There is a sense of order and decorum. The plaintiff was allowed to speak in an uninterrupted fashion. Upon completion, the governor acknowledged Paul’s right to defend himself, and so he nodded or made a sign of some sort that indicated Paul could begin his defense. Paul then answered, beginning with, “Knowing from many years.”

He avoids the unnecessary words of flattery used by his opponent. He also defends himself without using a lawyer. Instead, he appeals directly to the justice of his case, stating that he knew it would be upheld because of Felix’s lengthy service.

The “many years” that he refers to is actually six or seven at this point. However, it is noted by Tacitus that Felix had already been a joint procurator with his predecessor Cumanus. Also, scholars note that many in his position were recalled after a much shorter period, and so from that perspective, “many years” is a good description.

He would be well educated in how to conduct such affairs and also well-versed in the Jewish rites, customs, and laws. Understanding this, Paul’s words continue, saying, “you, being judge to this nation.”

Again, there is nothing superfluous or unnecessary stated. Paul simply acknowledges that the governor had a right to judge the matter set before him. It is an implicit acceptance of the position and, thus, the judgment that will be rendered. Also, knowing that he is now under Roman jurisdiction, he will get a trial that fairly acknowledges his state as a Roman. Therefore, he continues with, “cheerfully these concerning myself I make a defense.”

The word Paul uses, translated as answer, is apologeomai. It is a word that is related to the “apology” or defense one would make for the Christian faith. In this case, it is a rightful defense against charges brought against him.

In all, the words Paul uses show a person who is bold in his words because of his belief in his personal innocence concerning wrongdoing. There is nothing smug, flattering, or superfluous in his opening statement. And more, he has the fact that a plot to kill him was initiated by the leaders of Israel to bolster his defense.

Whether those leaders knew that their plot was discovered or not, the governor did. It is a stain on their actions, and it weakens any charges brought against Paul, making them suspect and biased.

Life application: It can be difficult at times to restrain oneself from blurting out a defense against false charges. This is true regardless of the size of the offense that is being accused. Little things can be just as annoying to listen to as big ones. However, it is best to allow people to speak in an uninterrupted manner.

To see this type of thing in action, watch reporters who are designated to conduct interviews or debates for political positions, like those running for Congress or even the presidency. It is not uncommon for a question to be asked by the reporter, and then a lucid, rational, and well-thought-out answer is given. Because the response does not fit with the reporter’s worldview, he or she immediately begins to interrupt the candidate.

This is unprofessional and it demonstrates a weakness in any supposed impartiality of the reporter. And yes, it is as common for those on the left to do this as it is for dogs to pant. Don’t be like a panting dog in your own time of defense. And don’t be like one if you are asked to impartially judge or oversee a matter such as an interview or debate. Let your words be few, directed, and spoken at the proper time without interrupting others in the process.

Glorious Lord God, may we be careful to speak clearly and thoughtfully when there are words that may affect our standing in the eyes of others or even our freedom in society. Help us know what to say at such a time, give us grace and patience in our responses, and may we honor You in our lives. Amen.

Mining Miner Who Mines. West Virginia Capitol.

Wednesday, 31 January 2024

And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. Acts 24:9

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse completed Tertullus’ words to Felix. With that, it next says, “And the Jews also assented.”

They agreed either collectively or individually, but they stood behind the substance of his words, affirming that Paul was a plague that needed to be eradicated. One can see them seated behind Tertullus nodding in agreement and maybe vocally assenting to the presentation. It is likely that they were all in agreement before they even arrived and were thus satisfied with Tertullus’ presentation. As such, they were “maintaining that these things were so.”

A new word is introduced: phaskó. It will only be seen again in Acts 25:19 and Romans 1:22. It is a prolongation of a more common word that signifies to say. Thus, it means to affirm, allege, profess, or something similar. Its use in Romans gives a sense of one of its intended meanings –

“Professing to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:22

One can see scientists haughtily proclaiming that the universe exploded itself into existence, with man arising over billions of years out of goo and thus proclaiming, “We don’t need God. We are free from His rule over us! Look at how wise we are!” God says they are fools.

These Jews had come together, affirming that Paul was guilty and needed to be punished for his transgressions.

Life application: The Bible makes many proclamations about how the world was created by God, is governed by His power and sustaining hand, is guilty before Him for failing to acknowledge Him, and so forth.

Either what it says is reliable and true, or it is not. If the first chapters of Genesis are not literal history, then the rest of the Bible is suspect as well. Jesus cites those chapters and proclaims they are literally true, acknowledging that the events really happened.

We cannot allegorize the creation account without falling into great error. If we are saved, we will not lose our salvation. But if we fail to accept God at His word, we will be judged for our lack of faith in regard to what He has proclaimed.

There are abundant videos and teachings available that give reasonable explanations that fully support the Genesis creation account. If you are unsure if the word is reliable in these chapters, test them by watching or reading what is out there. In the end, the Lord asks you to use reasoned faith in your relationship with Him. You cannot do this without checking things out.

Be wise and discerning. What can you skip in your normal routine that will allow you sufficient time to investigate such things?

Lord God, Your word is written, and it makes certain proclamations about who You are and what You have done. Help us to be willing to research and investigate these things and come to reasonable conclusions about the claims that are made there. May our faith be grounded in reality as we seek the mysteries of the world around us. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Miner memorial. West Virginia Capitol.

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

“commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” Acts 24:8

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A literal translation, even if a bit clunky, is, “having commanded his accusers to come to you, from whom you will be able, having examined, to know yourself concerning all these things which we accuse him” (CG).

In the previous verse, it said, “And Lysias, the commander, having come with great force, led away out of our hands.” That now continues with the words “having commanded his accusers to come to you.”

This was seen in a portion of Claudius Lysias’ letter to Felix, as recorded in the previous chapter –

“And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him.” Acts 23:20

Not only did the commander send Paul safely to Caesarea, but he told the leaders of Israel that if they wanted a meeting with Paul in attendance, they would have to do so in the presence of the Roman governor. In fact, they were not given the choice. Instead, he commanded that they should appear before Felix. From there, Tertullus next says, “from whom you will be able.”

A relative pronoun is used, “whom.” Some translations, like the NKJV, say “him.” To our ears, using “whom” it sounds like Tertullus is asking for the accusers to be allowed to be examined. However, the pronoun is singular. And so, it is most probably speaking of Paul. But it also could be speaking of the Roman commander.

If so, and because he is not there, it may be that Tertullus is hoping that Felix would take this statement at face value and say, “No, there is no need to call him over this.” Either way, Tertullus continues, saying, “having examined, to know yourself concerning all these things which we accuse him.”

Either way, it is unlikely that either the Roman commander or Paul would agree that the things Paul had been accused of were true. The Roman commander would have insufficient evidence to substantiate the charges, and he would disagree with portions of the claims made. If he is referring to Paul, his words in the coming verses will completely refute the charges against him.

Life application: In this verse, Tertullus does what people continue to do today. He brazenly sets up a false narrative and then claims that when those who are interviewed are brought forward, they will agree with his position. We might call this the Shifty Schiff approach.

By boldly and brazenly lying, such people are openly mocking the integrity of the accused so that when they speak, they appear to be liars. It is a position that people will take when their side of an issue or argument has no substantiation at all.

This is a fallacy known as Poisoning the Well. The first person to speak will do so in an attempt to undermine the integrity of the next speaker, impugning his character in one way or another. They may imply he is manipulative, a liar, and that his words will be highly persuasive and thus must not be trusted, and so forth.

Even if the water in the well was perfectly good and drinkable to begin with, by poisoning the well, it is no longer to be trusted as safe. This tactic has been constantly used throughout the ages as a means of destroying someone of integrity before he even gets a chance to begin his presentation. It is highly effective because most people trust those they align with, even if their words are completely false.

Be aware of this fallacy, especially around voting season. You will see it constantly employed by those whose political position is one that has nothing of value to present to the people. It is also seen among Christian leaders and speakers at times. Be aware of this and call it out as soon as you identify it.

Lord God, help us to consider arguments – clearly and responsibly – that we see arise between people. May we not be sidetracked by fallacious thinking but instead consider what is said based on its adherence to the truth. It is a world full of confusion, but with Your wisdom to guide us, we will not be led astray by those who speak falsity and introduce error into their words. Yes, Lord God, help us in this. Amen.

Mining plaque. West Virginia Capitol.

Monday, 29 January 2024

“But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, Acts 24:7

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A better rendering of the Greek is, “And Lysias, the commander, having come with great force, led away out of our hands” (CG).

It should be noted that some manuscripts do not include the second half of the previous verse, this verse, or the first clause of verse 8. Thus, depending on the Bible you use, you may not have those things included or they may only be footnoted.

In the previous verse, Tertullus told Felix that Paul tried to profane the temple. Therefore, he was seized, and they tried to judge him according to Jewish law. That now continues with, “And Lysias, the commander.”

Interjecting the name of Lysias is an attempt to say, “If this person didn’t interfere, this matter would have been settled already. Paul would have been judged according to our law, and there would have been no reason to bother you here today.” With that understood, Tertullus continues, saying, “having come with great force, led away out of our hands.”

His words completely overlook the riot of the people and the quick actions of the Romans, which saved the life of Paul, a Roman citizen. In essence, there is an attempt to throw a disparaging light on Claudius Lysias, as if he had meddled in a matter that belonged to the Jews alone.

Tertullus is presenting the Jews as the unfortunate losers. He is further implying that if things had gone differently and they had just been allowed to handle things, they would have spared Felix all of this trouble by taking care of the matter themselves.

Life application: The common adage “hindsight is 20/20” means that if the information that is now known was available before, the errors of the past would not have been made. It is comparing 20/20 vision to clarity concerning a matter.

Tertullus is using this idea against Lysias’ actions. In essence, he is saying, “If Lysias had only known the whole situation, things would have come out just fine.” Sometimes, this type of thinking is true, but in the case of the Jews, this is completely false.

Felix can only go by what he is told. The flattery of Tertullus should give him a hint that what he is being told is a pile of lies. This is all the more certain because Lysias sent Paul to Caesarea based on the discovery of a plot to kill Paul that arose sometime after the events they are now referring to in the hearing.

It is often necessary not to rush to a judgment on a matter until it is carefully thought through and all options are weighed. Felix’s main responsibility was to maintain order in his jurisdiction, but another prime responsibility was ensuring the safety and protection of Roman citizens.

Paul used his citizenship to benefit himself. As such, he is using his citizenship to further his goal of spreading the gospel. Don’t hesitate to use whatever means are available to you to secure your safety and advancement within your society. This includes appealing to your citizenship, including your right to vote.

If you refrain from using those things that are available to you, you will ultimately be hindering your ability to share the gospel. If the opposing political party takes away your rights because you failed to vote, you will have harmed not only yourself but those who will never benefit from hearing the good news in a free and open society.

Little choices can have big consequences. So do what is right and participate in your society.

Lord God, help us to think clearly about our responsibilities. May we be willing to do the right thing in all situations. And to do the right thing, we need to consider not just the immediate effects but also the long-term effects of our actions or inactions. Give us wisdom in this, O God. Amen.