Acts (Written)

Wind Point Lighthouse grounds, Wisconsin.

Friday, 8 March 2024

but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. Acts 25:19

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, scrolling 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 Greek reads, “But certain questions concerning their own religion they had against him, and concerning a certain Jesus having been dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive” (CG).

In the previous verse, Festus told Agrippa that Paul’s accusers did not charge him with any of the crimes he had expected. He continues now, saying, “But certain questions concerning their own religion.”

Festus now uses the same basic word as that which Paul used in Acts 17:22. There it was deisidaimonesteros, and here it is deisidaimonia. They carry the same meaning, and each is only used one time in the Bible. It basically means a “dread of a deity.”

In essence, it refers to a religion or a superstition because of a fear of that deity. As Agrippa is a Jew, it is certain that Festus is using the term in a general sense, just as Paul did in Acts 17:22. It may not be Festus’s religion, but he acknowledges that it is Paul’s.

Some versions say “superstition” instead of “religion,” but that is not the intent. Festus was not there to insult King Agrippa but to acknowledge the religion of the Jews. It was such points of their theology that “they had against him.”

Festus was expecting some type of aggravated crime to be charged against Paul. Instead, however, they were spending their time trying to disassociate their beliefs from those of Paul. As has been seen in the past, the religion of the Jews was considered an acceptable religion under Roman rule (religio licita).

However, the Jews constantly attempted to separate faith in Jesus from their faith. If they could do this, it would mean that Christianity might be considered unacceptable (religio illicita). This would make Paul an offender against Rome. Every attempt thus far had failed, but they continued to press this angle of attack against Paul.

Their accusations were against Paul’s interpretation of their religion “and concerning a certain Jesus having been dead.”

The verb is a perfect participle. Festus had heard that Jesus was dead, and he had no reason to believe that wasn’t true. Not accepting the premise of a resurrection, he assumed that if Jesus had died, He was still dead.

Until this point, the name “Jesus” hasn’t been cited by Luke at all in the account. Despite this, it is apparent from the words of Festus that Jesus has been the subject of the entire situation. But, again, this Jesus was dead. Even Paul admitted he had died. To Festus, it was an axiom that when someone is dead, he stays dead.

Therefore, he uses the perfect participle. The results of the action continued even to the present time. On the other hand, this supposedly dead Jesus was One “whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”

In this case, the verb is in the imperfect tense, which implies that despite what Festus had heard about Jesus dying, because Paul had mentioned it, he also kept insisting that He was alive. It seems that Festus is holding the entire scenario in contempt despite Paul’s continued proclamation of the resurrection of Christ. The same blinders that covered the eyes of Israel’s leaders also covered the eyes of this Roman governor. This agrees with the words of Paul found in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 –

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him.”

Life application: Today, much of the world has heard about Jesus, including His death and resurrection. It is normally not an issue to speak about this with others and they already are aware of the details. “Sure, I have heard that. It’s what Christians believe.”

However, knowing that a Christian believes this does not mean that they accept the premise themselves. Christian/atheist debates happen at colleges and seminaries all the time. The atheists know what the Christians believe but simply deny it happened. There are people in church leadership positions and professors in Christian colleges who don’t really believe the things they teach.

But this is the key and central point of the faith. It is the dividing line between who is saved and who is not saved. Paul goes into great detail concerning the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, but the initial premise, that Jesus rose from the dead, is the final part of the simple gospel.

Scripture proclaimed He would die, be buried, and resurrect. Faith in that is what saves. If these things were according to Scripture, it means that God knew the future when those things were written. Thus, He is the Creator God who transcends time.

If these things were according to Scripture, then it means that God had a plan set forth in advance. Thus, He is the Initiator of the process and the One who followed through with it each step of the way. Therefore, salvation is an act which is of the Lord alone. Because of this, it logically follows that there is one and only one way to be saved – His way.

The simple and easily ignored or dismissed claim that Jesus resurrected carries with it all of the weight and authority of the final decree of God for salvation. If you have ever wondered why such a basic and simple set of words is so greatly maligned by people, it is because, as simple as they are to understand, they are some of the most incredible words one could possibly accept.

Truly, only an act of faith that what is recorded in Scripture can bring one to accept them. As this is so, how pleasing it must be to God when we demonstrate that simple act of faith. As Christians, be people of faith. If you have believed that God could raise a man from the dead, then accepting the other words of Scripture should not be that difficult to accept as well.

Lord God Almighty, what could we do that deserves Your salvation? The greatest achievements of man quickly fade away with time. The kindest gestures between humans are still tainted with the sin that resides within us. But to have faith that You can restore us to Yourself through the gospel of Jesus Christ is something completely beyond ourselves. In accepting the gospel, we are throwing ourselves totally at Your mercy. We understand this and we believe. Thank You for the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wind Point Lighthouse grounds. Wisconsin.

Thursday, 7 March 2024

“When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, Acts 25:18

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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The verbs need to be tweaked. More literally, it reads, “Concerning whom, having stood up, the accusers were bringing no charge which I was thinking” (CG).

Festus, still telling Agrippa what took place with Paul, just noted that on the next day, after Paul’s accusers had come to Caesarea, he convened a trial. Now, he notes, “Concerning whom.”

This is speaking of Paul, who was noted as “the man” of the previous verse. The case against Paul is being presented with the charges against him now being spoken forth. Next, it notes concerning those bringing the charges, “having stood up.”

It is a formal court procedure where the ones to speak stand to address the court. All others remain seated until called to speak. Of those standing up, Festus next says, “the accusers were bringing no charge which I was thinking.”

Based on the urgency of the Jew’s complaints, he figured he had a real troublemaker or a capital offender on his hands. However, expecting accusations of being an agitator or someone who had committed a horrendous crime, he was left pondering what was so serious.

Because of this, it seems that his words are possibly asking, “Maybe you can shed some light on this King Agrippa.” Festus was stumped about how to handle such charges because they had nothing to do with Roman law. This became evident when Paul appealed to Caesar. Paul stood in Caesar’s court, as he said, “where I ought to be judged.”

Life application: Paul notes that those of the church must all appear before the Bema seat of Christ. We will all be judged for what we have done. There is only one thing that will be a source of rewards for us: things done in faith.

Our walk began in faith, believing that God sent Jesus to restore us to Himself. We didn’t see Jesus, we weren’t there at the resurrection, and we didn’t see Him ascend. Rather, we took those things on faith, along with everything else that we hold sacred to our walk with the Lord.

For example, we have the word of God, but we must believe that what it contains is truth. If we don’t have faith in the initial creation account as is recorded in Genesis, then we lack faith in God’s word. If we teach a long-term creation, something not in accord with the word, we are demonstrating that we do not trust the biblical narrative. Instead, we are believing something other than what it says, evolution, for example.

And yet, there is no evidence to support the evolutionary model. Thus, we are placing our faith in evolution above our faith in God’s word. For this, we will lose rewards. If we do something nice for another, but it is not done in faith, where can there be reward in that? People who do not believe in Jesus do nice things all the time, and yet they will receive no reward for their actions.

Everything comes down to faith. Be people of faith and live your life in that state. What you do, do with the aim and goal of pleasing God. This should start with knowing what is pleasing to Him. And that is found in His word.

Read the word, remember what it says, and apply it to your life. In this, you will be demonstrating faith. It logically follows, then, that you will receive rewards for what you have done when you stand at the bema of Christ. May it be so for you!

Lord God, may we be willing to read Your word, remember Your word, and apply Your word to our daily walk before You. Help us to be people of faith who act in faith toward You in everything we do. We pray this to Your glory. Amen.

Windpoint Light Station Plaque. Wisconsin

Wednesday, 6 March 2024

“Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. Acts 25:17

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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The Greek more literally says, “Therefore, they, having come together, having made no delay, the next, having sat on the bema, I commanded the man to be brought” (CG).

Festus had just told Agrippa that it was not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused could meet his accusers face to face so that he could answer for the charges against him. Having said that, he next says, “Therefore, they, having come together.”

That was seen in verses 25:5, 6 –

“Therefore, he said, ‘let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.’
⁶ And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea.”

From there, Festus next says to Agrippa, “having made no delay, the next, having sat on the bema, I commanded the man to be brought.” These words are exactly as recorded in the continuation of verse 25:6 –

“And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought.”

As can be seen, the words are exactly in accordance with what was recorded by Luke. The only thing not stated, and which would have been an obvious part of his formalities while in Jerusalem, is that he had spent ten days with the Jews.

Thus, immediately after his time in Jerusalem, the trial with the leaders and Paul came about. He cannot be said to have been negligent in this matter as it was, truly, the next day after his state visit. It demonstrated then, and it is showing to Agrippa now, that he intended to be a governor who was willing to listen to the complaints of the leaders of the people under him.

At the same time, it demonstrated that he was concerned about placing the rights of Roman citizens in a very high priority. The Jewish king, therefore, would understand that the priorities of Festus were exactly what they should be as a governor of Rome who was placed over a district of the empire.

Life application: After WWII, MacArthur was placed in a leadership position over the nation of Japan. His time there lasted from 1945 to 1952. His word was considered as the absolute authority concerning what would take place.

At the same time, he demonstrated concern for both the Japanese and for the forces assigned under his command. It was a balancing act that proved highly successful. The nation of Japan was brought out of its former state and into a thriving modern society.

However, this time of ruling will be outshined by that of the coming millennial reign of Christ. Hints of that time are found throughout the Old Testament prophets, and they clearly indicate that this rule will go forth from Jerusalem in the land of Israel with the people of Israel as chief among the nations. For example –

“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
² Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
³ Many people shall come and say,
‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
⁴ He shall judge between the nations,
And rebuke many people;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.” Isaiah 2:1-4

This sentiment is repeated in Micah 4:1-3. One must ask, “What is the point of recording such detail throughout the prophets unless it is actually going to happen?” Where is the glory in failed prophecies, or prophecies that are transferred from one people group to another without the covenant between the first two parties being fulfilled and set aside as promised?

If you believe that the church has replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plans, you have accepted a premise that says God cannot be trusted to complete what He has started, or that God has changed what He began in order to accommodate a fluctuating narrative that overlooks direct and purposeful promises to a particular group of people.

If He is willing to do that to Israel, how can we be sure He will not do that to the church as well? Such a ridiculous notion is incomprehensible when thought through. Be sound in your thinking by rejecting replacement theology. God has not rejected Israel. The word even explicitly says that in Romans 11.

Every promise made to Israel the nation will come about, exactly as the word says. The Gentiles have been graciously grafted into God’s redemptive workings. They have not replaced Israel. Rather, they have become a part of the commonwealth of Israel. Read and believe God’s word. In this, you are demonstrating faith in Him. His word is an expression of who He is.

Lord God, thank You for Your faithfulness to Your people. How good and wonderful it is to know that even if we walk away from You, You will never abandon us. We are prone to wander, but You remain faithful even as we do. Thank You, O God, for Your steadfastness in remaining faithful to those You have covenanted with! Hallelujah and amen.

Wind Point Lighthouse info. Wisconsin.

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

“To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ Acts 25:16

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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Although a tad clunky, a more literal rendering is, “To whom I answered, ‘That it is not Romans’ custom to grant any man to destruction before that the accused may have the accusers to face, and he may receive place of defense concerning the accusation’” (CG).

In the previous verses, Festus explained Paul’s position to king Agrippa and noted that the Jews were asking for a judgment against him. With that, it next says, “To whom I answered.”

It is Festus’s answer to the Jews that he is now explaining to Agrippa. His words to them were, “That it is not Romans’ custom to grant any man to destruction.”

The words “to destruction” are not found in some manuscripts. Despite this, the Jews had asked for a trial and a sentence based on their charges. If granted, it would have led to that being the sentence. However, Roman custom did not simply allow its citizens to be handed over willy-nilly, especially “before that the accused may have the accusers to face.”

Paul had already been tried before Felix, but no sentence was given. Instead, he punted and had Paul remain incarcerated under his authority until his departure. The Jews now wanted Paul charged based on their same accusations as if the charges were valid against him.

Instead, Festus noted to them that there would need to be a trial where his accusers came and presented to his face what their claim against Paul was, “and he may receive place of defense concerning the accusation.”

Once their charges had been presented to his face, Paul could then respond to each charge individually or collectively. Either way, he was allowed under Roman law to have a trial that any citizen of Rome was allowed to have.

In his words, Festus clearly noted to the king the obligation of his office, demonstrating that he was bound to Roman law and that his judgment was not because of any bias against the Jews. If Agrippa were inclined to the ruling decision of the leaders of Israel, it could cause tension between the two unless he understood that Festus’s hands were bound under the fair principles of Roman justice.

It seems that this comment is less one of arrogance or Roman superiority than one of attempting to show harmony between his office and his rulings over the Jewish people under his jurisdiction.

It is of note that the same verb translated as “to grant” was used by Paul in verse 25:11, which was after the meeting with the leaders of Israel and Paul in Caesarea. Festus uses the same term now as if it were his idea all along to be Paul’s defender as a citizen of Rome. He uses the word as if it were spoken to the Jews before the meeting!

Paul’s words were convincing enough, and his appeal to Caesar was valid enough, to justify where he was. The advice of Festus’s council supported Paul’s words, and so he, in turn, now uses them before Agrippa. Paul has proven his verbal and analytical prowess concerning the matter.

Life application: The Greek word, noted above as “to grant,” means “to show favor.” In other words, it is more than simply delivering Paul to the Jews. Rather, it is doing so as a grant. In the case of the law, Festus couldn’t just grant a favor without a legal reason behind his actions.

This is how it should be anywhere. Laws are put in place to keep the playing field level. Each person who is authorized to have those laws apply to him has a right to appeal to that law. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what the law states in a particular matter and their rights are trampled.

This happens with unjust prosecutors and judges all the time. They grant things that they should not grant. They also withhold charges against people they are aligned with. This is the fallen world in which we live. The safest course of action against this is to have proper legal representation, but that is not always a guarantee.

Having said that, when we stand before Jesus, our judgment will be absolutely fair in all ways. There will be no underhanded dealings, and there will be no favoritism. Everything will be perfectly just. Knowing this, let us live for the Lord in a manner that will always be honoring Him and demonstrating faith through the things we do. In this, our judgment will be a positive one.

Lord God, we know that when we stand before You for judgment, things will be handled fairly and in a just manner. Thank You that we will be treated with the favor of Jesus because we are now in Christ. The punishment for our failures came at the cross. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord and for what He has done for us. Amen.

Wind Point Lighthouse, Wisconsin.

Monday, 4 March 2024

“about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. Acts 25:15

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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

In the previous verse, Festus laid Paul’s case before Agrippa the king, noting that Paul had been left by Felix. He continues the thought now, saying, “about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me.”

The words of the verse are rather clear. The entire body of the leaders of the Jews, both chief priests and elders, had a united voice against Paul. Even if they couldn’t agree on sound theology, such as their arguments concerning the resurrection of the dead, they could all agree that Paul was an enemy of their way of life. He was telling the Gentiles that they were on the same level with God as the Jews if they were in Christ.

Further, anyone not in Christ stood condemned before God. To them, this was intolerable, and it was worthy of being excommunicated from the temple and the nation. And more, in their eyes, it was worthy of death. Therefore, Festus next says, “when I was in Jerusalem.”

As Festus had just become governor, and as he had made one trip to Jerusalem, what was presented to him must have been of the highest importance to the Jews. It wasn’t like the topic was something that could wait until they had established a good working relationship.

Rather, right from the moment of his being introduced to them, they brought the issue of Paul up as an absolutely important diplomatic matter. And the issue was that they were “asking for a judgment against him.”

The Greek word is dike. It speaks of a judicial hearing, an execution of a sentence, punishment, justice, etc. It is only found elsewhere in Acts 28:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, and Jude 1:7. Some older texts actually have a stronger word in the Greek, katadikazo, a word implying “condemnation.”

Either way, the Jews were intent on getting their hands on Paul, and they did this through the pretext of a trial leading to judgment. However, their true intentions were to have him killed during the passage to or from Jerusalem.

Life application: The Jews wanted Paul dead. Extrabiblical writings reveal that Paul and most of the apostles were eventually martyred for their faith. The fact is, however, that we are all going to die. And that could happen at any moment.

We have no control over stopping that aspect of our existence. However, we can control what we do while we are alive. Each of us must work out our own salvation. This doesn’t mean working out getting saved or remaining saved. Rather, it means working out what we will do with the salvation we received based on faith in Jesus.

The older one gets, the more he realizes how short this life really is. A young person will look at old people and think, “Wow, they are really old.” An old person will look at a young person and think, “It was only moments ago when I was like that.” Because of this, we should consider our days and be willing to use them wisely, to the glory of God.

This is especially so because of what was already noted. We have no idea when our day of death will come. Therefore, let us be about the business of the Lord while we can. It should not be our attitude to say, “I will start living for the Lord tomorrow!” Rather, we should say, “I will live for the Lord today!”

Demonstrate the wisdom that the Bible proclaims and live out your days, starting right now, for the sake of the Lord. Each moment is a new moment to dedicate to Him. May it be so in our lives!

Lord God Almighty, help us to be wise and discerning about the lives we lead. May we forget what is past, put what we cannot change behind us, and go forward with a new and right attitude from moment to moment, honoring You and bringing glory to You all our days. Amen.