th1b.taylor
Member
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:1[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:2[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him, [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:3[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] asking a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem; laying a plot to kill him on the way. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:4[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]thither[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] shortly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:5[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Let them therefore, saith he, that are of power among you go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:6[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And when he had tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and on the morrow he sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Once more we find the leaders of the Sanhedrin, actively, involved in the plot to murder Paul. Festus is already warned of the past scheme and being familiar with the people he is in charge of must, surely, suspect their intention. Festus, being their, appointed, ruler had given them about a week to a week and a half to plan their case against Paul for what-ever reason.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:7[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove; [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:8[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] while Paul said in his defense, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Paul, unlike his accusers, goes straight to the point. Paul does not play with, nor, on words, he simply points out that there is no basis for these charges. As followers of the Christ we must learn that we have been separated from the word and cease to allow them to dictate the terms for conversation. An excellent example of this is found in John 3 when Jesus answers Nicodemus.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Nicodemus went to Jesus and Jesus, being God in the flesh, knew why he had come. Nick began his formal introduction to what he wished Jesus to address and the LORD did not wait for him to pass out the flowers but went straight to the issue and told him of the Second Birth. We are not God but when we are addressed we must stop people from running us down Rabbit Trails and just hang onto the issues.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]I will not allow any to believe this will not cause irritation because it will! There is an Atheist that has followed me around the web for better than two years now that, to this day, attempts to guide the conversations off into issues he desires to divert Christians into. He gets very upset when I ignore his efforts to side track me but I rely, heavily, on my LORD' s example an will discuss only the issue or issues that matter, in relation to the topic.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:9[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:10[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But Paul said, I am standing before Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:11[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if none of those things is [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]true[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:12[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Thou hast appealed unto Caesar: unto Caesar shalt thou go. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Now, I believe that it is important to remember context. We already know that the Holy Spirit has told Paul that he is going to Rome and here we find Paul playing on that information to keep himself safe. Paul has pointed out that there is no cause for this nor for any other trial and as a citizen of Rome he is calling for the judgment of Caesar. Paul uses his knowledge of man's law to follow the will of God. In like manor, when we follow Jesus we need to study His actions, just as Paul, obviously, did and then to react in like manor.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:13[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Now when certain days were passed, Agrippa the King and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and saluted Festus. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:14[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And as they tarried there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the King, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix; [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:15[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]me[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif], asking for sentence against him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:16[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:17[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] When therefore they were come together here, I made no delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded the man to be brought. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:18[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such evil things as I supposed; [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:19[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Here is a point that drives me mad and, usually, when I bring it to light the importance of our thoughts, attitude and speech, folks think I have lost my mind. I hear and I read, “When Jesus lived...†We must remember that people watch and listen to everything we say, type, write and do. We teach that we serve the one and only Risen Saviour and then, “When He, or Jesus, lived,†comes out of our mouths? Why should anyone believe what we teach when we don't believe it enough to live it?[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Now I'll tell yo the truth, Jesus said that if you're luke warm, he will spew you out of His mouth. (Rev. 3:16) The best metaphor I know to use here is a true story. I, as a youth, purchased a bottled soda on uncapping it I took a long slug. Immediately, I pulled the bottle away and spit a dead spider out of my mouth that had been bottled with the soda-pop. In my mind, I see Jesus being that upset with the Wanna Bees! Our L[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]ORD,[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] wants one hundred percent of us! In the Gospels Jesus taught us that if we love m, we will obey His commands. We must meditate, pray and study this.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:20[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And I, being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:21[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept till I should send him to Caesar. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:22[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And Agrippa [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]said[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Now we see the effect that Jesus will have on our lives when we are serious about living or Him. Others will be curious, just as Agrippa was about Paul. In this manor, we are not only say we serve God but others can see that we do and will speak to us about it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:23[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought in. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:24[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And Festus saith, King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye behold this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews made suit to me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:25[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death: and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:26[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I may have somewhat to write. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:27[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] For it seemeth to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not withal to signify the charges against him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Festus is at a loss for words and is hoping that Agrippa will provide him with something to charge Paul with. Unlike many, in the Church today, Paul has lived his life for Jesus and has done his best to act and to respond like Jesus and people have noticed that although people disapprove, no fault is found in Paul's life.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:2[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him, [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:3[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] asking a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem; laying a plot to kill him on the way. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:4[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]thither[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] shortly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:5[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Let them therefore, saith he, that are of power among you go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:6[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And when he had tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and on the morrow he sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Once more we find the leaders of the Sanhedrin, actively, involved in the plot to murder Paul. Festus is already warned of the past scheme and being familiar with the people he is in charge of must, surely, suspect their intention. Festus, being their, appointed, ruler had given them about a week to a week and a half to plan their case against Paul for what-ever reason.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:7[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove; [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:8[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] while Paul said in his defense, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Paul, unlike his accusers, goes straight to the point. Paul does not play with, nor, on words, he simply points out that there is no basis for these charges. As followers of the Christ we must learn that we have been separated from the word and cease to allow them to dictate the terms for conversation. An excellent example of this is found in John 3 when Jesus answers Nicodemus.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Nicodemus went to Jesus and Jesus, being God in the flesh, knew why he had come. Nick began his formal introduction to what he wished Jesus to address and the LORD did not wait for him to pass out the flowers but went straight to the issue and told him of the Second Birth. We are not God but when we are addressed we must stop people from running us down Rabbit Trails and just hang onto the issues.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]I will not allow any to believe this will not cause irritation because it will! There is an Atheist that has followed me around the web for better than two years now that, to this day, attempts to guide the conversations off into issues he desires to divert Christians into. He gets very upset when I ignore his efforts to side track me but I rely, heavily, on my LORD' s example an will discuss only the issue or issues that matter, in relation to the topic.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:9[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:10[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But Paul said, I am standing before Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:11[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if none of those things is [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]true[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:12[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Thou hast appealed unto Caesar: unto Caesar shalt thou go. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Now, I believe that it is important to remember context. We already know that the Holy Spirit has told Paul that he is going to Rome and here we find Paul playing on that information to keep himself safe. Paul has pointed out that there is no cause for this nor for any other trial and as a citizen of Rome he is calling for the judgment of Caesar. Paul uses his knowledge of man's law to follow the will of God. In like manor, when we follow Jesus we need to study His actions, just as Paul, obviously, did and then to react in like manor.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:13[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Now when certain days were passed, Agrippa the King and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and saluted Festus. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:14[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And as they tarried there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the King, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix; [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:15[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]me[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif], asking for sentence against him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:16[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:17[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] When therefore they were come together here, I made no delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded the man to be brought. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:18[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such evil things as I supposed; [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:19[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Here is a point that drives me mad and, usually, when I bring it to light the importance of our thoughts, attitude and speech, folks think I have lost my mind. I hear and I read, “When Jesus lived...†We must remember that people watch and listen to everything we say, type, write and do. We teach that we serve the one and only Risen Saviour and then, “When He, or Jesus, lived,†comes out of our mouths? Why should anyone believe what we teach when we don't believe it enough to live it?[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Now I'll tell yo the truth, Jesus said that if you're luke warm, he will spew you out of His mouth. (Rev. 3:16) The best metaphor I know to use here is a true story. I, as a youth, purchased a bottled soda on uncapping it I took a long slug. Immediately, I pulled the bottle away and spit a dead spider out of my mouth that had been bottled with the soda-pop. In my mind, I see Jesus being that upset with the Wanna Bees! Our L[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]ORD,[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] wants one hundred percent of us! In the Gospels Jesus taught us that if we love m, we will obey His commands. We must meditate, pray and study this.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:20[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And I, being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:21[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept till I should send him to Caesar. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:22[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And Agrippa [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]said[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Now we see the effect that Jesus will have on our lives when we are serious about living or Him. Others will be curious, just as Agrippa was about Paul. In this manor, we are not only say we serve God but others can see that we do and will speak to us about it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:23[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought in. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:24[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] And Festus saith, King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye behold this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews made suit to me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:25[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death: and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:26[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I may have somewhat to write. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Act 25:27[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] For it seemeth to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not withal to signify the charges against him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Festus is at a loss for words and is hoping that Agrippa will provide him with something to charge Paul with. Unlike many, in the Church today, Paul has lived his life for Jesus and has done his best to act and to respond like Jesus and people have noticed that although people disapprove, no fault is found in Paul's life.[/FONT]