Day 338, 4th December Bible Commentary

Day 338, 4^th December  Bible Commentary With Dr Oluwatoyin Ojo From the Book of Acts Chapter 24-26.

FROM LEADER TO LEADER

For Paul it was from leader to leader as it was from court to court. But will Festus favor their secret demand for jungle justice? Let’s find out!

ACTS 24:1-27

FELIX CROSS EXAMINED PAUL, SADLY “MOST EXCELLENT FELIX” WAS HOPING FOR A BRIDE SO THE CASE DID NOT PROGRESS FOR 2 YEARS!

“Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.  When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: ‘We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you …..’” v.1-2 After he had finished his courteous and hypocritical address, and praise of Felix, he alleged that Paul was an international trouble-maker and ringleader of the Nazarene sect, who also abuse the temple.

In defence Paul stated he had been away from Jerusalem many years and had organised funds for the poor among the people (v.17), and that he is ceremonially clean (v.18). He told the court he believes in the law and the prophets and the Way — He believes in the resurrection and it is on resurrection he has been charged.

FELIX ULTERIOR MOTIVES:

Felix delayed the case using various strategies, he was also a people pleaser (v.24,26,27).

“At The same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him” v.26

Felix left office and Porcius Festus succeeded him.

“When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant the favour to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.“ v.27

ACTS 25:1-27

FESTUS WAS LOBBIED, BESIDES HE WAS A PEOPLE PLEASER LIKE HIS PREDECESSOR FELIX.

Festus travelled to Jerusalem and the elders requested he transfers Paul’s case back (v.1-3).  He would not oblige them immediately (v.4-5)

PAUL WAS TRIED IN CAESAREA

“He made his defence: I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”v.8

“Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?“ v.9

Paul, pled not guilty and would rather appeal to Caesar!  (v.10-11).

v.13-22

Festus presents the case to king Agrippa while the Royal was in Caesarea for a ceremonial visit.

He told him what was conspired in Jerusalem but he is yet to agree with them because “it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.” v.16.

He has been unable to decide the case because he found that their charges were not criminal charges but “disputes about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” v.19

And he has now appealed to Caesar (v.21).

The King Agrippa would like to see Paul. (v.22)

v.23-27 — Paul Appears Before Agrippa

CHAPTER 26:1-32

I WAS A PHARISEE LIKE MY ACCUSERS;

But I have a new hope — in Resurrection, that is why I am persecuted; Paul said in his statement of defence before King Agrippa.

Furthermore, he told king Agrippa, how he was lead persecutor of the church.

• “Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.“ v.11

• He also narrated his Conversion after a unique encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ who appeared to him on his way to Damascus (v.12-18).
• His commitment since then — preaching; in Damascus, then Jerusalem, the regions of Judea, and then to the Gentiles (v.19-23). Stating that his message sought their repentance and that they turned to God (v.20).

His message seemed convincing so much the King Agrippa thought it was an invitation for his conversion to Christianity. (v.28)

He also would have loved to release Paul free of any charge but for his appeal to Caesar.

God’s words; the testimony of Christ is power under any given circumstances when spoken.

Ask for the courage to speak.

NIGHT: Psalm 71:16 “I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only” Amen.

©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo.

Warmth

Toyin