As we contintue on in Acts 23 we see Paul has been lied about by the Jews from Asia who followed him to Jerusalem to stop him sharing the true message of salvation Jesus alone. Paul avoided getting killed on the road by 40 Jews who made a commitment to not eat or drink until Paul was dead. By now they are probably getting pretty hungry and thirsty as God continues to protect Paul and that protection is even done by the pagan Romans. If the Jews were following the Word of God THEY would be protecting the message of Jesus the Messiah. Their problem was "they didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah."
Perhaps you are waffling a little in your belief about Jesus because of one thing or another. God's Word is clear about who the Son of God is and it is Jesus, no matter whether we believe it or not! There is one problem with not believing and accepting Jesus. You will not spend eternity in heaven, and you have a place in hell. YOUR CHOICE! I choose Jesus and I choose to follow God's Word for direction in my earthly living and for eternity in heaven. Just sayin....
The following verses in Acts 23 are worth reading and here they are. Acts 23: 23 Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops.24 Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.” 25 Then he wrote this letter to the governor: 26 “From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings! 27 “This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. 28 Then I took him to their high council to try to learn the basis of the accusations against him. 29 I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. 30 But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you.”31 So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. 32 They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the mounted troops took him on to Caesarea. 33 When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix. 34 He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered. 35 “I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters.
Paul's fate is in the hands of the Lord, not in the hands of Felix the Governor, or the Jews accusing him. Hmmm Jews accusing someone. That does ring a bell doesn't it? Keep in mind that when Paul was against the followers of The Way he was persecuting Jesus. If you don't believe that then read the following verses in Acts 9: 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! So once again, the Jews are after Jesus when they are after Paul. If we are persecuted for righteousness sake then it is not us who are persecuted, but Jesus our Savior. Jesus said the following in Matthew 5: 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
The one running for president, Donald Trump, has many accusations against him and lies seem to be in the place of truth and we need to pray for him to be able to withstand these lies that have replaced the truth. Evil has had it's day, but Jesus and the truth of the Word of God will prevail no matter what the world tries to do. Find yourself on the side of the truth and let the lies, lies, and more lies offered by an evil world fall to side and truth will prevail. Our world is so selfish that it is willing to allow lies to replace truth to win its side of the argument. Truth is still truth. What is your oath? Is it to follow truth or lies? The following story speaks to this subjects.
Henry Augustus Rowland, professor of physics at Johns Hopkins University, was once called as an expert witness at a trial. During cross-examination a lawyer demanded, "What are your qualifications as an expert witness in this case?"
The normally modest and retiring professor replied quietly, "I am the greatest living expert on the subject under discussion." Later a friend well acquainted with Rowland's disposition expressed surprise at the professor's uncharacteristic answer. Rowland answered, "Well, what did you expect me to do? I was under oath."
Vesselogical Out,
David Warren
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