40 Days of FIRE – Day 16
Have you ever been frustrated by your circumstances and wondered how God could use your situation to advance His Kingdom? Perhaps Paul felt this way as the events of Chapter 25 unfold. Pray for God’s strength to Go Steadfast in the Gospel, even when faced with failure or frustrating circumstances.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat this Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 11
Acts 25
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
We must be like Paul and stand our ground. God is our firm foundation as 2 Timothy 2:19 AMP says “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God [which He has laid] stands [sure and unshaken despite attacks], bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickedness and withdraw from wrongdoing.” Paul now knew who he was and had chosen to apart from his wicked ways back on the road to Damascus. Stand for truth, stand for Jesus!
18. But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected.
19. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.
This “something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus” he mentions so casually happens to be the most significant event in history!
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him
The Lord is always on time. When things are stacked up against us, and all the odds say that we will be found guilty of what the accuser says and given punishment, the Lord will step in and deliver us favor but even if he didn’t…we will stand firm in the word of God. No matter what the accuser tries to do to us on this Earth, our end result is the same if we remain firm.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed
Paul was willing to die for what he believed in. Paul was willing to die for the man who died for YOUR sins. He never once coward away from standing up for his belifa. If we Go in Jesus name with a spirit like Paul’s we will attract more people for the kingdom of God.
God bless you all
Acts 25:19 (AMP)
“Instead they had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about one Jesus, a man who had died, but whom Paul kept asserting and insisting (over and over) to be alive.”
The issue in this verse is they had their “own religion,” and for Paul to tell them that Jesus died and rose again and was alive seemed foolish to them. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness.”
It’s sad to think how many people in the world today have their “own religion” and call themselves Christians, yet when you want to share the TRUTH of the Gospel with them, it seems foolish to them.
But as Pastor taught us last night, Just speak the TRUTH. Share the Gospel. Just TESTIFY!
But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.
Acts of the Apostles 25:18-19 NLT
Contend for the faith!!
When paul arrive, the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem gathered around and made many serious accusations they couldn’t prove.
ACTS 25:7 NLT
“where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way).”
Acts of the Apostles 25:2-3 NLT
In this chapter it reminds me that no matter how influential our accusers are God is still on our side. They may want to harm us but it’s all for not. If we have dedicated our lives to Christ then our lives are in his hands. That is now his property. And what person does not protect their property? He is our Jehovah Jireh – my provider
19 Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. (NLT)
How easily would you cave in if it meant your life on the line? How far would your trust and faith in God carry you? Paul insisted on what he believed and knew and didn’t let up, rather it’s like he saw each moment of defense as an opportunity to spread the word of God.
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
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Acts 25:11 KJV For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
Paul was square business! He knew his rights as a Roman citizen and refused to be killed by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. He knew the will of God for his life was to testify in Rome. Acts 23:11 KJV And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
When you have a Word from the Lord, hang onto that Word and do your part in order for it to come to pass. Dont just give up, appeal to the higher court and confound the enemy.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Peace in the presence of Accusers
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
The accusers could not bring anything against Paul.
Paul had come a long way from being a persecuter to being a Christian.
There will be times of accusation. From friends to family and the enemy Satan.
I have had to learn that it is really not about me and we are not warring against flesh and blood. It is a fight in the spirit realm. A continuing war against Gods people. If we will keep this in mind and let the Lord fight the battle we have no worries who will win. This battle belongs to God and with His power within us we can be an overcomes. God wool give you a peace and will teach you how to with stand the furry darts of the enemy. We must keep our head lifted up and not be defeated . The victory is His and to God be all the glory. So if you find yourself being accused of something and you know it is not true then leave it in the hands of God . If you then are sentenced as Paul was to be imprissoned there is a purpose. All I can say is God is faithful and God will have the final say!
HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT!
Make a decision!!
What a spineless leader… Festus heard the facts and knew Paul was innocent but unwilling to make the decision to clear him of the false accusations. He even stated it in verse 18 … they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed. If and when we know what is right make the decision and move on with life. However, when there is doubt, take a little time to consider a few things.
Pray for guidance. Before you do anything else, get God’s perspective on the issue. A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe. Proverbs 28:26 TLB.
Get the facts. There is no contradiction between faith and fact. Find out everything you can before you make a decision. Proverbs 13:16 NIV says, All who are prudent act with knowledge.
Ask for advice. Talk to somebody who’s made a similar decision and friends who know your weaknesses. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety. Proverbs 24:6.
Calculate the cost. Every decision has a price tag; it will cost you time, money, energy, reputation, talents, and resources. Proverbs 20:25 NIV says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows”. When people pressure you to make a decision, it’s OK to say, “I’ll get back to you.” It’s more important to make a wise decision than a quick decision.
Prepare for problems. It is okay to expect the best. Expect God to work in your life but also prepare for the problems that are part of every decision. Proverbs 22:3 TLB “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences”.
Finally, face your fears. God has always used imperfect people in imperfect situations to get his will done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” You have to trust God and start moving in spite of your problems, fears, and doubts.
I Love To Worship The Lord
Vs-11
Paul’s stance is consistent with, his teaching in Rom-13. The believer is to be subject to secular government. If a believer breaks the law he can still affirm the rule of law by not attempting to avoid just punisment
The name of Jesus will free you he will never forshake us I am not ashamed to share the gospel of JESUS christ
I will stand of his word just like Paul
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
The only thing they had against Paul, was his belief in God. And it got me to thinking, if we were accused of being a Christian and put on trial would there be enough evidence to convict us? Would the life we’re living portray a Christian lifestyle? Paul was willing to die for his belief, so are you willing to live for yours?
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
If you live for God any period of time one thing you will find out is that you will be accused of things you have not done. People falsely accuse because they are trying to destroy your character or your reputation. We have to be careful not to get bitter at these type of people but instead pray for them and know that God will allow the truth to be revealed in His time.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him
In this walk with God many will get accused of so many things. Many will not understand why we come to church everyday, why we come pray Saturday nights, fast for 40 days, spend all day at church on Sunday but I know why I do it!!!! No one is forcing me to do these things, but because I want more of God and its a privledge to do these things I will do them. Nobody or nothing can replace what I receive from God. I can’t let other peoples emotions or comments affect in my beliefs because I do what I do for God. I rather please God than man!!! I know who I serve and His name is Jesus!!! Name above all names, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
This precious truth shall always triumph. It does not matter what people will say against us concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. His truth endures forever and ever!! We cannot ever be worried about what they will say against us. We must be willing to study His word and tell others of Jesus. When we are mocked for this gospel, we never know what seeds we are planting into those lives as we defend this precious truth! This life is so short and we have so much work to do in spreading this truth so others can be saved and live eternally with Jesus!! It is never about us. It is never about me. It is only about JESUS!
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death,
Even worldly judges have to admit that teaching Jesus is not a crime worthy of death.
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Jesus is so great! My God is alive and every other God is dead and buried alive. Paul knew who Jesus was and was about he wasn’t going to let the pressure get to his beliefs that were as solid as rocks. JESUS IS ALIVE! It doesn’t matter what “Superstitions” anyone has about the gospel and Jesus we know who he is and what the gospel is and true.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
Sometimes though we have done nothing intentionally, in an effort to please “people,” others do things they think will hurt us spiritually, emotionally or physically.
Paul was was troubled by Festus’ actions, he will willing to take whatever consequences he was dealt because he had purpose and knew nothing would separate him from the God.
We can’t control people; what they say, what they do, what they don’t do. All we can do is take life as it is handed to us and make the best of it. Everyday is a gift from God and no matter what happens, He is still in CONTROL!!
Paul was holding to Gods promises. He had a firm foundation and knew that Jesus is the way, truth and light. What a brave example, we should all be brave examples and stand up for JESUS.
25:9,10 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul;
” Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial there in my presence[before the Jews] on these charges? (10) Paul said: I am standing before Ceasar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried.
I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know.
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(MLord give me the strength to endure and ALWAYS walk in righteousness no matter what. Just like Pastor said las nigh: TRUTH, speak truth.
Help me to be wise and cautious whenever the the time comes where I will be in the position of being tried. Acussed, persecute.
We will face certain people that are like little snakes, they Will try very skillfully and with premeditation and a evil motive to make us fall into their trap by playing with words. Paul stood for the truth. And knew how to answer , how to respond.
GO BE BLAMELESS
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Occasions arise everyday to be dishonest in one way or another. Especially when we are in high pressure situations. We find here from the apostle Paul that he maintained his integrity and was blameless before his accusers.
The way we respond to hardships reveals our spiritual maturity. When we mature to the place that we KNOW that JESUS is LORD of our lives, we stand on HIS WORD and speak the TRUTH.
I am thankful today for the example of Paul to lead us to TRUTH. That we also can walk and live in the same GRACE and PEACE when we are tested and tryed.
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But Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty of harming the Jews. If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!”
Acts of the Apostles 25:10-11 NLT
Who can one call to in the time of trouble? Jesus! He is the one that can save deliver and restore. Call on him and plead the blood for he cares for you.
I will sing unto the Lord for he is worthy to be praise!
10. Then said Paul, I stand at Cae’-sar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. 11. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cae’-sar. Jesus you are the judge over us all !!!! Thank you Jesus !!!!
18. But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected.
19. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.
No matter what our accusers might say God knows. He is faithful and will protect us. When we deserve hell he gave us an opportunity to be save. Who Cares what the Nay Sayer say. God is the one I’m living for!!
“And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.”
Acts 25:7-8 KJV
They accused him of many things that could not be proven. Reguardless of the accusations he was able to say that he had done nothing wrong against the people, the church, or the ruler.
There are times when we too have accusations brought against us. We must stand and know that God is able to take care of us reguardless of the things said against us.
When you’re working for the kingdom of God, people will try to find ought against you. It doesn’t matter what people think, the truth will always prevail. We cannot get caught up in the things of this world. We must continue to press on in the name of Jesus.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
We should follow Paul’s example. He was able to answer truthfully, and say that he didn’t break any laws.
They couldn’t get him on a technicality of Roman law, Jewish law, church rules, nothing. We too need to do our best to keep ourselves beyond reproach. We too need to be all this GS to all people.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
God’s not dead! He’s alive! The same yesterday, today, and forever. He is always there when we need Him. When we have sorrow or joy, He is right there to reach out too. Even Paul, in his time of literal trials, he still held true to his faith in God. Even when his life was threatened for telling about the things of God, he still stayed firm and faithful in his walk with God. We can rejoice in the fact that God is living and not dead. The fact that He is the one true living God, means that when we pray he hears us and cares about us. When we need Him by our side, He is already there! “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalms 23:4
Josiah: 7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, WHICH THEY COULD NOT PROVE.
“which they could not prove.” When we are in the Lord’s will God protects us. When we truly serve Him, obey His word, and build our house upon His rock we can be victorious. When the storm comes we can stand because our house is built upon a rock. The devil is a roaring lion. Roars can not kill us. They can try to scare us, try to terrify us, but we choose if we get terrified. The old, weak, lions are the ones who roar. The strong, young, ones do not need to. The devil is a roaring lion who can try to scare us over and over again, but we do not have to be scared. This world can lie, and pretend to be right, but if we are built upon the rock we can get through the storm still standing. This chapter is a classic example of this because people tries to get Paul killed by ling, and being false witnesses. However Paul was aligned with God’s will and word and built upon the rock so he stayed standing. This world can try lying all it wants, and the devil can roar his throat coarse, but God is for me and I will not be scared. SO LET US GO IN JESUS NAME. LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE THE LORD. PRAISE YE THE LORD!
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
After hearing the unprovable accusations of the Jews, Festus decided to favor them. Either to make himself look good and wash his hands. It’s a dangerous thing to not listen to the man of God in order to people please. The first person we have to please is God. Next not to play favoritism to benefit us.
The name of Jesus will protect you . Love Jesus and be Christ like
Hannah: “7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.” When someone is innocent they are not guilty and can’t rightfully be proven guilty. When you are persecuted because you serve the Lord, do not worry. He is always there and he will always work everything out. He could want to make you stronger in him and be closer to him.
A lie is always faulty and that also is why those untrue accusations against Paul could not be proven. He didn’t let those accusations destroy him, instead his walk with God was greater. His faith in God was so great and no matter where he was or the situation he always called upon the name of the Lord. This is encouraging because it reminds me that God is always there and even in the worst situations I can grow stronger in him.
This chapter reminds us that the case the enemy has against us may not be valid yet it is an attempt to stop us from fullfilling God plan. Yet when you are true to the cause of reaching others with the Gospel you will use any platform to share His message.
False accusation
Paul was up against all kings of false accusation but it didn’t make him guilty he knew he was innocent so he didn’t worry about his defense. The preacher is always up against false accusation from the world, the necessary abomination, but he doesn’t worry about his defense. The man of God knows who is his mediator so he moves on without a misstep. We take an example of Paul, to let Jesus do our fighting and just speak the truth.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
We must hold onto faith no matter what comes our way.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
And I agree. He is alive!
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?(Acts 25:9 KJV)
Festus was a wise man and knew the law and well aware that Paul had not committed any crime. What he did do is upset the Jews. Unwilling to do the right thing he decided to give the Jews the pleasure of thinking they won. However passing Paul on to Jersualem only gives him another person to minster to.
v7 And when he was come, the Jews which came from Jerusalem stood around about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
As Christian’s we experience doctrinal truths are tried daily to see if they will withstand the test
We see the secret to JESUS’ VICTORY while HE was facing HIS trail.HE was rooted in truth and committed to HIS CAUSE.
Tell the truth . Truth needs no defense.
Truth will always prevail.
“For it makes no sense to send a prisoner to the emperor without specifying the charges against him!””
Acts of the Apostles 25:27 NLT
That makes no sense!
When we have truly repented of our sins and asked for forgiveness, we are blessed with mercy. The scripture says it’s as far as the east is from the west. That He, Himself doesn’t hold it against us.
Since that is true how unreasonable we must sound when we still want to carry around our past, that we’ve repented over. We mustn’t allow the distraction of our past hinder our future. Repent, Forgive and GO!
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
Everything we go through in life aligns us to the will of God if we let Him be in control.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
These verses reminds me of what Paul said about the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22 against such there is no law. So Paul knew that there could be no charge laid against his conduct, because he had only showed the fruit of the spirit to all. Which is why they had such problems, finding a crime to charge Paul with.
Steadfastness is the hallmark of a true Christian.. one who not only professes but faithfully lives the walk every day. After two years, Paul did not even have to speak for himself… his consistent testimony was so strong that the governor himself spoke to the king on his behalf. Yes, he also covered himself and his decisions, that is part of his human nature, but man who trembled at the testimony of Paul and excused his conscience for a more convenient season was now speaking on Paul’s behalf before he was even brought before the king to answer for himself.
How many times does this example play out in our own lives? We’re in the midst of a struggle and aren’t certain of the outcome when help comes from an unexpected quarter. Someone who we didn’t even realize was aware of our testimony, someone we would’ve never guessed would even agree with us, stands up and stands out to speak up for us. We give thanks to God as we should and sometimes overlook the importance of a steadfast testimony. The importance of providing a steadfast testimony year by year, month by month, week by week, and day by day. Many people believe in God… but a steadfast testimony opens their eyes to what God can do in an individual. That the same God who created the universe cares about us as individuals!
Why is that so important? I’m a world where the ‘little’ people are continually overlooked by the powers that be, the idea that an all powerful God would even care about individuals is mind boggling. It catches their interest, it excites their desire, it encourages them to look closer to see why we’re different. That difference is not our shame.. we’re a peculiar people for a reason and that reason is souls! Oh let me be steadfast in my walk with God!
3. Asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.
4. But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly.
When is not the right time to die. Paul needed to go before several authorities, principals and many people to preach the gospel, before to die.
Psalms25:18 ( English Amp) (But) when the accusers stood up, they brought forward no accusation ( in his case) of any such misconduct as I was expecting. It’s doesn’t matter what the accusers say , We must tell the truth no matter what! If it isn’t in the Bible it’s not true at all.
The emperor will be ruling over Paul and that doesn’t bother him, he’s ready to defend himself and God with his life.
May 11
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment sea
So many times we place others on the judgement seat not realizing that one day if not before judgement we will be there as well. Hopefully us being judgemental doesn’t land us in the same predicament!!!