November 21, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 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.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Acts Chapter 25 describes the further proceedings of the Apostle Paul, this time before the new Roman governor Festus. This chapter highlights the political and religious tensions surrounding the trial, as well as Paul’s determination to appeal to the Emperor. It also shows how King Agrippa becomes involved in the case, adding a new dimension to the conflict.
Commentary
Chapter 25 illustrates the challenges of seeking justice in a politically charged environment. Festus, as the new governor, attempts to accommodate the demands of the Jewish leaders without violating Roman legal principles. The accusations of the Jewish leaders against Paul are serious but unfounded, as they are based on theological disputes, particularly the question of the resurrection of Jesus.
Paul’s appeal to the Emperor is a strategic decision that provides him protection from an unfair trial in Jerusalem. This appeal demonstrates Paul’s confidence in Roman law and his willingness to defend his case before the highest authority.
The introduction of King Agrippa and his sister Bernice adds an additional layer to the narrative. Agrippa, familiar with Jewish traditions, is expected to help better understand the situation. The description of Agrippa’s and Bernice’s pompous appearance contrasts with Paul’s simplicity and reflects the power structures of the time.
Festus’s admission that he cannot formulate clear charges against Paul highlights the absurdity of the situation. It becomes clear that Paul is on trial not for a crime but for his belief in Jesus Christ.
Summary
In Acts Chapter 25, Paul is brought before the new governor Festus, who discusses the accusations against him with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. To avoid a trap set by the Jews, Paul appeals to the Emperor. Festus, uncertain about the religious issues, involves King Agrippa, who agrees to hear Paul’s case. The chapter culminates in a public hearing before Agrippa and Festus, conducted with great pomp. It becomes evident that Paul is innocent, yet his appeal to the Emperor results in his being sent to Rome. This chapter showcases the power of faith amidst political intrigues and the complexity of Roman-Jewish relations.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 76—Judas
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 76 on Judas depicts the tragic story of a man who, despite his closeness to Jesus Christ and his privileged position among the Twelve, experienced the deepest fall. The text shows Judas’ initial enthusiasm for the Lord, his gradual surrender to greed, and his betrayal, which became the epitome of doom. His story is not only a tale of betrayal but also a serious warning about the danger of misusing divine gifts and opportunities.
Commentary
The story of Judas is a shocking example of how clinging to sin can render proximity to Jesus fruitless. Judas was called by Jesus and equated with the other disciples, even entrusted with the responsibility of treasurer. Despite all the miracles he saw and the words he heard, he did not allow himself to be completely changed by Christ. His love for money and his pride prevailed.
Especially striking is Judas’ apparent dedication, while he internally harbored doubts and resentment. His betrayal did not begin with handing over Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, but with small decisions that fueled his greed. The story illustrates how an unresolved weakness can become a destructive force.
Judas’ final desperate attempt to undo the consequences of his betrayal shows no true remorse but rather fear of the consequences. His tragic realization that it was “too late” underscores the seriousness of decisions that shape our hearts and determine our lives.
Summary
Chapter 76 traces the life and fall of Judas, from his calling by Jesus to his betrayal and tragic death. Judas began as a committed disciple who followed Jesus and heard his message. However, his love for money and his pride prevented him from fully surrendering to Christ. These weaknesses ultimately led him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Although Judas had numerous opportunities to repent, he remained trapped in his pride and greed. Even when Jesus revealed his betrayal at the Last Supper, he did not change his course. His attempt to return the money showed no genuine remorse, only fear of damnation. His life ended in despair and suicide.
The story of Judas is a serious admonition to keep the heart with God and not to be led by unresolved sins. It shows how a seemingly small weakness, if left unchecked, can lead to catastrophic consequences.
(Visited 4 times, 1 visits today)