Acts 23:23-25 - Continuation of previous lessons from Acts.
A plot against Paul by 40 Jews - to kill him. Paul's nephew hears about the plot, warns Lysias, the Roman commander, and he sends 470 guards from his 1000 member garrison. They took Paul at night to Caesera.
Lysias also sends report that Paul is not guilty. No death or imprisonment.
Acts 24:1 - Ananias (High Priest) - not doing the right thing.
Tertullus - Roman or Hellenist Jew, hired hand
Pathetic elders - didn't want to testify, so had Tertullus do it for them. Similar to Paul at the stoning of Stephen. Didn't throw any stones - just took care of the clothing of those who were.
Acts 24:2-4 Tertullus laying it on thick and Felix (the Roman governor) ate it up.
Acts 24:5-6 - Called Paul a plague, troublemaker, pestilence, a real pest, a pestilent fellow) - really annoying. They hated Paul. They hated Jesus, they hated Paul, they hated the way (Christians) threatened their power. They loved themselves more than God.
But they did bring 3 charges against Paul:
(1) He led riots (was Rome's business. Called sedition and could lead to execution.
(2) He was a Sect leader (heretic)
(4) Tried profaning the temple.
No specifics - just generalizations. They knew his heart. Accusations = very broad.
Acts 24:6-8 - a lot of violence. Arrested him???? Fake news. Euphemistic way of saying mob beating.
Acts 24:9 - All these cowards bore false witness violating the 9th. commandment. In order to murder Paul, violating the 6th. commandment.
Paul's answers to these charges:
Acts 24:10-13 - In regards to the riot, I wasn't there long enough. Never had any discussions with anybody and they can't prove it.
Acts 24:14-15 - regarding being a Christian: I am, but we are NOT a cult or sect. We are the ones who understand the Law and Prophets. He alludes to Dan. 12:2 - regarding the resurrection. John 5:39, 46-47
Acts 24:16 - take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. What a goal!!
Acts 24:17-20 - I did nothing in the temple. As a matter of fact, the Jews from Asia are not hear for a face to face accusation. They were the ones who said this, and they are not here.
Acts 24:21 - all about the resurrection. Is it real? Did Jesus do it? We all need to decide if Jesus is a liar, lunatic, or LORD.
Acts 24:22-23 - Paul could not be charged. Was no real evidence. Lysias and Paul and Felix agreed, but to appease the Jews, Felix keeps the peace by keeping Paul in prison for 2 years.
All right!! All that narrative to get down to 2 problems we really face as church folks today:
#1. Vs. 24 - 25 - We run from conviction. ie: brutal ruler, 3rd. wife, Drusilla left 1st husband in an affair with Felix. She knew better. Jonah, David's sin, Israelites and the promised land.
WE run from repentance. From God's calling.
#2. We are afraid of speaking truth. Paul spoke to one who had the power to kill him.
What about us? Statement at work? Conversation with lost friend? school assignment?
Will we stand for Jesus when it's tough? 2 Tim. 3:12, 1:7
#3. We just pretend to be godly/love God... but hate people, the truth, never submit to Jesus, or His word - - exactly what is going on with the Sanhedrin.
Isa. 9, Isa. 53, Psm. 110 - but they rejected Jesus as Lord!! They weren't blind - John 9.
Are you just pretending? Are you a believer? Prov. 20:10 - shady business.
Heb. 13:4 - dating life James 1:26 - speech John 1`3:34-35 - love for fellow Christians?
It is HARD to stand for Jesus. Easy to run!!!!
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