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Post by Admin on Nov 24, 2019 6:57:17 GMT -6
Study Begins: November 24, 2019
Discussion Begins: December 01, 2019
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John R
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Post by John R on Nov 25, 2019 10:19:49 GMT -6
I don't know who Tertullus was, but apparently he spoke for the leader of the Sanhedrin. A modern day equivalent of a political or management consultant perhaps. He was brought to the Roman leader to speak for the leadership, perhaps to bring lend a political spin to the conversation with this politician. Seems to speak to the "politically-correct" environment the Sanhedrin had taken to not offend the Roman governance. With flattering language, Tertullus appeals to Felix's ego to convince his to turn over this Roman citizen (Paul) for punishment and certain death by the angry mob who are fasting until Paul is murdered. Further, he specifically equates those who Paul appeals to the Gentiles and Jews who have responded to the good news of the gospel a "sect of the Nazarenes." And accuses him of attempting to profane the temple by bringing in Gentiles (Acts 21:28-29).
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elacey
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Post by elacey on Nov 29, 2019 8:48:37 GMT -6
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:25 NIV acts.bible/acts-24-25Felix felt the conviction of his own sinful heart as Paul delivered a message of God's law and our duty to work on self- control, our need for discipline, and God's judgement. He no longer wanted to hear it. So often immature Christians (like me) choose to shy away from the most difficult to accept concepts that make up the gospel message. We are fine until the Law starts to convict our own heart. If we truly ponder and meditate we often find that the change that is needed is within our own twisted sinful mind and heart. |
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JB
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Post by JB on Nov 29, 2019 23:16:43 GMT -6
24:1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus.
They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
Before reading further, it's useful to know that Felix was anything but a good governor. He treated the Jews terribly – very Nero-like – and they despised him. They were just feeding him a Blarney Sandwich. So will Paul up ahead in verse 10.
5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
Lies, lies, and more lies. Remember, our modern legal system was modelled after the Romans of this historical period.
The accusers included a High Priest (Ananias), a lawyer (Tertullus), and a council of elders. What was still missing? They didn't produce one shred of evidence or a single witness! So, the governor turned toward Paul to give his side.
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult.
Notice that through all the hubbub of the last couple of chapters, Paul had not even mentioned the name of Jesus to these Jews. The last time he said "Jesus" was back in Acts 22:8, and that was only in t he context of giving his testimony… not "preachy."
Paul's case to Tertullus was "They want to kill me for travelling to my own nation with alms and offerings, worshiping at our temple, preaching resurrection as many of them also believe, following our customs, purifying myself according to our custom, and believing our scriptures."
19 But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”
Paul calls for witnesses and punishable crimes.
22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
Governor Felix found no crime in Paul and ordered that he be treated humanely.
24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
I love this. V.22 said Felix had a "rather accurate" knowledge of the things Paul taught. So he runs and gets his Jewish wife, then offers Paul an opportunity to share the gospel with them. He evidently thought that Christianity was mostly about miracles and afterlife. When he heard the whole gospel – sin, grace, righteousness, salvation, submission to God, life change, etc. – it was too much for him to bear. In my mind I see him listening gladly and attentively to Paul's good news until it came down to surrender, commitment, and life change. Not ready for all that, he sent Paul away, but kept calling on him over the next couple of years to learn more.
Damnation and grace... It's a tough dichotomy for an unbeliever to bear, but it's the whole gospel.
Plus, Paul wasn't willing to pay Felix off to get out of prison. Are you kidding me?
After 23 years of brutal commitment to advancing the gospel by foot throughout the known world, I'm sure Paul welcomed a couple of years of rest safely in prison cell.
And now he had plenty of time to write epistles to his beloved brethren in the churches.
And evidently no witnesses from Jerusalem came forward.
And the group who vowed to not eat or drink until he was dead either broke their vows or starved to death.
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John R
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Post by John R on Nov 30, 2019 7:50:10 GMT -6
Paul, in chains, preached the gospel and Felix was "alarmed." The Truth sometimes sounds alarming, frightening, and to some like hate. Paul spoke clearly without fear and Felix and assume his wife did not like what they heard. Felix puts him back in the cell...."I will get back with you, says Felix. This is the reaction of many (still today) to the gospel. The Truth exposes dark hearts and when it did mine, it took a while to come to terms with it. Praise God for his mercy and grace, that he does not give up on me. He sends His holy spirit to continually sanctify me.
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
With the "alarm" of the gospel faded, Felix longed for a bribe from Paul to secure his release in keeping with his political ways. But it never came so he appeased the Jews and kept the Roman citizen in jail. Wonder how much graft he was getting from the Sanhedrin. "Nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
Blessings! John
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John R
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Post by John R on Dec 7, 2019 8:49:32 GMT -6
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:25 NIV acts.bible/acts-24-25Felix felt the conviction of his own sinful heart as Paul delivered a message of God's law and our duty to work on self- control, our need for discipline, and God's judgement. He no longer wanted to hear it. So often immature Christians (like me) choose to shy away from the most difficult to accept concepts that make up the gospel message. We are fine until the Law starts to convict our own heart. If we truly ponder and meditate we often find that the change that is needed is within our own twisted sinful mind and heart. Amen! Eric. Particularly powerful and true is, "If we truly ponder and meditate we often find that the change that is needed is within our own twisted sinful mind and heart."
Jesus' Great Commission, called us to make disciples teaching them to obey his word (Matthew 28). The simplicity of the gospel lies in doing what God said. If you love me obey me (John 14:15) and if you love your neighbor tell Him or her to repent and follow John 14:15. Easy to say not always easy to do. Praise God for His grace and mercy. However, His grace and mercy are not an excuse to keep on sinning deliberately.
Have mercy on me LORD!
Blessings! John
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John R
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Post by John R on Dec 7, 2019 8:56:04 GMT -6
JB you wrote:
He evidently thought that Christianity was mostly about miracles and afterlife. When he heard the whole gospel – sin, grace, righteousness, salvation, submission to God, life change, etc. – it was too much for him to bear. In my mind I see him listening gladly and attentively to Paul's good news until it came down to surrender, commitment, and life change. Not ready for all that, he sent Paul away, but kept calling on him over the next couple of years to learn more.
Read more: seektruth.boards.net/thread/165/acts-24?page=1#ixzz67QtwSKci
This sounds exactly like the modern western church. Miracles and afterlife in heaven "good." Obedience, commitment and life change - "too hard." Paul, Jesus, and Peter would have rather small congregations in America today. Guess that is why Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, "enter through the narrow gate."
Blessings! John
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