Monthly Archives: August 2021

Acts 28- Fear No Evil

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And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Acts 28:2-5

Paul’s shipwrecked adventure ended on an island called Malta. Here the Islanders that lived there showed the men extraordinary kindness. One night while Paul was creating a fire, a venomous snake bit Paul on the hand. Everyone was expecting Paul to become ill and eventually die, however the venomous snake seemed to have no effect on Paul at all

Secondly the Islanders originally believed Paul was “cursed” because he was struck by the snake. Obviously this was superstition and not practical however the Islanders view of Paul will change once they see he is not effected by the snake. You see God is in control and He wasn’t finished with Paul yet!

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. Acts 28:6-8

No matter where you are, God can use you for his glory. Paul is stranded on an Island and still he’s healing people and sharing the gospel. God can use you also , wherever you are, thats your mission field for the day! 

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. Acts 28:9-10

Once the other Islanders heard about the healing, then came a revival, people flocked to Paul for a healing. The Islanders got to see the Holy Spirit working, this probably opened the door to many people coming to Christ. Its doesnt say how many people , if any , were saved that day, but we can only imagine with the Holy Spirit working strong there

Paul was literally in the middle of nowhere, yet God led him by the Holy Spirit, and did his will. God can find you and use you wherever you are! Call upon The Lord and you shall be saved Amen!

Acts 27- Calm in the Storm

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But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts 27:21-25

Here in Chapter 27 we see Paul being taken to Rome on a ship to see Caesar. Now during the trip, Paul has a prophetic moment and warns them this trip would be dangerous and potentially life threatening. However the pilot and the owner of the ship decided to continue on due to the winter season that was coming. During the trip, as expected , they got caught in a violent storm for days. The passengers all began throwing the cargo overboard to try and prevent from sinking the boat

The passengers haven’t eaten for days and were all worn down by battling the storm for days. However Paul gave them good news. An angel gave Paul a message that nobody would perish during this storm. God reminded Paul he must still stand before Caesar, you see God’s will must be done, God is always in control!

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. Acts 27:26-29

I think its interesting in verse 29 , many translations say “they prayed for daylight” rather than wish. Could some of these men have become converted during this storm? Often many of us find God during the worst times in our life, not the easiest time in our life.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. Acts 27:35-38

The next interesting thing we see here, is before they ate, Paul blessed the bread and broke it, just like Communion. Were these men now converted and partaking in the Lords Supper? I could be looking to far into this, but its very intriguing for me

Even when your caught in the storm, God is with you! Often times we need to go through the storm to find the Calm in the storm, Jesus Christ! God promised to Paul, that he would be delivered, trust in The Lord and lean not on our own understanding! Jesus is the Calm in the storm, Amen!

Acts 26- Mad About Jesus

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And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Acts 26:24-27

Paul began to give his testimony to King Herod Agrippa, remember in the previous Chapter, Paul revealed his testimony about how he was a Pharisee persecuting the Christians, then on the road to Damascus he saw the light of Jesus (literally) and became Born Again. Then God called Paul to minister the gospel to the Gentiles and build his Kingdom

While Paul was preaching the gospel about the resurrection of Christ, Festus, who was the mediator for the Romans, interrupted Paul and told him “You are insane”! The gospel message can seem insane to those who are not drawn by the Holy Spirit. (John 6:44) For the natural man does not understand spiritual things. It was clear that Festus didn’t understand the gospel

Now Paul makes an interesting challenge to Festus, saying “You are familiar and believe the Prophets (Old Testament)? Basically Paul was making a point to Festus, if you truly believed the Old Testament, you would understand the gospel of Jesus Christ

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Acts 26:28-31

King Agrippa makes a sarcastic claim to Paul “Can you convince me to be a Christian” ? Many people today make this same claim mockingly, however if people were truly and honestly searching for truth, they would know that Jesus is Risen and thats a historical fact. The hearts of those , like King Agrippa, who reject Christ are hardened. They don’t care about truth, they just care about themselves

Paul gave his testimony and preached the gospel that day, the seed was sown, the invitation was sent. However Paul can’t save these men, only God can save these men if the Holy Spirit draws them to Christ! 

Acts 25- Resurrection of Christ

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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. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 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. Acts 25:17-20

Paul was now on trial at Caesarea with the Romans and the Jews, while King Agrippa was in town paying his respects to Festus, they reviewed Paul’s case. King Agrippa was a Herod, the family line of ruthless King Herod. King Agrippa was known for his persecution of Christians , however Festus wants to get King Agrippa’s opinion on Paul’s case before they send him to Caesar.

When it came time to prosecute Paul, the charge brought against him was believing in the resurrection of Christ! This shows you the importance of the resurrection of Christ, that the Jews wanted Paul dead for preaching the gospel. 

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. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. 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. Acts 25:21-23

It’s interesting because God set up an appointment for Paul to preach the gospel to King Herod Agrippa. Even the Herods have no excuse when they stand before The Lord on judgment day, as the gospel was preached. It’s amazing Paul has been in prison now for over 2 years, and on trial in front of the Roman royalty, and his only charge is really being a Christian! 

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. 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. 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. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. Acts 25:24-27

The Jews wanted Paul to be put to death, but as his trial revealed Pauls only crime is being a Christian. God is using this moment to glorify Christ and to bring revelation of his gospel to the Gentile nations

If you were on trial today for your faith, would you be found guilty as a Christian? Is there enough evidence to prove you are a Christian? Be not afraid for God is with you in Jesus name Amen!

Acts 24- Paul on Trial

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But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:14-16

In Chapter 24 we see Paul is on trial for his faith in Christ. The Jewish highpriest Ananias hired a lawyer to prosecute Paul with false accusations. The Jews tried to accuse Paul of causing riots and desecrating The Temple. However as Paul stated there is nobody who can prove these allegations because they are all false. Paul goes on to try and explain Christianity worships the same God of Israel, however Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. 

The question is, if you were put on trial for Christ, would you be found guilty? Would there be enough evidence of your faith to prove you are a Christian? As the Apostle James taught “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) If there is no evidence of our faith, do we really have faith? Pauls clear devotion to Christ is evident by the response he received everywhere he went

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. Acts 24:17-21

As Paul states he wasn’t the one who started the riot, and also Paul was ceremonially clean when he entered the Temple of God.  The only thing Paul confessed to was bringing up the topic of the resurrection. As there is a big theological divide between the Pharisees and the Sadducees about this topic. 

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Acts 24:22-25

Its interesting to see Felix’s response when Paul shared the gospel of Christ with him, it says “Felix trembled or became frightened” When Felix became convicted of his sin by hearing the gospel of Christ his reaction was to reject Christ. This is why many people have such a strong reaction against Christianity, it shines the light of truth on the darkness of our sin

Paul will remain in prison for several years because the Romans have no idea what to do with him. Are you willing to spend your life in chains for Christ? Are you willing to be persecuted or even lay down your life? As Paul said “Endure hardship as a soldier of Christ” “Fight the good fight of faith” Amen!

Acts 23- God Saves Paul

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But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Acts 23:6-8

Paul was in a tough spot, but he knew one quick way to divide a crowd, have a theological debate! Paul , who was a Pharisee, knew that the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection or the supernatural world. So the best way to beat them is to divide them, and he started a huge theological argument between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 

Sadly many of our Churches are like this today, divided over theological differences and interpretations. It shows you how foolish it looks, how can we be one Body of Christ, when we can’t fellowship over differences of opinion.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.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. Acts 23:9-11

The only way you can explain these events is God saved Paul. The crowd was angry and they were looking to “pull Paul into pieces” however all of sudden, the Pharisees and the Romans decided to take compassion on Paul and save him. And we know God was with Paul because later than The Lord spoke to Paul “Take Courage, you must testify about me in Rome” meaning God was not done with Paul yet, he still had another mission for him, therefore Paul was still alive no matter what man wanted to do to him! Gods divine providence!

No matter what is going on in your life, God has the final say, He can make a way when there seems to be no way! We see this here in Pauls story, the religious leaders and the crowd, were looking to kill Paul, but God saved him, because he had a purpose for his life. The fact that you are still alive today, means God still has a purpose and plan for your life! Follow Christ and fulfill your calling Amen!