While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” Acts 26:24

While Paul was on trial for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Festus, who was a Roman procurator that had Paul on trial, yelled out to Paul “ You are out of your mind” this may be the same reaction many of us get even today as Christians.

King Agrippa , who had prior knowledge of Jesus ministry and the prophecies about him, was intrigued to hear Pauls testimony and even challenged Paul  “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”

To the world the gospel of Jesus Christ sounds insane, because their hearts and minds are closed and they don’t have the Holy Spirit. I believe the gospel of Jesus Christ can be explained logically and reasonably, but I also believe without the Holy Spirit you will never fully grasp the truth that God has revealed to us

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

We need to renew our minds, forget your preconceived notions about God. Listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ with a clean heart and mind. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you, to give you greater understanding beyond human comprehension in Jesus name Amen!

Heavenly Father, give us a clean heart and mind, renew us so we may understand you more, fill us with your Holy Spirit in Jesus Name Amen

other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.'” Acts 24:21

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything! It set the entire world  upside down, no longer are we captive to sin and death, Jesus defeated all of this at the cross. This is why Satan uses anyone to strongly oppose any Christian. No other religion or group of followers faces more persecution than Christians. As is clearly evident with Jesus and the apostles.

While Paul was put on trial for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, he made this statement. The only reason he can think of why he is being put on trial was because of his mention of the resurrection. Why are people so strongly offended and opposed to the idea of the resurrection? Because when you understand the resurrection, you understand that Satan was defeated and left powerless by the power of God

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.  John 19:30

When Jesus said “It Is Finished” on the cross, he defeated all evil and darkness. The power of Satan and even death has no hold on us any longer. Since the Resurrection that Sunday morning, the world has been trying to cover it up. Millions upon millions have been killed and persecuted because of Gods victory!

Just like Paul, its because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ you are on trial today as a Christian. But be strong and courageous because Jesus has already won the war Amen!

Heavenly Father, be with us during our trials and tribulations, remind us of your victory in Jesus Name Amen!

But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” Acts 23:11

As Paul continued his journey into Jerusalem, it went as The Holy Spirit warned him, his life was in great danger. Paul tried to reach the Jews by even speaking in Hebrew, as Paul was Jewish and very well trained in the scriptures. The only thing keeping Paul alive at this point was the he was a Roman citizen, and the Jews feared harming a Roman due to the political consequences.

Paul knowing the Jewish theology very well brought up the resurrection, which immediately divided the Sadducees and the Pharisees. We still have these issues today in Christianity, doctrinal differences end up dividing a lot of Christians instead of unifying the Church. Eventually for Pauls safety the threw him into the barracks and wait until he can be put on trial as a Roman citizen.

During Pauls time in prison, Jesus Christ physically stood by Pauls said and told him “Take Courage” This must have been comforting words for Paul at this time, when it seemed the entire world was against him. Maybe you are in a midst of a storm or trial right now also, know that Christ is with you saying “Take Courage”

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus has told us to “Take Courage” because at the cross he has already overcome the world. Paul didn’t know what his outcome would be at this time, but he knew Christ was with him Amen

Heavenly Father, give us your courage and strength during our trials  and struggles, help us to rely on you in Jesus Name Amen