Paul Sails for Rome

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 11, 2021

Paul Sails for Rome

“Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.”

Acts 27:10

Read: Acts 27:1-12

The Jews were not seafaring people. They thought monsters inhabited the sea. Paul was an exception as he spent considerable time sailing in his missionary journeys. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, “. . . three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,” (2 Corinthians 11:25) Through his experience, Paul knew the dangers of sailing during the winter season. By noting they were sailing after the Day of Atonement, Luke allows us to date this trip as being in mid-October when winter was indeed approaching. Most ships would be seeking a safe harbor for the winter. Paul warned the ship’s company, but as we shall see tomorrow, to no avail.

My Takeaway: This brief travel log is a reminder that God most certainly takes us out of our comfort zone. Through our weakness, God will show Himself strong so that, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 1:31)

Sē’lah

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

This Man Could Have Been Set Free

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 10, 2021

This Man Could Have Been Set Free

Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 26:29

Read: Acts 26:24-32       

Fetus thought Paul was crazy. Not much has changed. Nevertheless, we press on proclaiming our message of hope.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:18)

Agrippa’s response, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (v.28), intrigued John Wesley who preached an entire sermon on this verse. In the sermon, The Almost Christian was someone who acted honestly, morally and with sincerity, holding to a form of godliness, but without true love of God and neighbor, nor saving faith in Jesus.

”Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”” (v.32) Did Paul make a mistake by appealing his case to Caesar? I don’t think so. In chapter 25, we read that Festus offered to take Paul back to Jerusalem to stand trial there. Paul knew that in Jerusalem, he might be assassinated, or that the Jews would put so much pressure on Festus he would be found guilty. Paul’s only chance to be released from prison was his appeal to Caesar.

My Takeaway: Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2) He displayed that same focus as he gave his defense to Festus and Agrippa. May I be so like-minded.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

‘It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 7, 2021

‘It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

Acts 26:14b

Read: Acts 26:12-23       

The first thing I noticed today is the verse quoted above. It does not appear in Acts 9, which records Paul’s Damascus Road experience, nor does it appear in Paul’s testimony about that experience in chapter 22. A ‘goad’ is like a cattle prod and, in this context, refers to Paul kicking against God’s will.

Secondly, this is the third time Paul’s experience on the Road to Damascus is recorded in Acts. The Book of Acts is not just a chronological listing of the events in the early life of the church. Luke is very intentional about what is included. If an event is included three times, it is worth contemplating. In today’s reading, Paul includes an expanded account of what Jesus told him on the Damascus Road and then responds, “I obeyed” God. That little statement puts Paul in the same position as Peter and the other Apostles when they affirmed that their ministry was a response of obedience to God. (See Acts 4:19 & 5:29) I think Paul’s response begs the question to all followers of Jesus: who are we obeying?

My Takeaway: Paul says his message was that people needed to repent, turn to God, and prove they have changed their lives by the good things they do. (v.20) I think a very good question I need to ask myself, every day, is whether there is evidence that my life has changed. Am I more like Jesus, or still pretty much the same as the ways of the world?

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Paul’s Defense

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 6, 2021

Paul’s Defense

Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

Acts 26:8

Read: Acts 26:1-11

In this first part of Paul’s defense, Paul makes it clear that the ground of his hope is the resurrection of Jesus. Paul’s testimony reveals the foundation of Christian witness. Paul is not reluctant to own his past. That may seem a bit unusual since Paul had completed three missionary journeys. Shouldn’t his past be behind him? If God can forgive and forget our sins, why can’t Paul forget his sins? Because when he acknowledges and takes responsibility for his past, he can then point to the change Jesus has made in his life.

The change in our lives that Christ makes is the basis of Christian testimony. Sometimes the change is in our turning away from sin. Sometimes the change is in how we choose to think and live as compared to the world’s standards. But always, our personal testimony is grounded in the change that Christ brings to our lives.

My Takeaway: Paul remembered putting disciples of Jesus in prison and casting his vote for their execution – just for faith in Jesus as God’s Messiah. Reading of this persecution gives me pause to examine my own life. How easy is it for me to be deterred from keeping the faith and finishing the race God has set before me?

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Festus Consults King Agrippa

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 5, 2021

Festus Consults King Agrippa

Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.

Acts 25:19

Read: Acts 25:13-27       

A couple of things caught my attention as we read of Festus setting the stage for Paul to give yet another defense of his passion for Christ.

First, I am reminded of these words of Jesus: “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.” (Matthew 10:18) These were Jesus’ words as he sent the twelve out to do ministry in his name. In our readings in Acts, we are seeing these words fulfilled.

Secondly, you may recall that often, as we first began reading Acts, I noted how important it was to the disciples that the foundation of their witness for Christ was his resurrection: “For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:22b) Paul was before Festus in 62AD, thirty-two years after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Even so, the disciples are known for their belief in a dead man named Jesus who was alive.

My Takeaway: Once again, the civil authorities are protecting Paul: “I found he had done nothing deserving of death . . .” (v. 25) Nothing is impossible for God. My challenge is to remember that God does what is impossible for us when God is moving for His will to be done on earth, not when I am trying to move my own agenda.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

To Caesar You Will Go!

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 4, 2021

To Caesar You Will Go!

After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Acts 25:12

Acts 25:1-12  

Eventually, Paul will get to Rome. While there, he writes what are known as his prison letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. As Paul closes his letter to the Philippians, he uses this most compelling phrase:

 

“All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:22)

I thought about that verse as I read today’s passage. The Jews in Jerusalem were so tenacious. Even after over two years, in their very first meeting with the new Roman Governor, they tried to implement a conspiracy to have Paul murdered. They thought they were defending their faith, but in so doing they thought nothing of violating the sixth commandment, “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) Even so, God was in control. God used Festus to get Paul to Rome where Paul’s message of new life in Christ would reach even to Caesar’s household.

My Takeaway: I noted yesterday that Paul’s time in Caesarea was not wasted. God was at work. Recently, I have received news from many churches across our country that have grown and prospered for the Kingdom of God through the pandemic. A pastor friend in Illinois baptized sixty-two persons the Sunday after Easter. A church we visited recently while in Virginia was at near capacity for worship and starting their second new member class. “Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Acquainted With The Way

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

May 3, 2021

Acquainted With The Way

Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.”

          Acts 24:22

Read: Acts 24:22-27       

When Paul was in Corinth, he wrote to the believers in Rome telling them he planned to visit them very soon. Paul planned to take a love offering to Jerusalem and then leave for Rome. Our text today reveals Paul’s plans were interrupted. He had been in jail in Caesarea for over two years. Was this wasted time? I don’t think so.

Our reading today does not tell us what was happening in Jerusalem or in all the communities where followers of The Way had been gathering. But there must have been significant activity because even though Paul had been inactive and in jail for two years, as we will see in tomorrow’s reading, soon after arriving in Caesarea, Festus traveled to Jerusalem where the Jewish leaders seized the opportunity to advance their conspiracy against Paul.

Felix is an interesting case study. The text says he was well acquainted with the Way. For two years, Felix spent time with Paul who shared his faith in Jesus with him. Yet the only response noted for Felix was that what he heard made him afraid. After two years Felix, truly revealed his lack of integrity by leaving Paul in prison when he was replaced by Festus.

My Takeaway: The Gospel, when fully presented, demands a response. We may surrender control of our life to Jesus, or we may continue to do life our way. Felix’s lack of response calls me to reaffirm, I am not my own, I belong to God. By creation and redemption, I am His.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.