READ THE BIBLE

  READING THE BOOK OF ACTS: CHAPTER 26 Wednesday, March 3, 2023   INTRODUCING ACTS, CHAPTER 26 After being held in custody for two years and, again, hassled by the Sanhedrin who want to kill him because he teaches that Jesus rose from the grave, Paul appeals his case to Caesar (Acts 25:7–12). Before he travels to Rome, however, Governor Festus has Paul give his testimony before King Agrippa II and the noblemen of Caesarea Maritima (Act 25:23–27). When Paul is finished, they realize they should have set him free before he appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:30–32). But he must go to Rome, surviving a violent storm and a shipwreck along the way (Acts 27—28).   ( https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/26/Acts-chapter-26.html) 1) Verses 1-10, DESTINY Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:   2  “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews

    READING THE BOOK OF ACTS: CHAPTER 25 Wednesday, February 15, 2023   INTRODUCING ACTS, CHAPTER 25 Paul is in custody in Caesarea, the Roman capital of the region. Careless but zealous Jews from modern-day Turkey, irritated Jewish leaders from Jerusalem, and a corrupt Roman Govenor have conspired such that Paul has been under house arrest for two years with no formal charges. The Sanhedrin wanted him charged, convicted, and if possible executed. Govenor Felix couldn't bow to their wishes because Paul hadn't seem to have broken any laws. So, he kept Paul under wraps occasionally calling for him in hopes Paul would offer to buy his freedom, and then sending him away when Paul pointed out he's a corrupt and violent person who will be judged by God. Within two years the citizens of Caesarea complained about Felix's cruelty so much that Nero commanded he return to Rome. When Felix is called back to Rome to answer for his cruelty, he leaves a bit of a mess. Paul is still u

   READING THE BOOK OF ACTS: CHAPTER 24 Wednesday, February 8, 2023   INTRODUCING ACTS, CHAPTER 24 Act 24   is a transition period for Paul from freedom to captivity. For several years, he has traveled around Judea, Syria, modern-day Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece, spreading the good news about jesus' offer of salvation. Through a series of misunderstandings and outright lies, he is now in custody in Caesarea. He will remain there for two years before demanding his case be sent to Caesar (Acts 25:11). Once he arrives in Rome, he will spend another two years in custody (Cats 28:30). Despite his confinement, his message will reach a king and the household of Nero.    ( https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/24/Acts-chapter-24.html ) 1) Verses 1-9, Paul's Trial Before Felix, Part 1, JEANNIE   Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.   2  When Paul was c

  READING THE BOOK OF ACTS: CHAPTER 23 Wednesday, February 1, 2023   INTRODUCING ACTS, CHAPTER 23 Jews from near Ephesus accused Paul of bringing a Gentile into the temple and incited a crowd to attack him. The tribune saved Paul but couldn’t uncover the reason for the violence; most of the mob didn’t know, and Paul was a Roman citizen, so the tribune couldn’t beat the truth out of him. When the Sanhedrin would rather murder Paul than talk to him, the tribune sends Paul to the governor. The governor holds Paul without charges for so long he invokes his right to a trial before Caesar. The governor agrees, and Paul finally gets to Rome. (Acts 24-28)  ( https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/23/Acts-chapter-23.html ) 1) Verses 1-11, Introduction, JEANNIE Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”   2  At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.   3  Then Paul sai