Transcript

Podcast Introduction

This is Gospel Saturday and we’ll be reading Acts 25-26. I’m calling today’s episode “Your Past Is Past.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Marco Chilese on Unsplash

Comments on Acts 26

In his opening statement, Paul establishes his credentials to Agrippa, and everyone else listening. Agrippa was a convert to Judaism, and who therefor knew better than most other Roman authorities the Jewish laws and customs. Paul explains that not only is he a Jew, but that he is a highly educated Jew from a sect that is known as being very strict, or conservative as we might say today. And not only was he from such a sect, he adhered to its teachings. 

Then he explains that he used to persecute Christians, and even encouraged and participated in the execution of Christians, believing that this was a right and proper thing.

And then Jesus stepped into his life in a way that Paul could not deny. He literally "saw the light", and thenceforth his life was forever changed. God chose this man among all others to take the message of the Good News to the Gentiles. 

What I learn from this is that it doesn't matter what your background is. God can reach down and save you, He can use you no matter what! Paul was the least likely candidate (from man's perspective) to be the one to carry the message to the Gentiles, let alone the Jews. But God had other plans. 

What are his plans for you? They're probably completely different than you ever imagined!

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 25-26 NLT

Support

This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB - 0:00It doesn't matter what your background is.

INTRO S12E353 - 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I'm your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we're reading through the entire Bible in a year. This is Gospel Saturday, and we'll be reading Acts 25 and 26. I'm calling today's episode, “Your Past Is Past”. If you'd like to leave a comment on today's episode, go to lifespringmedia.com/s12e353. And if you'd like to send me an email, send it to [email protected]. I'd love to get it. Let's get started.

ACTS 25 (NLT) - 0:46Acts, chapter 25. (1) Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, (2) where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. (3) They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way). (4) But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon. (5) So he said, “Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations.”

(6) About eight or ten days later Festus returned to Caesarea, and on the following day he took his seat in co...