James says that those who teach will be judged more strictly, and goes on to tie teaching in with one’s ability to control their own tongue. The mouth of the Lord’s servant should not release both cursing and blessing any more than you’d expect a saltwater spring to produce fresh water. He then gives a checklist of the kind of wisdom that comes from above. Earthly wisdom, on the other hand, reveals itself through bitter envy and selfish ambition. Fighting, warring, and quarrels arise from the passions that wage war within us. Those who refuse to submit to God should repent, be mournful, and despair because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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James wants his audience to know showing favoritism and partiality because of one’s social status is sinful and breaks the law of God. Specifically, James addresses the practice of honoring those who have money above those who are poor, reminding us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Next, James addresses what seems to be an argument between the value of faith and the value of works. While good works do not save one from hell or make someone righteous before, faith without works is useless. In other words, true faith is accompanied by works.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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We’re beginning the book of James, written by James the brother of Jesus. Writing to his Jewish kinsmen who are scattered abroad, this letter is largely focused on the practical outworkings of faith, answering the question: “What does faith look like when it is lived out?” In the opening chapter, James commends the church to rejoice in trials, for it will produce endurance in the faith. Furthermore, when life presents opportunities to act sinfully, no one should say that he is being tempted by God, because God doesn’t tempt anyone. He also warns his audience, not simply to hear to word of God but to put the word of God into practice.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Well today is our last episode in the book of Acts, and as this book concludes, we see Paul continue to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. He has presented the good news of Jesus to kings, noblemen, soldiers, Jews, Greeks, and yes, even angry mobs who would like to see him dead. Paul has little regard for his own life or comforts, but instead, seeks to preach Christ no matter the cost. In our episode, Paul and the crew escorting him were shipwrecked, and today we see the Lord’s provision for them as they recover and set out once again for Rome. Paul reaches his destination and continues to preach the Gospel to any who would listen.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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The action in Acts picks up again as Paul shipped off with other prisoners to Italy, where he hopes to meet with Caesar. Luke is still accompanying Paul on the journey, as indicated by the use first person plural. Paul tells the captain of the guard that the voyage is headed toward disaster, but he pays him no mind. As they travel, the winds pick up and begin to make the seas unnavigable. Tossing out valuable cargo along the way and exhausting themselves with the work of staying afloat, Paul finally tells them that will survive, but the ship will not make the journey. They take his advice and everyone reaches the shore without loss of life. 

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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On today’s episode, Paul gives his defense before Porcius Festus, the newly appointed governor, as well as before his two guests: King Agrippa and his wife Bernice. Recall that Paul has been imprisoned under house arrest for over two years, and recently appealed to Caesar, so that he might make his case before him and not return to the Jewish mob in Jerusalem. Part of Paul’s testimony includes the vision of Christ he saw on the road to Damascus. At this, Festus mocks Paul, but Paul takes it on the chin and continues to try and persuade King Agrippa to submit to King Jesus.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Paul has spent two years under house arrest by command of Felix, the governor, who has postponed a verdict in his trial. As referenced at the end of our last chapter, Felix has been succeeded by Porcius Festus, but Paul remains in custody. Today, when Festus travels to Jerusalem, the Jews ask for a favor against Paul. Festus, on the other hand, encourages them to come to Caesarea and make their case against him. The Jews don’t have a case against Paul, and the charges they bring are false. When asked if he would like to travel to Jerusalem for a trial, Paul instead appeals to Caesar. Our reading ends with Festus presenting Paul to two visiting dignitaries, but we won’t hear from Paul until our next episode.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Let’s recap the last few chapters that have led up to the trial we’ll read about today. Paul was on his way to Jerusalem when a fellow Christian prophesied that he would be bound by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. He entered Jerusalem nonetheless, and upon meeting with the church there, he discovered that false reports were being spread about him. Paul entered the temple and was promptly attacked by a mob. A Roman commander sent troops to seize Paul and figure out what was happening. Having made his case to the mob in Jerusalem as well as the Jewish council known as the Sanhedrin, he will now make his case to Felix, the governor of the region. Felix is entertained by Paul and keeps him under house arrest for over two years.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Our last reading ended with a bit of cliffhanger: Paul has just given his testimony to an angry Jewish mob who became even more enraged when he testified that the Lord had sent him to preach salvation to the Gentiles. A centurion arrested him in order to interrogate him by torture, but Paul reveals he is a Roman citizen. In order to find out more, the centurion instead puts him in front of the Sanhedrin, and our reading picks up as Paul gives them an account. Paul cunningly sees a way out and takes it, and the Sanhedrin begin to fight each other rather than Paul. After this, a group of men make a solemn vow to kill Paul, but Paul’s nephew discovers the plot and takes action.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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When we last left Paul, he and his companions had entered the temple in Jerusalem, but when the Jews discovered he was there, they accused him of bringing Gentiles into a space that was not meant for the unclean. Though he was not guilty of their accusations, a riot ensued and they dragged him out of the temple in order to kill him. The Roman authorities intervened and had Paul bound in chains. Today, Paul asks permission to address the Jews. They willingly listen to Paul’s testimony, including his visions of Christ, but when he mentions being sent by Christ to witness to the Gentiles, they erupt with rage and incite violence against him.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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