Acts 28:17-22 ESV

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

JESUS IS OUR HOPE

Paul was in a house arrest when he arrived in Rome, whereby people could visit him. Thus, after three days, he called the local leaders of the Jews. His purpose was to explain the real reason why he became a prisoner. Neither he broke a Roman law nor a Jewish law. The Roman governor found the acharge of the Jews was not in his jurisdiction for it pertains to their Jewish religion. But, the Jews won’t acquit Paul, so he was ‘compelled’ to appeal unto Caesar.

Paul argued that it ‘is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.’ The hope of Israel is the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection is their only hope. However for the Jews, it was a stumbling block. They believed Jesus was a blasphemer and impostor. That the Messiah, the king coming from the root of David, had died mercilesly at the cross is a peposteous thought. Thus, for them the preaching of the cross is sheer foolishness.

Previously, Paul was one like them. In fact, he persecuted the Christians in his zeal for their religion. But, Jesus appeared to him and converted him. God called Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He became one of the most bold, if not the boldest, preacher of Jesus and the gospel. Jesus is the hope of Israel, even to all people, is He not? They were oblivious that the stone that they despised is the chief cornerstone. Ironical. I it not?

As a result, they hated Paul and plotted to kill him. They thought what they were doing was right. But, Paul had understood and has compassion towards them. He was once like them so he could understand their feelings. Thus, he lamented, “ “Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”[Rom 10:1-3]

Today, let’s not ask apology in proclaiming the gospel. Though the world rejects it, they need it. Jesus is the only light and hope in this darkened and dying world.

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Acts 28:11-16 ESV

11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

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THE FELLOWSHIP

Paul had always wanted to go to Rome for years (Rom 1:11). And, the Lord Jesus had promised he will get there (Acts 23:11), a promise that Paul embraced wholeheartedly. Unbeknownst to him was the journey would include two years under house arrest in Caesarea Maritima (Acts 24:27), a terrible winter storm on a ship in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and a shipwreck (Acts 27). By God’s providence, the ship sank just off the coast of Malta, where they stayed for three months, and the locals became kind and more than generous after Paul provided healing for their sick (Acts 28:1–10).

After three months of stay at Malta, they traveled north and skimmed the eastern coast of Sicily, first landing at Syracuse on the southeastern shore, and then at Rhegium on the toe of Italy, itself. From there they sailed up the western coast of Italy to Puteoli where Paul, Aristarchus, and Luke had disembarked.

Notedly, it was a strong wind that drove them 180 miles to Puteoli, modern-day Pozzuoli, Italy. A coincidence? Definitely not! It was here that they found brethren in the Lord, who invited Paul and the team to stay with them for seven days. Why? Did they want to hear Paul? Most probably.

Who were these ‘brethren’? Luke did not elaborate as to whom the "brothers" were. Puteoli had the second-oldest settlement of Jews after Rome, but the Jews had been driven out of Rome in AD 49, which was the reason how Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth (Acts 18:2). Apparently, they had returned since they're mentioned in Romans 16:3–4. All this is before AD 64 when Rome burned and Nero persecuted Jews and Christians. It's also likely that some of the Jews who heard Peter's message at Pentecost returned to share Jesus' offer of salvation with their friends and families (Acts 2:10–11). In short, the gospel had spread extensively during the Roman rule.

They left for Rome after seven days. Amazingly, when the brothers and sisters in Rome had heard they were coming, they came to meet them at the Forum on the Appian Way, 64 kms south from Rome. Others joined them at The Three Taverns. [see v.15] Definitely, they were excited to see the apostle, Paul. Consequently, when Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God. Definitely, there is an encouragement in the fellowship of believers.

There is an unexplainable affinity among God’s children, is it not? As John says, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.” [1 John 3:14]

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Acts 28:7-10

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

BE A BLESSING

In the island of Malta, the natives were unusually hospitable. Publius, the chief of the natives, received and entertained them for three days. When Paul learned that Publius’ father was sick with fever and dysentery, he visited, prayed, put his hands on him and healed him. When the news spread around, the rest of the people who had diseases also came and were cured.

Paul initiated to bless the people in need of the island, particularly the sick. Instead of nursing his hurt, Paul focused on blessing others. Why the shipwreck so that they were brought in this island made sense now. It was the providence of God. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. It’s inscrutable until we’re able to look at hindsight.

Let’s trust that wherever God placed us, we could be a blessing. Our difficult circumstances need not be a reason for us not to think of how we could be a blessing towards others. There are always a people, who are lost and least around us.

Paul’s demonstration of love was reciprocated well. They also honored them greatly, and when they were about to sail, they put on board whatever they needed. As Solomon said, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”[Ecc 11:1] He who sows goodness would reap the same as well.

Of course, we don’t do good for the primary reason of being compensated, do we? But God is faithful. Solomon says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”[Prov 19:17]

Acts 28:1-6 ESV

After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

IMPRESSION

Paul, Luke Aristarchus and 273 others were able to find shelter in the island of Malta. Malta is a small island south of Sicily. "Malta" is from the Canaanite word "Melita." Long ago, Phoenician sailors named the island Melita which means "refuge." The survivors of the shipwreck certainly find it so. The natives were unusually kind.

"Native people" is from the Greek word barbaros. This term meant people from any nation with a harsh-sounding language. It came to be used for any non-Greek, similarly to how Gentile means non-Jew. The people of Malta spoke primarily Phoenician, not Greek. The Maltese were considered barbarian by Greeks and Romans, but "Malta" in Phoenician means "refuge", a far more appropriate description. They welcomed them by kindling fire to keep them warm for it begun to rain and was cold. Unbeknownst to them that this hospitality would be rewarded greatly because they would hear the gospel through Paul.

Meanwhile, Paul helped in gathering sticks for the fire and he was bitten by a viper. As it hang from his hand, the natives saw it and commented, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” For them, this attack was a sign of Paul's fate. They misinterpreted Paul that he had received a just consequence for his being a murderer. Indeed, an experience that happened to us may be perceived by others differently. 

Impressions could either be wrong or right.

He shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. [v.5,6] Nothing can argue a firsthand witness. They immediately ascribed Paul as extraordinary. Despite this wrong first impression, it did provide Paul with the opportunity to provide healing for the locals who respond by seeing to the castaways' needs for the next three months (Acts 28:5–11). It turned out to be a blessing. If Judaean politics and a northeastern storm couldn't stop him, a viper certainly couldn’t as well. Certainly, not!

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Acts 27:39-44 ESV

39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

SHIPWRECKED BUT SAFE

The inevitable happened. Their ship ran aground and was broken by the waves. Out of instinct, the soldiers thought of killing the prisoners lest they should escape. Definitely, they would likely be executed if any prisoner escapes. If the ship had reached the beach, they could have guarded the prisoners as they climbed down the hull. As it was, they couldn't keep everyone under tight control while they're swimming and paddling and kicking for the shore. So, they resolve to kill them, instead.

In times of crisis, most people, like the soldiers, would think of their own survival at the expense of others. The soldiers cared for their safety from being executed. Thus, they did not mind killing the prisoners, including Paul.

Fortunately, their centurion, Julius, has earned the trust of Paul and has grown to respect him greatly over the previous two weeks (Acts 27:3, 31–32). He called the soldiers off and ordered as ordered an evacuation as orderly as possible. Everyone made it to shore, and presumably no prisoners had escaped (Acts 27:43–44).

The trust and respect from the centurion to Paul were part of God’s working. God has promised Paul that he would testify in Rome and it would surely happen. The assurance that he would reach Rome should not be questioned. However, their journey must be through storms and a horrible shipwreck.

Our life’s destination is secured. But, the journey might be rough. Let’s not be surprised for trials and challenges are there as stiff cliffs to climb and rough seas to cross in life. James said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”[Jas 1:2-4]

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Acts 27:27-38 ESV

27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.

33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

GIVING THANKS TO GOD IN THE STORM

It has been two weeks since they left the safety of Crete and sailed into a fierce storm (Acts 27:13–15). The bad news is that they haven't eaten anything in two weeks and still can't see anything (Acts 27:21, 37). The good news is that all the 276 passengers and crew members were still alive and storm was no longer driving the ship toward the hidden sandbars off the coast of Libya (Acts 27:17).

At about dawn, Paul said to all, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” It was difficult but Paul had the faith that they would weather the storm. He took the bread and gave thanks unto God in the presence of unbelieving Roman centurion, guards, prisoners and crews. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. In other words, he influenced the rest to be hopeful and thankful unto God.

Thankfulness is a matter of perspective. Thus, we can give thanks unto God for everything.[1 Thess 5:18] Paul was thankful for He saw God’s hand in everything. The storm was under God’s control. The inconveniences and dangers didn’t determine his heart’s thankfulness but the truth or God’s promise.

If God commands us to be thankful of everything, we must trust Him that even in unpleasant situations of life there must be a noble reason that we could be thankful for. For example, during this Covid 19 pandemic, it’s easy for us to see the obvious inconveniences and discomforts of life. If we are not careful, these would cloud our vision to the good things that God is doing in and through our lives.

Let’s us reflect upon this today as we start the year. Let’s think of the many blessings we’ve got or experienced amidst the threat and dangers caused by Covid. May by God’s grace, we would always a grateful people.

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 Acts 27:13-26

13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”

HAVE FAITH IN GOD

The winter storms started to build up, and they needed to find a safe place to stay. The harbor at Fair Havens wasn't suited for the rough weather. For some reason, they didn’t backtrack to the harbor at Lasea. Instead, the ship's owner and pilot decided to go on to Phoenix, and the centurion agreed despite Paul's warning that if they leave, they could lose everything (see Acts 27:8–12).

This is a reminder for us that man’s wisdom is flawed and limited, plain and simple. The pilot and ship owner believed that to proceed to Phoenix rather than stay as Paul suggested was the best decision. As a result, they would incur a lot of losses. The "losses" included the time as well as some of the cargo and the ship's tackle (Acts 27:18–19).

Paul, Luke, Aristarchus, and 273 others (Acts 27:37) were facing the prospect of drowning in a typhoon-like storm in the Mediterranean, were they not? Other , everyone in the boat seemed to loss hope. Paul had apparently been praying. An angel appeared to him and said, "God has granted you all those who sail with you" (Acts 27:24).

For two weeks, they were not able to eat. Perhaps, it was because of a combination of seasickness and the impossibility of preparing food in the middle of a typhoon (Acts 27:14). Beyond waves and wind, supplies may have gotten wet with sea water or destroyed by the violent waves. Paul was proven right that staying at Fair Havens was safer. Thus, he said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.” This may sound petty but it was a purposeful reminder for them to listen to him from this time on forward.

Since they left Fair Havens, he had been praying for the lives of the 276 crew members and passengers. And God had answered his prayer. An angel arrived and reiterated the promise that Paul would testify to Jesus' offer of salvation in Rome (Acts 23:11). 

Acts 27:1-12 ESV

And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

COMMON SENSE AND WISDOM

After two years of imprisonment at Caesaria Maritima, Festus ordered Julius. The centurion, to bring Paul among others to Rome. Traveling from Caesarea Maritima to Rome is much safer by land but faster by sea subject to the weather conditions.

On their first leg, they experienced contrary winds that forced them to detour around Cyprus. Now, they've been pushed farther south than they wished, to the southern shore of Crete. They find mooring in Fair Havens, just past Lasea. Lasea had a good, sheltered port where ships ould be moored during the winter storms. They felt that the harbor at Fair Havens was not safe for them. Further on, Phoenix also had a winter port. Paul wanted to stay where they were. But. the owner of the ship and the shipmaster wanted to go on to Phoenix (Acts 27:10–12).

Paul advised the pilot and the boat owner to stay foot. The tense of the Greek word translated "advised" is imperfect; implying that it was an ongoing urging to them. Naturally, it would be appropriate to subscribe as the shipmaster said in a situation like this. But, why Paul urged them? Did Paul receive the Holy Spirit’s warning or he was relying on extensive travel experiences in the past? His resume as a traveler included three shipwrecks (2 Cor 11:25). He later specified when God has spoken to him (Acts 27:23), so this particular instance was likely just a gut feeling. The centurion sided with the owner and the pilot this time. Whys should he listen to a prisoner more than the trained pilot and owner? As a note, the centurion had learned to trust Paul later (Acts 27:30–32, 42–43).

In difficult situations in our office or work places, we should be wise in dealing with our superiors and acquaintances, should we not? Paul had discerned the will of God yet he did not shove over and forced his suggestion to the centurion. We can suggest but whatever our authorities decide, we must be all out in obeying their decisions.

Acts 26:27-32 ESV

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

ALMOST PERSUADED TO BE A CHRISTIAN

Paul knew that King Agrippa was familiar with the Old Testament prophecies. King Agrippa was born around AD 27 and he didn't move to Judea until around AD 50. As the great-grandson of Herod the Great (see Mat 2:1–4), he had some Jewish blood, and he knew the Jewish culture and religion (Acts 26:2–3).

During his defense, Paul has quoted Jesus saying that he needs to go to the Gentiles, "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me" (Acts 26:18).

This has reference to Isaiah’s prophecy describing Jesus as a light to the nations found in Isaiah 42:6 and 60:3, but especially 49:6: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

Sadly, Agrippa slammed the door within his reach. Sadly, many people like him today choose to ignore the thug in their hearts. Should they continue to resist, they would miss heaven by the skin of their teeth. They stepped back from the opportunity of knowing Jesus. Why?

Like Agrippa, to many in this world today, the glitters of world’s power, prestige and possession are too strong to ignore. Either we love God or the world. John warned us of the futility of loving this world. He writes, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”[1 John 2:15-17]

What is at stake in rejecting Jesus? Through a rhetorical question, Jesus asks, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? “[Mark 8:36,37] Gaining this world is of no value to our souls at all.

Thus Paul did everything to convince Agrippa and all. He said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” Paul’s zeal for him and everyone to believe Jesus was manifested by his persuasive testimony. In great irony, Paul’s imprisonment wasn’t the case he has in his mind. But, it was their imprisonment or slavery from sin. However, they thought that Paul could be free if he did not appeal his case to be brought up to Caesar. Unbeknownst to them, this was the way God would further the message of the gospel into the heart of the Roman Empire. Thus, we ask, “Who’s miserable after all – Paul or Agrippa?”

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Acts 26:24-26 ESV

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.

WHOSE FOOL ARE YOU?

People are entitled to their own perceptions, are they not? Sadly, they imposed their judgments upon others like what Festus did to Paul. He said, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” Festus was merely being sarcastic. It appeared to him that the testimony of Paul considering his intellectual prowess was ridiculous. Festus was a Roman and has only held the position of governor for a few weeks. He knew little about Jewish religion and culture but had wanted to have a good relationship with the local leaders. Those leaders, however, wanted Paul charged, convicted, and executed for crimes against the Roman law (Acts 25:1–2, 24). So, Festus was not only politically motivated, but he's also probably an annihilationist and believed the resurrection of Jesus goes against all reason, and therefore foolishness.

Paul argued that he was speaking the truth and his words are rational. Even the King Agrippa himself couldn’t deny the historicity of his claims. The gospel is neither a conjecture nor an opinion. It’s a news that is, an authentic historical event that happened – Jesus died, was buried and rose again after three days.

To the Greeks [Gentiles] the preaching of the cross was foolishness. It does transcend reason, doesn’t it? Paul writes, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom.” [1 Cor 1:18-22]

If you and I believe the cross, the world may look at us as fools. Have they not accused you for being eccentric, naïve, a bigot or homophobic? However, it doesn’t change the fact that they’re shooting their own feet. In God’s eyes they’re fools. Psa 14:1 says ‘The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.’ Those who live for the here and now only are fools. Jesus said to the rich fool, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” [Luke 12:20,21]

In this world while we live we are fools for something or someone. Whose fool are you? Let’s not ask apology for being fools for Christ.

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