Jos 1:1-3 ; 13:1 ESV

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses

Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.

A FEW POINTERS AS WE JOURNEY IN 2023

A Blessed New Year 2023 greetings to everyone!

We say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 with open arms and hearts. God has caused us to weather the challenges of 2022, prepared to walk through the terrains of 2023, hasn’t He? Certainly, 2023 will have its own challenges for us. And as we enter in, we should remember some salient pointers;

FIRSTLY, men have limits but God’s promise remains. Moses was an exceptional leader. But, his life and leadership came to an unexpected halt. Our movements are not governed by men but by the great promiser. God has assured Joshua and the Jews, “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses”

SECONDLY, in God’s program, nobody is indispensable. When Moses died, God raised Joshua. God could accomplish His work without man. And it is by His grace that He gives man the chance to be used as His instruments. In doing ministry, the glory should be to God alone. As Paul declared, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”[1 Cor 1:26-29] Our security is always in the sovereignty of God. He is in charge.

THIRDLY, God’s promise must be claimed by faith. There is no ‘staying’ without ‘stepping’ into the Promised Land. More steps of faith means more lands to be possessed. Otherwise, the promise remains as a promise not a reality. God’s promises doesn’t mean no problems. We must step as soldiers ready to engage in a fight. And God would do that which only He could do. As Heb 11:30 says about Joshua and His army’s exploits, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”

LASTLY, God has blessings rich in store for us. That is, God is inexhaustible. As Joshua became old, there were still a lot of lands to be possessed.[Jos 13;1] We should not ask for little when He promised us much. Did not Jeremiah prompted us by saying, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”[Jer 33:3] Even Paul has highlighted the inexhaustibility of God by declaring, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”[Eph 3:20]

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 Acts 26:19-23 ESV

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

OBEDIENCE

As Paul has ascertained the heavenly vision of Jesus, he obeyed Him immediately. His obedience was prompt. Instead of persecuting Christians, he preached repentance from sin and faith towards Christ. He did it first in Damascus, in Jerusalem, in the province of Judea and to the Gentiles. In other words, he just kept preaching Jesus wherever he was.

His humble obedience to Christ had caused hostile opposition from the Jews. They couldn’t accept his message of repentance. They tried to kill him but God had preserved him, even by the skin of the tooth. Obedience was never easy for Paul. Similarly, it won’t be easy for us. But, he who obeys God is immortal until Gods plan is through in his life.

His obedience to preach the gospel was fueled by a strong conviction or passion for Christ. He said, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”[1 Cor 2:2] He has no other messsage except the gospel – testifying both to small and great. He has no other glory but the cross. He said, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”[Gal 6:14] Thus, before Agrippa, he said once again, “I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”[v.22,23]

May our obedience be fueled by a strong conviction defying all oppositions. Our obedience must be prompted by our genuine love for Christ. As Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”[John 14:15] And despite hostilities, our obedience to His will is a pleasure not a burdensome. As John declares, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”[1 John 5:3]

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Acts 26:12-18 ESV

12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 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.’

KICKING AGAINST THE GOADS

During Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus, few things are evident. First, Jesus had initiated it. When Paul traveled to Damascus, his mind was locked up to execute the believers. He was so determined for having been empowered or commissioned by the chief priests. Unexpectedly, with a light brighter than the sun, Paul fell down and heard Jesus, saying, “‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

Secondly, He used ‘goads’ to get the attention of Paul. "Goads" is from the Greek root word kentron, are objects that are thick, short spear used to poke livestock, to encourage them to move (Judges 3:31). To kick against it is futile, isn’t it? Likewise, there was no action Paul could take to keep God from directing him where He wanted him to go. The phrase was often used in Greek literature to mean it's useless to defy the gods. God always wins. A pure act of God’s grace to draw men unto Himself.

Early theologians suggested the "goads" were doubts Paul felt about Stephen's words in Acts 7 that challenged his own convictions. As Paul traveled to Damascus, he was already questioning whether what he was doing was right. His repeated comments that he had held a clear conscience his whole life (Acts 23:1; 24:16; 1 Cor 4:4) had spoken against the idea that he would act contrary to his conscience. Thus, the "goads," as in the Greek sense, are the Holy Spirit's nudging Paul.

Definitely, Paul recognized that only God could do this, asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Although he did not know Jesus as yet, he humbly called Him Lord. It was when he was broken that God revealed and commissioned Paul. Definitely, God could use only those whose hearts are broken. God wouldn’t use anybody who is proud and arrogant, would He? Our humility is as the handle that we provide God to use our lives.

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Acts 26:1-8 ESV

So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

FOR THIS HOPE I AM ACCUSED

Paul found himself fortunate to testify before the King Agrippa. This is the third time he proclaimed his testimony. Earlier he testified the same before the Sanhedrin and Festus.

Paul’s previous manner of life was known by all Jews. He wasn’t just a Pharisee but one who practiced it with extreme strictness. He wrote to the Philippians later saying, “though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”[Phil 3:4-6] In other words, Paul has embraced their religion unreservedly.

He persecuted the church as the proof of his zeal. What was the reason of his actions? He explained to Timothy, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”[1 Tim 1:12-16]

Paul knew his heart prior to conversion was sincere, but was sincerely wrong. Paul saw himself as one who sinned ignorantly until God poured out His mercy upon him. The Old Testament law has distinguished between intentional and unintentional sins (Num 15:22–31). Evidently, Paul did not deserve God’s mercy. God provided it to him with nothing good he could give to God.

Thus, it was out of God’s mercy alone that Paul knew Jesus and obtained the hope. This hope is the fulfilment in the promise made by God to the fathers, to which the twelve tribes hope to attain. But, The Jewish religious leaders won’t accept that Jesus is the Messiah. Why? The continue to refuse to believe Jesus. Like Paul, they were sincere but wrong. If God won’t open their eyes, they could not see the truth. Previously, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”[John 8:31,32]

THE CLEAR ACCUSATION

Festus introduced the case of Paul to King Agrippa, who visited Caesaria with his sister Bernice. King Agrippa was the son of Agrippa I, the king who killed the apostle James and tried to kill Peter (Acts 12:1–3) and soon after died of intestinal worms (Acts 12:20–23). Their grandfather was Herod the Great. The Jewish historian Josephus was a friend of theirs. Agrippa and Bernice's relationship was incestuous.

Undoubtedly, there was one apparent thing about Festus understanding about the case of Paul. With certainty, the accusers of Paul has no merit to accuse him based on either legal or political issues or implications. It was purely religious in nature. They accused Paul of spreading heresy that Jesus is alive. Thus, Festus, having lost ground how to investigate, he asked Paul’s consent to bring back his case to the Sanhedrin. But, Paul had appealed that his case be brought to Caesar. Festus asked Agrippa’s help. Why? AS Paul appealed to the emperor, he decided to go ahead and send him. But he had nothing definite to write to the emperor about Paul’s case. Therefore he asked Agrippa to examine him so that he would have something to write to the emperor. He found it unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.

Paul, a lawyer himself by training, did not cloud his case before anyone else. One thing was sure. That was, he preached Christ being crucified, buried and is alive. This was the only message he wanted everyone to know. There was neither equivocation nor sugarcoating. This is the truth he did not shy away and was planning to prove and defend even in Rome. In other words, what he was accused of was what he was convinced with.

How about us?

If we are accused of being a believer, is it becaused we are convinced of its merits and claims? Are there enough evidences to prove it? The undeniable evidence that we are committed to Jesus is manifested when others would be annoyed by our preaching and promoting Christ. As Peter wrote, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”[1 Pet 4:14,15]

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Acts 25:1-12 ESV

Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

AN APPEAL TO CAESAR

Governor Felix was removed by Emperor Nero and was replaced by Porcius Festus, as the new governor of Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Syria, and Cilicia. Festus immediately tried to build good relationships with the local leaders. He barely has time to drop off his things in Caesarea before he was off to Jerusalem to meet the Sanhedrin, the religious and cultural leaders of the Jews. He was reportedly a good ruler, fair and reasonable and even destroyed the ‘Sicarii assassins’ Felix had used to do his dirty work.

These leaders urged him, asking as a favor against Paul, that he would summon him to Jerusalem. They just cared about one thing, that is, if Festus would agree to a trial in Jerusalem, he will have to transport Paul the long distance from Caesarea. The assassins will finally have another chance to ambush Paul and kill him.

Festus refused to take accountability for any verdict. He asked Paul if he will agree to the Sanhedrin's request to hold a trial in Jerusalem (v. 9), possibly not knowing they plan to kill Paul during his travels (v.3). Paul knew of their previous assassination plot. Instead, he took the only action he could - he appealed his case to Caesar (v.11–12). Not long after, he was on his way to Rome.

Let’s recall that God had told Paul earlier that he is going to testify about Him in Rome as he did in Jerusalem. [Acts 23:11] Did Paul decide to appeal to Caesar because of this revelation? Definitely! God has used the circumstances for Paul to have a strong case to appeal to Caesar. Was the indecision of Festus incidental? Why did he ask Paul’s consent whether he would like his case to be tried in Jerusalem? Apparently, the hand of God was all over the place.

What God’s will is, He would pave the way. It isn’t clear at the beginning but becomes apparent after some time. God’s will is sure but sometimes it’s slow. Discerning the right timing needs time. As the writer of Hebrews exhorted us, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”[Heb 10:35,36]

Acts 24:22-27 ESV

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

BEWARE OF APATHEISM

Felix had the opportunity to listen the word of God but he had no interest at all. He was like Esau. Esau was not immoral and godless. He had no ethics or faith, no scruples or reverence. He had no regard for the good, the truthful, the divine. He was totally worldly, totally secular, totally profane. Felix stole his wife, Drusilla, Herod Agrippa's daughter, from her husband when she was sixteen. He was very corrupt and cruel.

Governor Felix was an apatheist. According to gotquestions.org. “An apatheist is one who thinks topics such as God and religion are irrelevant, meaningless, or disinteresting. The term apatheism refers more to an attitude than to any actual set of beliefs, but it can be useful to summarize how a great many people think—or don’t think—about God. While apatheism is not an “official” worldview, it is an important concept.”

Paul has proven their accusations were ridiculous and baseless. But, Governor Felix would rather placate the Jewish leaders than give Paul justice, so he kept him in custody under the pretense that he needed the testimony of the Roman army commander in Jerusalem (v.22). There was a moment he and his wife Drusilla, sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Paul reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment. But Felixix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” He wasn’t interested at all.

For the next two years of custody, Felix periodically requested Paul's presence. Felix was looking for a bribe. In other words, he kept the best of both worlds. If Paul is in custody, Jewish leaders will be happy and Paul might offer a bribe. Yet, since he hasn't done anything wrong, he allowed his friends to visit and see his needs (see v.23, 26–27).

Luke 2:8-14 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

LET US GLORIFY GOD THIS CHRISTMAS

Two decades ago, a fantasy movie was released entitled “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything Christmas-related from the Whos.

Similarly, there are a few ‘Grinches’ today that we allow to steal the true meaning of Christmas. First in the list is tradition. Over the years of doing the burnt sacrifices at the temple, the Jews had lost its meaning. Christians may be caught also in the same predicament when Christmas is thought more as a tradition to observe.

Next in the list is busyness. Contrary to the first Christmas, our lives during this season is marked with rush. Everyone rushes to shop on overcrowded shopping malls where lines at payment centers are endless, and trapped up in a snail-paced traffic going back home. By the time we arrived home late, we are drained and tired to death. Needless to say, many unscrupulous businessman are taking advantage in this season. It is sad that Christmas is commercialized nowadays, isn’t it? As somebody described, “People are spending money they don’t have towards people they don’t know with gifts they don’t need.”

Revelry is another grinch. Isn’t that many makes this season as the reason for excesses. As a season of happiness, they say, “I can do whatever it takes just to make myself and family happy.” Partying is common. It’s good that families and clans are having reunions but they’re spoiled by these excesses.

Let’s watch out that these ‘Grinches’ won’t steal our hearts this Christmas from Jesus. He is the reason for the season. In fact, He should be the only reason. We should glorify Him in our celebrations. In what ways? He does need our hearts to worship Him, doesn’t He? Like the shepherds and wise men, they went to Bethlehem in order to worship Jesus. May our hearts would maintain a posture of worship. Let’s ask ourselves as the psalmist did, that is;

“What shall I render to the Lord

for all his benefits to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of the Lord,

I will pay my vows to the Lord

in the presence of all his people.”[Psa 116:12-14]

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Acts 24:10-21 ESV

10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

In Paul’s defense against the accusations of the Jews, he asserted his innocense. There was no doubt that the preaching of the gospel had caused discomfort to the wicked but in no way he was a troublemaker. It is true that his ministry has indirectly led to social unrest. In Philippi, he expelled a fortune-telling demon from a slave girl. Her owners incited a crowd to beat Paul and his ministry partner Silas (Acts 16:16–23). In Ephesus, so many Artemis-worshipers came to faith in Jesus that the idol-makers formed a protest that nearly became a riot (Acts 19:23–41).

His accusers couldn’t substantiate their accusations. Since he arrived at Jerusalem, he neither had a dispute with anybody nor stirred a mob. Instead, he brought alms to his nation and presented offerings. This was the reason why he went inside the temple, quietly without tumult.

Paul, however, acknowledged before the governor that he worshiped the God of their fathers, according to the Way, which they call a sect of the Nazarene. He affirmed that he believed in everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. That, he had the hope in God, which the religious leaders accepted, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

An accusation like this could be a blessing in disguise. Why? It would clear our motive and conscience. It’s always a win-win situation. Should the accusation is true, we could thank God for making us aware of faults or sins, we inadvertently missed, that we need to settle with God. And if it’s false, we should thank God that our motives are right in order for us not to be careless but prudent always in our actions.

Thus, when we are questioned, let us follow what Paul expressed later in his epistle to Philippians, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” [Phil 2:14-16]

Acts 24:1-9 ESV

And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

IS PAUL A TROUBLEMAKER?

Today, we should be ready to respond to those who may persecute us for preaching and living godly lives in Christ. Jesus has warned us, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” [John 3:19] What do you expect from people who loved darkness more than light? As Paul exhorted us, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them.” [Eph 5:11] The preaching of the gospel is as flashing the light at the dark places which either frighten or angered the nocturnals. 52 to 58. In two years, after continual complaints to Caesar from the people of Caesarea, Nero will replace Felix with Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27). The "peace" Felix had kept due to his "foresight" was earned by viciously stamping down insurrections. They are at court because the Sanhedrin considered Paul an insurrectionist. They presumed that Paul was the exact type of person Felix would normally treat with great prejudice. Furthermore, the Sanhedrin had emulated Felix by planning to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–15). They unfortunately have much in common.

They brought Tertullus, a lawyer, as their spokesman. The Sanhedrin needed him because they wanted to be sure to present their case effectively. He began his statements by flattering the governor. He said, “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.” History tells that Governor Marcus Antonius Felix was a former slave. Historians suggested that this experience had inspired his cruelty. Claudius Caesar made him governor from about AD 52 to 58. In two years, after continual complaints to Caesar from the people of Caesarea, Nero will replace Felix with Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27). The "peace" Felix had kept due to his "foresight" was earned by viciously stamping down insurrections. They are at court because the Sanhedrin considered Paul an insurrectionist. They presumed that Paul was the exact type of person Felix would normally treat with great prejudice. Furthermore, the Sanhedrin had emulated Felix by planning to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–15). They unfortunately have much in common.

On this basis, Tertullus subtly argues he should stamp out Paul, as well, since Paul "stirs up riots…throughout the world.” Paul to them was a plague. That is, he is a trouble maker. Paul was a public menace and a cult leader who tried to commit a capital offense against Roman law by defiling a religious structure. However, there was no sufficient evidence.