Acts 24b salvation today

1

The Apostle Paul is defending himself before the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea.

He has revealed several lies that his accusers have told.

Now he confesses the Truth.

January 23, 2013

2

Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

The Gospel depends on one Truth:

Jesus was raised from the dead the third day.

All that Paul believed and preached was taught in the Old Testament, the Book of the Jews.

3

The Pharisees in that group also believed in the resurrection from the dead;

They also believed in a Messiah to come.

But they refused to believe that Jesus was that Messiah, the Son of God.

Paul has brought it back to a dispute among Jews – something the Romans cared nothing about.

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16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

This drove the Jews crazy.If Paul was free of offence toward God, then that

meant that they were guilty,

Because Paul preached that Jesus was Messiah, and they had murdered their Messiah --

The Son of God.

Let us say this in Truth.

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Salvation and a right relationship with God is always all about Jesus.

A sincere Muslim is sincerely wrong, and cannot be right with God. But --

Our Lord does not teach us to fight those of other religious beliefs, but we cannot agree with them.

Tell the Truth – the Gospel of Jesus

Christ.Those who believe will be saved.

6

Acts 24:17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Rather than being in Jerusalem to cause trouble, Paul was there to bring alms and offerings.

And to worship at the Feast of Pentecost. Acts 20:16

Motive and PurposeGod always looks at our heart, and knows our

motives and our purposes.

People often misjudge us, but God never does.

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18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

He is stressing the point that he didn’t start any trouble, the Jews from Asia did.

Paul had not defiled the temple; he had purified himself according to the Law.

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20-21 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Paul keeps going back to the main point –

It’s a religious dispute;

Something the Romans cared nothing about.

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22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of That Way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

Felix understood much about the Jewish religion and about Christianity.

His wife was a Jewess; he probably learned it from her.

10

Felix postponed the conclusion of the trial.

When Lysias the chief captain came down, they would finish it up.

Indefinitely postponed.He didn’t want to deal with it.

Political dangers.

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23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

This indicates that he knew that Paul was innocent, but he didn’t want trouble with the Sanhedrin.

The Jews were always a troublesome nation to rule.

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24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Felix was scared but not repentant.That’s not enough.

He was waiting on a convenient time.

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26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

Greed stops people from being saved.

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27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Politics usually keeps people from doing the right thing.

Politicians want to please people rather than Almighty God.

15

Let’s be like Paul – having a clear conscience before God and

standing boldly for Jesus Christ.

Be not like Felix or like the leaders of the Jews,

So interested in money and power in this world,

That we never have a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.