Acts 23:1 Paul lived in ALL good
conscience before God UNTIL that day.
Acts 23:3 Paul said the high priest was going to strike him when Paul was abiding by the
law. This is an example of miscommunication. One doesn't understand, even
though he holds a high seat, and rebukes the one who does understand when he is
a lower individual.
Acts 23: 4-5 Paul states that he didn't know that Ananias was the high priest even though you could totally tell back
then by what they wore. The high priest is Jesus, and when asked if Paul
reviled Him, he responded by telling everyone present that Ananias was a
ruler of people quoting Exodus 22:28. However, another layer to this is that
Ananias, back in Acts 22:12, is stated as being a devout man who made Paul to
see with the direction of The Lord. It was the power of Jesus that took the
blindfold off of Paul. Jesus is the High Priest and white and a wall of
defense.
Acts 23:9 The Pharisees believed Paul,
but didn’t believe that he had been visited by Jesus.
Acts 23:10 Among the fits of anger and
rivalries, a Roman commander and his soldiers, who were neither Sadducees nor
Pharisees, moved Paul into safety, by force. So there he rested. God is
always with us. These commanders and soldiers had to use force and implies that
the uproar was a pretty big one and this was the 2nd time the Roman commander
had aided Paul. The commander was the one who unbound Paul’s hands but then he
put Paul before the high priest and council. Afterwards, the commander removes
Paul by force. This is much like how God frees us, puts us in a crossfire,
saves us, and then lets us rest. I love seeing God’s power.
Acts 23:11 Jesus tells Paul to be of
good cheer because he’s going to testify in Jerusalem and Rome. When I read
this, I was like, really? How could Paul be of good cheer when he almost just
died and now he has to go testify around the vicinity where Jesus was sentenced
and crucified? This my friends, is a testament of the Holy Spirit and how He
calms us, even in the face of death.
Acts 23:12 Fasting for Jews is serious
business. Remember how Ruth and her people fasted for their lives? These people were
fasting to kill. When you fast, angels are sent to help you. Daniel 10:13 You
can fast without eating food but these Sadducee Jews refused to eat or drink! They
held the majority of the seats in the Sanhedrin which were the 71 Jewish sages who
constituted the Supreme Court and legislative body in Judea during the Roman
period.
Acts
23:13 Over 40 Jews were planning to kill Paul. This is over half of the
Sanhedrin/Supreme Court.
Acts
23:16-24 When Jesus washes Peter’s feet, Peter says, “No, you shall never wash my feet.” Looking at Jesus like a servant
was hard until Peter realized that he wouldn’t have any part with Jesus if he
wasn't washed.
Just as Jesus called himself the Son of Man, I want to submit to you that Paul’s
nephew was actually a family member that exists in the spiritual realm. Who
would be allowed to enter into the barracks where he was being held safe?
Remember, the outcry of the Jews was so intense that they fasted after nearly
killing him. In this, the commander can be looked at in much the same way. God
uses us for His will and His angels guide us. So, for over 40 Jews, the
commander prepared 200 soldiers (centurion in Latin means 1 hundred), 70
horsemen, and 200 spearmen to take Paul to the governor on mounts. For only
about 40 Jews? Really? Take a look around. You think your problems are big? You
think your problems are huge? That’s too bad because God’s plan is bigger than
your problems and He sends soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen to help you. So,
how are you going to accept His help?
Acts 23:26-30 This letter pretty much
sums up the price that was paid for us on the cross. The Commander says that
Paul “had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains.” Acts 23:29
Jesus is also known as the Commander. See, you might think that this is literal
or that the commander is an angel. God is ultimate wisdom and understanding and
when you read something that is God’s word, there are layers that involve
reference and time.
Acts 23:31-35 The governor placed Paul
in the most important Roman palace
on the banks of the Rhine. The Praetorium was the official residence of the
Imperial Governor. This was before his accusers where even there. The
letter was presented at the same time Paul was. Remember the letter said Paul
didn't do anything deserving of death? This letter is our insurance protection,
defense, security, and assurance. This letter and Governor is Jesus Christ our
Salvation.
Acts 24:1-4
This is where the high priest, the whitewashed wall, Ananias, some elders, and
a speaker arrive to accuse Paul. They thought that thanking the Governor for
his peace and prosperity was tedious for the Governor to hear because his foresight
is so great. The Lord delights in us more than we delight in Him.
Acts
24:5-9 Paul was called a plague. He was accused of trying to profane the
temple. It’s true that Paul persecuted Jesus, however, Jesus rose from the
dead. So, the key word here is tried or had intent. When it says that the
commander took Paul out of their hands by great violence, I can barely imagine
the spiritual war that ensued. It must have been a great slaughter on the side
of the enemy. Paul’s accusers were commanded to answer to the Governor all the
while Paul was sitting pretty in the Governor’s personal residence. At this
point, it is up to the Governor to ascertain whether these accusations by the
speaker, elders, and Ananias were true.
Acts
24:10 The tone changes dramatically here. Paul is cheerful in answering
after the Governor lets him talk. Jesus took the place of Paul! Paul’s life was
the proof of Jesus, The Everlasting God’s love!
Acts 24:11-14
The Way was prophesied all throughout the front of the Bible. Jesus is The Way,
The Truth, and The Life. When Jesus was in the synagogue, he read from Isaiah
and stated that the prophecy was fulfilled. He showed us all how it’s done.
Acts
24:15-21 Paul explains that he believes as the Jews believe, the “resurrection of
the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” He states that there were
witnesses, Asian Jews, who saw him worshiping in the temple and not trying to
profane it and that he is being accused of following what is written in the Law
and in the Prophets (the front of the Bible).
Acts
24:22-27 This caused the Governor to adjourn the proceedings until the
Commander’s return. Who else is returning? (Paul was found blameless) Then the
Governor would make a decision. Paul was given free will while being protected
by the centurion (100 in Latin). The Governor returns with his wife. The bride
and the bridegroom. The Governor, Felix, was familiar with The Way and his wife
was Jewish. As Felix spoke with Paul about Jesus, righteousness, self-control,
and the judgment to come, he sent Paul away until the time was more appropriate
for him. The Governor spoke with Paul periodically afterwards, in hopes of receiving
payment. What are you paying God? Do you love Him with all your heart, mind,
soul, and strength? Do you share this love for Him and this love He has for
you?
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