His Word Today

^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.” (Acts 24:10–16 (ESV)

When Felix gave the Apostle Paul permission to speak, he did not waste time, or his breath, in flattering the Roman governor. Rather, he immediately made his defense against the Jews’ accusations.

First, Paul asserted that he had only been in Jerusalem for 12 days. Second, he indicated that he had not been disputing with anyone, or stirring up a crowd, during that time. Third, Paul asserted that his Jewish accusers could not prove any of the charges against him. So much for the negative.

Paul then made his assertive defense in the form of a confession. A confession is a personal acknowledgement or declaration of truth. Often, a confession is made when an individual admits their guilt in having committed a crime. Such was not the case with the Apostle’s Paul confession.

Paul stated that he was a worshipper of the One, True God. In addition, as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a member of the Way, he confessed his trust in, commitment to, and dependence upon the Word of God. Finally, he acknowledged his confident expectation in God was centered in the resurrection of the dead: for both the just and the unjust. Paul stated that his conscience was clear in that he had not violated any Jewish, or Roman, law and that he also was obedient to Jesus Christ.

Dr. Simon Kistemaker writes, “Paul blunts the significance of the Jews’ accusation by putting his admission within the context of serving Israel’s God.”

Each believer in Christ faces the possibility of being asked to deny their belief in the Gospel. Ask God to give you holy boldness to confess and live for Christ before the people you encounter each day.

Soli deo Gloria!

“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.” (Acts 24:1–9 (ESV)

Are you familiar with the phrase, “flattery will get you nowhere.” While its origin is unknown, there are several ancient Greek and Roman statesmen who are credited with originating the phrase including Aristophanes (388 B.C.), Cato (175 B.C.), and Cicero (45 B.C.). 

Flattery is another word for compliments given to someone. The phrase, “flattery will get you nowhere” means that compliments will not persuade someone to do what you want them to do.

It is interesting to note that the Jews from Jerusalem, who came to Caesarea to address the Roman governor Felix and verbally attack the Apostle Paul, began their address by using no small amount of flattery before the governor. They praised the Roman procurator, not only for his personal leadership but also for the peace and prosperity the region was enjoying.

The ironic hypocrisy is that the Jews hated the Romans. Additionally, Felix’ administration was so oppressive that the Roman Emperor Nero recalled him two years after Paul’s trial. In fact, it was because of Felix’ repressive governing that the Jews revolted against Rome culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple in 70 A.D.

The Jews in general, and their spokesperson, Tertullus, in particular offer many accusations against Paul. However, they offer no evidence or proof of the apostle’s guilt.

Flattery is a form of dishonesty. It leads to all kinds of evil. I encourage you to read the following verses and meditate upon God’s truth concerning honest speech. See Proverbs 5:1-9, Proverbs 20:19, Proverbs 29:1-5, Romans 16:18 and Jude 16.

Let us all pray that our speech would be truthful.

Soli deo Gloria!

^31 “So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. ³² And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. ³³ When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. ³⁴ On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵ he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium. (Acts 23:31-35)

The two day journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea was safely accomplished and the Roman soldiers delivered the Apostle Paul to the Roman Governor, Felix. Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Felix is one of three Roman procurators mentioned in the New Testament. The others are Pontius Pilate (a.d. 26–36) and Porcius Festus (a.d. 58–62). Felix married Drusilla (24:24), a sister of Herod Agrippa II, the Agrippa in Acts 25:13–26:32.”

It is speculation on our part to know whether Paul thought he would be quickly released by the governor. What we do know from today’s text is that Felix, having learned Paul was from Cilicia, determined to have a hearing once the apostle’s accusers arrived from Jerusalem. The governor needed to know whether he had jurisdiction to hear Paul’s case. Since Judea and Cilicia were at that time both under the representative of Syria, Felix had the authority to preside over Paul’s hearing. Felix ordered that Paul be kept safe, and under guard, in King Herod’s praetorium or governmental offices.  

What will occur will be a period of political red tape for Paul and his desire to travel to the city of Rome. However, his trust in the LORD never wavered, in spite of frustrating circumstances. May this be said of each of us.

Soli deo Gloria!

^23 “Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. ²⁴ Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” ²⁵ And he wrote a letter to this effect:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. ²⁸ And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. ²⁹ I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. ³⁰ And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.” (Acts 23:23–30 ESV)

I have often stated that one of the evidences that the Bible is the Word of God is that it presents biblical characters as they really are: humans with the corresponding faults and frailties of sinners. The Roman Tribune Claudius Lysias is no exception.  

The tribune wrote a letter to the Roman Governor Felix. Felix was a former slave. As a freedman, he ascended to an influential position in the Roman government under Emperor Claudius in A.D. 52. He served as governor for eight years.  

In his letter, the tribune related the facts, in summary fashion, to the governor concerning the Apostle Paul’s arrest and subsequent transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea. However, regarding his leadership in the situation, the tribune Claudius played loose with the truth.

First, he told the governor that he rescued Paul when he learned that the apostle was a Roman citizen. The truth is, Claudius did not discover Paul’s Roman citizenship until he was about the have Paul scourged (Acts 22:22-29).

Second, Claudius did not mention that melee which occurred with the Sanhedrin. Perhaps he did not want the governor to perceive any lack of law and order under the tribune’s leadership.

Regardless, Claudius did give Felix his opinion that the case had to do with Jewish law, and not a violation of Roman law by the Apostle Paul.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “All that comes to pass is according to God’s will and for His glory.” This was so true in Paul’s life, and so true in our own.

Soli deo Gloria!

^23 “Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. ²⁴ Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” ²⁵ And he wrote a letter to this effect:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. ²⁸ And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. ²⁹ I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. ³⁰ And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.” (Acts 23:23–30 (ESV)

Dr. J.I. Packer writes, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Pro. 16:33). “God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions” (Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.11). If Creation was a unique exercise of divine energy causing the world to be, providence is a continued exercise of that same energy whereby the Creator, according to his own will, (a) keeps all creatures in being, (b) involves himself in all events, and (c) directs all things to their appointed end. The model is of purposive personal management with total “hands-on” control: God is completely in charge of his world. His hand may be hidden, but his rule is absolute. The nature of God’s “concurrent” or “confluent” involvement in all that occurs in his world, as – without violating the nature of things, the ongoing causal processes, or human free agency – he makes his will of events come to pass, is a mystery to us, but the consistent biblical teaching about God’s involvement is as stated above.

The Lord used not only the Roman tribune Claudius Lysias, but also 200 hundred Roman soldiers, 70 Roman horseman, and 200 Roman spearmen in order to bring the Apostle Paul safely to the Roman Governor, Felix, who was residing in Caesarea. This large contingent set out during the third hour of the night, which began at 9:00 p.m.

Why did Claudius send out almost half of his 1,000 man garrison? There are likely three reasons.

First, the tribune knew that there were at least 40 men planning to kill Paul. Perhaps he thought there might be even more. This large force would provide ample protection. Second, this many soldiers might not raise suspicion about Claudius’ plan to quietly send Paul away from Jerusalem since such large troop movements were common. Third, Claudius was perhaps protecting himself. By assembling such a large force, he could argue he did everything possible to protect Paul, if the apostle was killed on his way to Caesarea.

Claudius even wrote a letter to Governor Felix. We will examine the contents of the letter when next we meet. I encourage you to rest in the sovereign providence of God.

Soli deo Gloria!     

^16 “Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. ¹⁷ Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” ¹⁹ The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” ²⁰ And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. ²¹ But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” ²² So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.” (Acts 23:16–22 (ESV)

While the LORD is providentially acting and leading us throughout our lives, He does not, however, promise a pleasant journey. The road unto eternal righteousness in the presence of Christ can be difficult and dangerous.

Jesus Himself said, “¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12 (ESV). He also told his disciples, “³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 (ESV).

The LORD providentially foiled the plot of the Jews who desired to kill Paul. God used Paul’s nephew, who was able to warn his uncle about the impending plot against his life. Upon hearing this, Paul sent his sister’s son to the tribune.

Upon hearing of the conspiracy, Claudius (Acts 23:26) dismissed Paul’s nephew and charged him not to tell anyone else what he knew about the assassination plot. He then put into play a plan that would begin the apostle’s long journey to the imperial city, Rome. The Jews’ plot actually served God’s sovereign purpose.

For further study, I encourage you to read Genesis 11:1-8, Psalm 37:1-13, John 4:28-30 and acts 4:27-28. Have a blessed day as you reflect upon the providence of God.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Three: Of God’s Eternal Decree. Part 3.

6. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, fore-ordained all the means thereunto.^a Wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ,^b are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit working in due season; are justified, adopted, sanctified,^c and kept by his power through faith unto salvation.^d Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.^e

a. Eph 1:4-5; Eph 2:10; 2 Thes 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2. • b. 1 Thes 5:9-10; Titus 2:14. • c. Rom 8:30; Eph 1:5; 2 Thes 2:13. • d. 1 Pet 1:5. • e. John 6:64-65; 8:47; 10:26; 17:9; Rom 8:28-39; 1 John 2:19.

7. The rest of mankind God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice.^a

a. Mat 11:25-26; Rom 9:17-18, 21-22; 2 Tim 2:19-20; 1 Pet 2:8; Jude 1:4.

Take the time today to read each attribute along with its corresponding biblical reference. You will be blessed and edified.

Soli deo Gloria!

^12 “When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. ¹³ There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. ¹⁴ They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. ¹⁵ Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” (Acts 23:12–15)

The providence of God is the active outworking of God’s sovereignty in every circumstance of life. Everything that happens in all of creation is in some way the result of God’s providence. We do not live in a closed universe, but rather a universe in which the creator of the universe is actively working and involved; not only in the extraordinary things of life but also in the seemingly insignificant things.

Chapter Five of the Westminster Confession of Faith states, “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.”

“Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first Cause, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly; yet, by the same providence, he ordereth them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.”

“God, in his ordinary providence, maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at his pleasure. However, God is neither the author nor approver of sin.”

The providential working of God in the life of the Apostle Paul is conspicuously evident in today’s text. The Jews planned to kill Paul. They swore an oath to do so. There were over forty who made this pledge. They even revealed their plot to the chief priests and elders and said, ““We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

Remember, when Jesus appeared to Paul in the Roman barracks, he said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (Acts 23:11 (ESV)

God the Father would providentially use the free acts of the unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem to eventually and providentially bring Paul to the City of Rome. How could God do this? He could do this because He is sovereign and the Lord of heaven and earth.

God works His providence in our own lives. Take the opportunity today to look back upon the circumstances of your life and reflect on how God worked all things together for good and for His glory (Romans 8:28). Then take the opportunity to praise Him.

Soli deo Gloria!

^10 “And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks. ¹¹ The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (Acts 23:10–11)

In writing to the Church in Rome, the Apostle Paul stated, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB95)

The truth of that verse is illustrated in the life of the apostle. This was certainly the case when he faced the Jerusalem mob in Acts 22, and certainly when he spoke to the Sanhedrin in Acts 23. The Lord caused all things to work together for His ultimate good and purpose in the life of Paul. What was true in the apostle’s life is true in our lives as well.

The situation in the Sanhedrin council setting turned from a theological disagreement between the Sadducees and Pharisees into a dissension of violence. Therefore, the Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26), fearing that Paul would be killed by members of the council, commanded his soldiers to take the apostle away and bring him into the Roman barracks.

It was while Paul was incarcerated in the barracks, that the Lord Jesus stood beside him and said, ““Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “This encouragement given by special revelation from the Lord assures Paul of his survival to bring the gospel to the imperial capital, as Christ granted him a similarly encouraging vision in Corinth (Acts 18:9-10). A host of obstacles—assassination conspiracies, legal delays, storms, shipwreck, and snakebite—would arise to threaten this promise, but none could prevent its fulfillment (Acts 27:23-26).”

Believers in Christ today need to also take courage that the same LORD of heaven and earth is also causing all things to work together for our good and His ultimate glory. Be strong and courageous today, my friends.

Soli deo Gloria!

^6 “Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” ⁷ And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. ⁸ For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. ⁹ Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” (Acts 23:6–9 (ESV)

The Sadducees and the Pharisees emerged during the historical period between the Old Testament and the New Testament, often referred to as the 400 silent years. These two distinct groups had different political and religious views.

Sensing the potential conflict between the two diverse parties, Paul said, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” Paul took advantage of these religious differences and identified himself as a Pharisee and a believer in the resurrection of the dead. He knew this would create agitation among the Sadducees who denied a future bodily resurrection along with the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 4:1-2; Matthew 22:23-32).

Dissension did arise between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Consequently, the assembly was divided. The dissension was so great that there was shouting and screaming as each group verbally attacked each other.

Finally, some of the Pharisees strongly protested and publically stated that they found no fault with the Apostle Paul. They reasoned that maybe an angel or a spirit may have spoken to the apostle. These potential adversaries became Paul’s staunch defenders.

How would the Sadducees respond to these developments? We will continue our study tomorrow and discover the answer. I’m looking forward to it.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!