Semikkah7

4/26/2021 – Day 344 – Acts 23 – 24 / Sandhedrin’s trumped up charges against Paul, Plot to kill him, and before the Roman Governor.

Except for perhaps going back at the end to capture some pithy comments from Matthew Henry on the sordid affair of sedition charges being leveled at Paul by the Jews and the Sanhedirin, and being sent to Felix after the Romans are informed of a plot to kill Paul under the guise of bringing him up again for questioning before the Roman commander.

What is really sad in this two chapter story is that the Romans, however flawed in their political rangling, seem to be concerned with justice for Paul. Whereas Ananias, the high priest, does not seem to even want to conceal his zeal for ridding himself of Paul forever in his mind.

In my comments , I will presume you have read the text:

• Out of curiosity, I would like to know if the Jewish plotters were true to their solemn pledge to not ever again eat anything again until Paul was dead. So, how many ended up starving to death, if any?
• I am being lazy here by not looking this up , but Scripture exhorts us Christian to be wiley and crafty in our dealings in this world. Paul, educated by Gamaliel, a foremost reknowned professor for his day, used some of that training indeed on how to think when he craftily pitted the Sadducees against his Pharisee brothers within the Sanhedrin. Why? So , in a Sanhedrin body consisting of such disparate two groups as far as worldviews , he could create division amongst them in his case.
• Diverting back to Gamaliel, maybe we should review the Acts chapter five section again where concerning this new and rebel rousing Christian sect, Galaliel logically advises his fellow Jews to consider: 1) If this Jesus is another false messiah, let it go, for it will die out naturally, or 2) if it is from God, we are not going to stop it no matter what we do. (caveat here – these are my words , not the scripture but the tenor of the argument is accurate I do believe) Pretty good advise, no? So in fact, they opted to do nothing at least in this instance.
• Yes, despite their worldly core, the Romans did not abandon a basic sense of justice. I wish I could say the same for our current government authorities in this country today
• . Notice how the commander so respectfully pulls Paul’s nephew aside and puts him at ease.
• Interesting, Festus, perhaps at the urging of his wife, asked Paul in private about the Christian faith. After speaking to the judgment to come for all souls, Felix was afraid, telling him that at a convenent time he would call back. But apparently never did. Paul must have known that there was little chance of Festus’ conversion, but He believed that with with God, all things are possible. So Paul was willing to take on the personal risk in doing so.
• Speaking of, interesting how the Lord came to Paul and told him of His plan to send him to Rome to preach. Paul , the messenger that was so on fire for the Lord, probably was greatly heartened by this news where others would be at a minimum, very anxious about it.
• And, in conclusion, I would be truly remiss as a brother in Christ not to share these pithy comments from Matthew Henry on this Bible reading:
• “Many that have not learning enough to plead for Baal yet have wickedness enough to vote for Baal.” (speaking of Tertullian , the Roman attorney type that was hired by the Sanhedrin to represent them in their prosecution of Paul to Felix, the Roman governor.)
• Paul aim and desire before Ananias and the sanhedrin: “This is what I ambitious of, to keep upon good terms with my own conscience. I am as careful not to offend my consience as I am not to offend a friend with whom I daily converse.” (Jimmy note – Sage advise seeing as how the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, connects into our conscience I suspect)
• and to conclude his commentary in Chapter 24: “Those who aim to please God by doing good will have what they aim at; but so will not those that seek to please men by doing evil.”

Soli Deo Gloria indeed!