Another year around the Son 3.24.25
Read Exodus 22, Acts 22:30, Acts 23:1-11
Courage is called for! Courage to follow God’s law for the Israelites and courage for Paul to testify about Jesus. We too must act courageously. Where do you need courage? Ask for it in prayer.
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Have courage, for just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.””
Acts 23:11 NET
Consider Rev 21:8AMP
But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Sydney Lund
“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”
Acts 23:10
These were the religious leaders of that day and they were so blinded by their views that they couldn’t contain their anger that the other was wrong so to become violent enough that they feared for not just Paul’s safety but his life. How often today do we see leaders in the faith do this, not necessarily with violent actions but with their words? We have never been more connected because of the internet and technology which would seem to bring people closer together and allow for the gospel to be shared at light speed, but we tend to hear more stories of the division it brings, especially when it comes to views of Jesus. We are still divided and the topics really haven’t changed. What can we do in our daily lives to bring unity? How can we use the gifts that God has given us to make a difference?
