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The
Acts of The Apostles
Acts was taught by Dr. James Modlish
Chapter
Twenty
Five
(25:1-27)
Paul
is about to get one of the greatest opportunities he ever
had (Acts 9:15), "for he is a chosen vessel unto me to
bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the
children of Israel..." (Acts 26:18).
The date of
Chapter 25 is somewhere around (60 A.D.)
Vs.
1-11
The
high priest and elders are still at it. Festus rather
than taking Paul to Jerusalem, tells the Jews to come to
Caesarea and present their case. Another assassination
attempt (vs. 3) is foiled. The Jews are persistent (vs.
7) and continue to accuse Paul of crimes that no Roman
politician was even interested in and which they could
not prove (Acts 24:13). See (Acts 24:9; 18:13-15).
Festus (vs.
9) can see that it was politically expedient for him to
try to pacify as many of the people as possible rather
than allow justice to come to pass, so he asks Paul if
he'd consent to a trial in Jerusalem. The handwriting is
on the wall and Paul must, if he had any hope of living
as a Roman, plea to go before Ceasar (Acts
23:11).
Paul is
consenting (vs. 11) to Capital Punishment. "I refuse
not to die." His admission is, there are some
transgressions worthy of death.
Capital
Punishment is found:
[1].
Before the law - (Gen. 9:5,6)
[2]. Under the law - (Ex. 21:12; Num.
35:16-34)
[3]. Under grace - (Rom. 13:1-4; Acts 25:11; 2
Tim. 4:1-8)
Vs.
11
Vs.
12-21
During the
interim, Agrippa (the son of Herod Agrippa) (Acts 12:1)
shows up with his wife and Paul has another of his unique
opportunities. Festus relates the story of Paul to
Agrippa (vss. 14-21). The Resurrection of Christ was the
chief note of contention (vs. 19) and always has been
(Acts 26:8).
Vs.
22-27
Agrippa
decides he would like to personally hear the accusations
and defense (Eph. 6:19,20). Another one of the great
doors (1 Cor. 16:9) is opened unto Paul. The leaders make
a big deal (great pomp) out of the day only to Paul's
benefit, for the people come expecting to receive
something, and they do!
Festus makes
a fine political speech to fit the occasion... I found
(vs. 25)...I have (vs. 25) ... I have (vs. 26)...I have
(vs. 26)...specially before thee... I might (vs. 26)...to
me (vs. 27). Festus' motives have changed (Acts
25:9).
It is said
that Agrippa's wife was somewhat of a first century
Marilyn Monroe or Jean Harlow. She had been married
often.
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Acts
26
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