November 11, 2014
This day has double significance for me. First, it is Veteran’s Day. Thank you to veterans of all our armed conflicts; we honor your service! Second, it is/was my mom and dad’s anniversary. They were married on November 11, 1951, in Dwight, Illinois, at the Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church, and—if Dad were alive, would have been married 63 years today!
Acts 24-26
These chapters outline Paul’s two years in custody before finally being sent to Rome to stand before Caesar.
(Acts 24) After being moved from Jerusalem to Caesarea, Paul appeared before Governor Felix after the accusing Jews had had their say. Though Felix and his wife were both curious about faith in Christ, they did not do anything to speed Paul’s case along. Two years, he languished in prison, because Felix wanted to appease the Jews.
(Acts 25) When Festus succeeded Felix, Paul’s case came up again, and he appealed to Caesar. Festus had no choice but to send him. While awaiting departure, King Herod Agrippa and his wife came to greet Festus. Upon hearing about Paul, they asked to hear him.
(Acts 26) Here, Paul makes his famous defense and testimony before Agrippa. He feels that Agrippa is interested in “these things” and tells him so. Agrippa balks at Paul’s efforts to “make him a Christian” in so short a time. And Paul freely admits that he would like nothing better than to see Agrippa come to faith in Christ! As Agrippa leaves, he says off-handedly to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Too bad, we think. But going to Caesar and to Rome is just what Paul had been praying for!
Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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