Yes, new wine often produces men and women that suddenly speak in multiple foreign dialects proficiently. How else could it be explained? (sarcasm). Had I only known that when I was trying to teach myself Spanish last time.
The importance of the "Spirit giving utterance" is paramount. There are many religions even today that profess to speaking in tongues. They are initially uttered as a steady flow of babel/gibberish and eventually become a secretive spiritual language between you and the Spirit. This however is another's ethnically/nationally derived language being used by the Spirit to communicate to that other person in their native tongue through an untaught medium. Much different - impossible if not by the Spirit. The text here is clear.
There seems to be an observable transformation in Peter having the Spirit now. We have not heard Him quote and reason Old Testament scripture before let alone so boldly with such confidence. Just days ago he was part of a group that was over extending itself beyond the direction of the Spirit, but now he seems fully in step and infused by It. The Spirit is bringing Jesus' words and teachings to effect and Peter and the group are an observable example.
The spectacle of the manifestation of the Spirit is providing the opportunity, the revelations (past/present/future) by the Spirit is providing the conviction, the unity in the Spirit is providing the furtherance and continuance. The very presence of the Spirit in this manner is the absolute proof.
Many of these names and places now seem to go by in a whirlwind. Don't let the pace of the text fool you, plenty is happening. We take a short pause to see the brethren gathering to break bread, which should be our custom as well. Too often we propose this project or that lecture or this meeting when most often the important thing is to share this moment in fellowship, in love and appreciation for the brethren. And if an Apostle like Paul happens to be in town and drop by, so much the better (just keep the windows shut).
An interesting contrast between Psalms and Acts here. The psalmists keep speaking of an enemy that we are not quiet sure of and uncomfortable hearing prayed so strongly against. Here we know the enemy all to well. Because of our close attachment to Paul we feel all the more compelled to pray against his enemies for we sense that they are ours as well.
The acts of the Spirit are now giving indications to many regarding Paul but not necessarily revelations of the exact divine will; or at least they are not accepting it as such. They give their counsel based on their response to the indications not to the will. Of course they are thinking as friends in Paul's best interest and safety; the two things are different. Paul must be prepared not only for what he will soon face but for what they are now facing in this turn of events.
The muddy situation surrounding Paul's arrival to Jerusalem is perfectly clear; there is nothing that Paul will be able to say or do or concede that is going to appease the zealous masses gathering against him. It will be factions of his very own faith that will do him in. We can see that not even the counsel of other Apostles is going to be able to steer him right and may in fact steer him wrong. What is going to happen is going to happen for God has much greater purposes.
Another of the mysterious ways of God. That He could speak to one man in the group and not the others, that this would be His will as if challenging the one man to prove it to the rest/himself. This is not always the case but, seems to happen more times than not. Notice that He doesn't even tell that one man what all he must do, instead stringing together a sequence of other single men and revelations again as if challenging them/him. These wonders are often tests of faith/obedience rather than rewards of such.
Paul's ordained mission was quiet simple as is ours: to witness all that we have seen and heard. Not to be great thinkers or tremendous leaders. Not to attend and have considerable impact in the weekly planning committee meetings. Perhaps these things come as a result. However, no matter what our position or prowess or gifting the mission/intent is exactly the same.
Paul again was simply testifying of the things that happened and were revealed to Him just as he had been asked/commanded. Plain, simple, honest, accurate, uninterpreted objective testimony. This is how the court of opinion reacts to objective evidence that differs from it's predetermined un-objective accessments.
The Lord appeared and stood by Paul. This is the second time, once as a light on the road to Damascus, now bedside in Jerusalem. Note that Jesus did not appear to everyone there at the time of the testimony and riot in Paul's defense, Paul was there to appear in Jesus' defense and after word Jesus appeared in His own time to comfort Paul. This is an important distinction to grasp. Why Jesus does what He does and doesn't do what He doesn't is His masterful judgment to make and as His servants ours' to live within.
How Paul's nephew found out about the Jewish assignation plot we are not told. Being at the right place at the right time I suppose. It could be that someone from within the Jew's confidence sought him out as well; which makes the account all the more interesting.
Paul is seen as the ringleader of the sect. His influence seen throughout the world. They think that they have their man. This legal petition was important enough for them to hire a prominent orator.
A bold move to implicate the chief officer of this court with indiscretion. What about the forty that were sworn to kill Paul before the chief officer could properly process him as a roman citizen?
The appeal to Caesar should be felt as a slap in the face of Festus. It is saying that there is no legal grounds for him to have made the judgment that he made, his motives are obvious and exposed, and that as a Roman citizen I have the right to appeal to a greater/wiser authority than you Festus. Thanks for wasting all this innocent citizen's precious time (my words not his).
Isn't he playing the situation down for the King? Sending him to Jerusalem would be determining a death sentence to Paul. The reason Paul is even in Felix's keep is because of a plot of forty men to ambush the city guard in order to kill Paul.
Pomp is right, first Festus and now Agripa. Neither man is willing to let the man off from these false acquisitions that the state has no business even hearing. Instead they are going to make a show of how just and fair and concerned about getting to the heart of the matter they are. The heart of the matter is them, the duplicity, the political cowardliness, the bribery and corruption surrounding their court.
It is important to remember as you consider your salvation and the salvation of others that God isn't just turning you/them from their own personal sins, He is turning you/them from the power of Satan. It does little good to deal within the micro and to still leave you within the cords of deceit and destruction in the macro.
Liberty? Paul would not have appealed to Caesar if Festus had not insisted on sending him back to Jerusalem where he would have been either ambushed or sentenced to death. How duplicitous can Festus be?
I can't help but think of the secretary of Paul here alongside recording these events. Paul is is certainly convinced "that it shall be even as it was told" him, but, what about this man? How would you like to sit down with this man at the table and see/hear/experience him recount this story? And the many other unwritten stories he could tell?
Through a series of successful prophecies Paul has earned the trust of these foreign men. A counter intuitive decision is made as to the course because of this that saves the entire crew and passenger hold. We must note by it's absence that Paul did not pray to God that the ship would be saved or that shipwreck would be averted as many would, he was open to and receiving divine directions which he passed on to those in charge. Maybe that should be our prayer.
Paul took courage. Even for a man of such deep faith and conviction the process is long and tiring. The sign of other brethren and time spent with them no matter how little has to be a strong encouragement. Not everyone sees fellowship in the same light as Paul. It is a wearing experience all it's own. It is easier fellowshiping with sports fans or business associates even strangers. Perhaps the expectations and roles we assume are too much different. Perhaps we should re-learn what it is to be in Christian fellowship.
Paul must of had some respect from these Roman Jews to have gathered such a meeting at his invite. What began as an opportunity to clear the air concerning what they may or may not have heard about him became a opportunity to evangelize. Th meeting lasted several hours.
...and should be converted... converted to what? The complaint is that Christianity is something new, that Judaism is being added to, the Law is being removed/diminished. The Law is not diminished it is being fulfilled in one person. It is not being added to, it is being completed in the manner it itself has long prescribed. It is not something new if it's leader is someone anticipated ever since kjv@Genesis:3:15.
2012 - pBiblx2 Field Wise Bible System Version 2.0.9d - GPL3
