Interpretive Study of Acts 23-24

Chapter links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, God.

Acts Chapter 23

Chapter theme is: Paul is judged by the Jewish Council for the last time.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C23-S1 (Verse 1), C23-S2 (Verse 2), C23-S3 (Verse 3), C23-S4 (Verse 4), C23-S5 (Verse 5), C23-S6 (Verse 6), C23-S7 (Verse 7), C23-S8 (Verse 8), C23-S9 (Verse 9), C23-S10 (Verse 10), C23-S11 (Verse 11), C23-S12 (Verse 12), C23-S13 (Verse 13), C23-S14 (Verse 14), C23-S15 (Verse 15), C23-S16 (Verse 16), C23-S17 (Verse 17), C23-S18 (Verse 18), C23-S19 (Verse 19), C23-S20 (Verse 20), C23-S21 (Verse 21), C23-S22 (Verse 22), C23-S23 (Verse 23-24), C23-S24 (Verse 25-26), C23-S25 (Verse 27), C23-S26 (Verse 28-29), C23-S27 (Verse 30), C23-S28 (Verse 30), C23-S29 (Verse 31), C23-S30 (Verse 32-33), C23-S31 (Verse 34), C23-S32 (Verse 34-35), C23-S33 (Verse 35)'.

The account continues in the next chapter.

Acts 23:1-9 : Paul addressed the Jewish Council. When he was physically assaulted, and perceived that one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. This resulted in them fighting against each other and they ignored Paul.

Acts 23:10 says: And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. That ended their chance to resolve it locally.

Acts 23:11 says: And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. This, Paul was assured that he would live long enough to get to Rome if not longer. God gives special assurances to saved people who dedicate their lives to Him. However, saved people who refuse to serve God lose even their assurance of salvation.

Acts 23:12-35 : tells us about a band of Jews who took a vow to neither eat not drink until they had killed Paul. The Jewish Council agreed to call for Paul to come to them so that these Jews could kill him. However, Paul's nephew heard of it and warned the chief captain. As a result, he sent Paul to the governor, named Festus, with a large band of soldiers to protect Paul. As a result, Festus commanded Paul to be kept and wait for the Jewish Council to show up and make their accusations.

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C23-S1 (Verse 1) Paul started out trying to win the Jewish religious Council over to the truth.

And Paul,
earnestly beholding the council,
said,
Men and brethren,
I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to where Paul is named within the Bible. Please see the note for Colossians C1S6 for links to every place where the phrase I Paul is used. Please also see the second half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Paul to show us how He uses a pastor / missionary to build the ministry.

Please see the note for Romans C8S18 about the word earnest. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. ern'est. 1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain; having a longing desire; warmly engaged or incited. they are never more earnest to disturb us, than when they see us most earnest in this duty. 2. Ardent; warm; eager; zealous; animated; importunate; as earnest in love; earnest in prayer. 3. Intent; fixed. On that prospect strange their earnest eyes were fixed. 4. Serious; important; that is, really intent or engaged; whence the phrase, in earnest. to be in earnest, is to be really urging or stretching towards an object; intent on a pursuit. Hence, from fixed attention, comes the sense of seriousness in the pursuit, as opposed to trifling or jest. Are you in earnest or in jest?'.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S3 about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation.' Please also see the note for 2:18-19 about the word holding'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The functional definition is: 'Uttering in articulate sounds or words; speaking; telling; relating; reciting'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the notes for Romans C15S15 and 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:2 about the word brethren. The functional definition for this word is: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Romans C11S26 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word good. The functional definition for this word is: 'what comes from God'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S26 about the word goodness. Please also see the note for Mark 14:14 about the word goodman. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday.

Please see the note for Romans C9S1 about the word conscience. The functional definition for this word is: 'A witness inside of ourselves that lets us know if something is right or wrong from a moral perspective'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'earnestly. Ac 23:6; 6:15; 22:5; Pr 28:1 Men. Ac 22:1 exp: Ac 1:16. I have. Ac 24:16; 1Co 4:4; 2Co 1:12; 4:2; 2Ti 1:3; Heb 13:18; 1Pe 3:16 General references. exp: Jer 37:18; Ac 24:16.'.

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C23-S2 (Verse 2) the high priest commanded Paul to be assaulted. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

There is nothing in this opening remark which would justify this type of reaction. This reaction shows that the high priest regarded the prior sentence to be a lie by commanding them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. This type of strike (on the mouth) might be justified after it had been proven that Paul told a lie. But that was not so. Therefore, the high priest, obviously, had already judged Paul and had a closed mind which refused to listen to anything that Paul said. Therefore, Paul's first reaction was correct for another man reacting to his homes statement like the high priest did. The high priest, obviously, was not used to anyone challenging his authority. Here, he was in the place of the Roman Army and acting like he was in charge.

When Paul was told that the high priest had ordered him struck, he changed his tactic. The high priest made a mistake which is common in people who have a position of power. He, and others, abused his position. He ordered Paul struck on the mouth when Paul said nothing to justify such an action. And, we see the leading of our Lord Jesus Christ when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees and used that to get the members of the Council fighting amongst themselves. Thus, Paul did not have to do anything to defend himself and our Lord used the circumstances to remove Paul from the place where the high priest thought that he could abuse his position to mistreat the messenger from God.

Please see the note for Hebrews 4:14 about the word priest. The functional definition for this word is: 'One who represents men before God'. Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest.

Ananias is the same high priest who ordered Jesus crucified and the apostles beaten.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'.. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

The word stood is the past-tense form of the word stand. Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for John 18:23 about the word smite. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '1. to strike; to throw, drive or force against, as the fist or hand, a stone or a weapon; to reach with a blow or a weapon; as, to smite one with the fist; to smite with a rod or with a stone. Whoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matt. 5. 2. to kill; to destroy the life of by beating or by weapons of any kind; as, to smite one with the sword, or with an arrow or other engine. David smote Goliath with a sling and a stone. the Philistines were often smitten with great slaughter. this word, like slay, usually or always signification, that of beating, striking, the primitive mode of killing. We never apply it to the destruction of life by poison, by accident or by legal execution. 3. to blast; to destroy life; as by a stroke or by something sent. the flax and the barley were smitten. Ex. 9. 4. to afflict; to chasten; to punish. Let us not mistake God's goodness, nor imagine, because he smites us, that we are forsaken by him. 5. to strike or affect with passion. See what the charms that smite the simple heart. Smit with the love of sister arts we came'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:64 about the word mouth. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Is sometimes used in Scripture for speaker, Ex 4:16; Jer 15:19. God spoke with Moses "mouth to mouth," Nu 12.8, that is, condescendingly and clearly. the law was to be "in the mouth" of the Hebrews, Ex 13:9, often rehearsed and talked of. "The rod of his mouth," Isa 11:4, and the sharp sword, Re 1:16, denote the power of Christ's word to convict, control, and judge; compare Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12. the Hebrew word for mouth is often translated "command," Ge 45:21; Job 39:27; Ec 8:2; and the unclean spirits out of the mouth of the dragon, Re 16:14, are the ready executors of his commands'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Ananias. Ac 24:1 to smite. 1Ki 22:24; Jer 20:2; Mic 5:1; Mt 26:67; Joh 18:22 General references. exp: Mr 14:65.'.

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C23-S3 (Verse 3) Paul's response to being struck.

Equivalent Section: What Paul said.

Then said Paul unto him,
God shall smite thee,
thou whited wall:.

Equivalent Section: Why.

for sittest thou to judge me after the law,
and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?.

The phrase whited wall means: 'hypocrite' (Matthew 23:27-28). Not only do we have that reference to explain the symbolism, but the rest of our sentence also makes that symbolic meaning clear. This was, apparently, an insult understood by those present because of the response to it which is reported in the next sentence. He was not judged immediately, but, according to the note from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, God did judge him later.

This response should be seen as reasonable by almost everyone. However, those present, at that time, objected to it because the man who ordered Paul struck was the high priest. Paul did not realize that, as he makes clear in the second next sentence. However, the high priest was abusing his position. He was supposed to use his position to represent God, which is why God's people were ordered to respect him for his position. However, instead of representing God, he abused his position to represent a devil. He ordered Paul attacked for stating a simple truth. And, he also did the same with Jesus in John 18:22-23. There, Jesus responded with: If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?. However, he had no excuse for abusing his position.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:36 about the word white. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a symbol of purity (2Ch 5:12; Ps 51:7; Isa 1:18; Re 3:18; 7:14). Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment "white as the light" (Mt 17:2, etc.)'.

Please see the note for Acts 9:24 about the word wall. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Cities were surrounded by walls, as distinguished from "unwalled villages" (Eze 38:11; Le 25:29-34). they were made thick and strong (Nu 13:28; De 3:5). Among the Jews walls were built of stone, some of those in the temple being of great size (1Ki 6:7; 7:9-12; 20:30; Mr 13:1-2). the term is used metaphorically of security and safety (Isa 26:1; 60:18; Re 21:12-20). (See Fence.)'.

Please see the notes for Matthew 7:1 about the word judge. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hear and determine, as in causes on trial; to pass sentence'. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C4S5 and Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase we are to judge. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the notes for Romans C2S2; Philippians 1:9-11 and Psalms 119 about the word judgment. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat. Please also see the notes for Romans 14:10 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat of Christ. Please also see the note for Romans 14:8-LJC and 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S1; Galatians C2-S10 and Psalms 119 about the word law. The functional definition for this word is: 'the set of written or commonly understood rules for acceptable behavior and which can be used by a legal system for punishing offenders'. Please also see the note for Galatians 3:10 about the phrase book of the law. Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of the life. Please also see the notes for Romans C3S31 and 1Corinthians 9:21-LJC about the phrase kinds of laws that apply to us tday. Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase law and faith. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S22 about the phrase Mosaic Law added. Please also see the note for Hebrews 10:28-29 about the phrase New Testament replaces only the religious part of the Mosaic Law. Please also see the note for Hebrews 19:29-LJC about the phrase religious part of Mosaic Law. Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:17 about the word contrary. The functional definition for this word is: 'Opposite; adverse; moving against or in an opposite direction; as contrary winds.'. Please also see the note for Gallatians 2:6-9 about the word contrariwise. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:3 about the word contradiction. The functional definition for this word is: 'Oppositely; on the other hand'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:3 about the word contradiction.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'God. God did smite him in a remarkable manner; for about five years after this, after his house had been reduced to ashes, in a tumult raised by his own son, he was besieged and taken in the royal palace; where having attempted in vain to hide himself, he was dragged out and slain. Thou whited. Mt 23:27-28 for. Le 19:35; Ps 58:1-2; 82:1-2; 94:20; Ec 3:16; Am 5:7; Mic 3:8-11 exp: Lu 11:44. smitten. De 25:1-2; Joh 7:51; 18:24 General references. exp: Nu 20:10; Job 34:18; Ec 3:16.'.

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C23-S4 (Verse 4) the supporters of the high priest rebuked Paul for his honest response.

And they that stood by said,
Revilest thou God's high priest?.

Apparently, the men who traveled with the high priest were used to his abuse and supported his abuse. Yes, as our next sentence tells us, the Jews were ordered to not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. However, the ruler was also ordered to treat God's people right. When a man abuses his position, we are to still treat him as God commands or God will not judge him. But, when we obey God with true faith that God will deal with His man, then God will judge him. It might not be right away, but it will happen according to the promise of God.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word revile. The functional definition for this word is: 'v.t. re and vile. to reproach; to treat with opprobrious and contemptuous language. She revileth him to his face. thou shalt not revile the gods. Ex. 22. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you. Matt. 5'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 4:14 about the word priest. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'One who represents men before God'. Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. exp: Nu 20:10.'.

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C23-S5 (Verse 5) the response from Paul.

Equivalent Section: What Paul said.

Then said Paul,
I wist not,
brethren,
that he was the high priest:.

Equivalent Section: the scriptural basis for his response.

for it is written,
Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

In the Second Equivalent Section, Paul is referencing Exodus 22:28 and Ecclesiastes 10:20.

Please see the note for Luke 2:49 about the words wist / wit. The functional definition for this word is: 'knowledge gained from reasoning''.

Please see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The functional definition for this word is: 'a retained record which can be used for judgment in a court of law'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S13; 2Corinthians 1:13-14; Galatians C3-S12; John 20:31-LJC about the word write Please also see the notes for Luke 6:3-4; the Study called Prove; Ephesians C1S3 and Romans C3S15 about the phrase it is written.

Please see the note for Romans 7:19 about the word evil. The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. the source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word evildoer. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart. Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.

Please see the note for John 7:26 about the word ruler. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'One that governs, whether emperor, king, pope or governor; any one that exercises supreme power over others. 2. One that makes or executes laws in a limited or free government. thus, legislators and magistrates are called rulers. 3. A rule; an instrument of wood or metal with straight edges or sides, by which lines are drawn on paper, parchment or other substance. When a ruler has the lines of chords, tangents, sines, etc. it is called a plane scale'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I wist. Soon after the holding of the first council at Jerusalem, Ananias, son of Nebedenus, was deprived of the high priest's office, for certain acts of violence, and sent to Rome, whence he was afterwards released, and returned to Jerusalem. Between the death of Jonathan, who succeeded him and was murdered by Felix, and the high priesthood of Ismael, who was invested with that office by Agrippa, an interval elapsed in which this dignity was vacant. this was the precise time when Paul was apprehended; and the Sanhedrin being destitute of a president, Ananias undertook to discharge the office. It is probable that Paul was ignorant of this circumstance. Ac 24:17 thou. Ex 22:28; Ec 10:20; 2Pe 2:10; Jude 1:8-9 General references. exp: Nu 20:10; Job 34:18'.

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C23-S6 (Verse 6) Paul identified himself with Pharisees and their doctrine.

Equivalent Section: Paul identified himself with one part of the Jewish Council.

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees,
and the other Pharisees,
he cried out in the council,
Men and brethren,
I am a Pharisee,
the son of a Pharisee:.

Equivalent Section: Paul made told that part of the Jewish Council that he was persecuted for their doctrinal difference with the rest of the Jewish Council.

of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

There is no doubt, in my mind, that God make Paul realize this difference and exploit it. There would be no external sign of the doctrinal groups. However, Paul realized that there was the difference. In addition, the high priest had already demonstrated that he abused his position and had no concern about the truth. He only wanted to murder Paul for daring to disagree with him.

With this truth in mind, Paul realized that his only hope was in dividing the Jewish Council over an issue that each person on the Council was very emotional about. Since they were not going to be reasonable, then it was useless to try to reason with them. And, since they were going to make their decision based upon their emotionally based beliefs, that is what Paul had to use. And, our sentence tells us that Paul did exactly that.

The Council was split because Paul cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. If he had just been a Pharisee, they might have doubted his word. But since he was also the son of a Pharisee there was no doubt because these men understood that a son had the same character as the father. As a second generation Pharisee who said of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question, no one questioned his claim. They started fighting amongst themselves and lost all of their unity because no one called Paul a liar. They could not because Paul was a Pharisee [and] the son of a Pharisee, which made his testimony a type of two witnesses. This verse shows that thee Bible and the Jews understood that a son had the same spirit and character as his father.

Please see the note for John 4:19 about the word perceive. The functional definition for this word is: 'come to understand'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to have knowledge or receive impressions of external objects through the medium or instrumentality of the senses or bodily organs; as, to perceive light or color; to perceive the cold or ice or the taste of honey. 2. to know; to understand; to observe. Till we ourselves see it with our own eyes, and perceive it by our own understanding, we are in the dark. 3. to be affected by; to receive impressions from. the upper regions of the air perceive the collection of the matter of tempests before the air below'.

Please see the note for Luke 20:27-28 about the word Sadducees. The functional definition for this word is: '(followers of Zadok), Mt 3:7; 16:1,6,11-12; 22:23,31; Mr 12:18; Lu 20:27; Ac 4:1; 5:17; 23:6-7,8. a religious party or school among the Jews at the time of Christ, who denied that the oral law was a revelation of God to the Israelites. and who deemed the written law alone to be obligatory on the nation, as of divine authority. Except on one occasion. Mt 16:1,4,6. They also denied the resurrection from the dead'.

Please see the note for John 3:1 about the word Pharisee. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'separatists (Heb persahin, from parash, "to separate"). they were probably the successors of the Asside and (i.e., the "pious"), a party that originated in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes in revolt against his heathenizing policy. the first mention of them is in a description by Josephus of the three sects or schools into which the Jews were divided (B.C. 145). the other two sects were the Essenes and the Sadducees. In the time of our Lord they were the popular party (Joh 7:48). they were extremely accurate and minute in all matters appertaining to the law of Moses (Mt 9:14; 23:15; Lu 11:39; 18:12). Paul, when brought before the council of Jerusalem, professed himself a Pharisee (Ac 23:6-8; 26:4-5).
There was much that was sound in their creed, yet their system of religion was a form and nothing more. theirs was a very lax morality (Mt 5:20; 15:4,8; 23:3,14,23,25; Joh 8:7). On the first notice of them in the New Testament (Mt 3:7), they are ranked by our Lord with the Sadducees as a "generation of vipers." they were noted for their self-righteousness and their pride (Mt 9:11; Lu 7:39; 18:11-12). they were frequently rebuked by our Lord (Mt 12:39; 16:1-4).
From the very beginning of his ministry the Pharisees showed themselves bitter and persistent enemies of our Lord. they could not bear his doctrines, and they sought by every means to destroy his influence among the people'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:3 about the word cry. The functional definition for this word is: 'Loud notorious exclamation as a crying sin or warning'. The word cried is the past-tense form of the word cry.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S18; 1Corinthians C13S10 and Philippians 1:19-20 about the word hope. The functional definition for this word is: 'hope is like faith in that both require us acting upon our belief before we have any factual evidence that we are correct. However, where faith is based upon a promise found in the word of God, hope is based upon the character of God when there is no written promise found'.

Please see the note for 1Peter C1S2 about the word resurrection. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bringing dead people back to life as opposed to a belief in reincarnation which says that the same spirit is given a new physical body in this physical reality. This is one of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the Gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1Co 15:14). In addition, there are times when this word is used for something being lifted higher physically, but even then the Bible reference often has a symbolic spiritual meaning in addition to the physical meaning.'. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections for Bible references to resurrection. Please also see the Appearances of Jesus Christ After the Resurrection Section within the Time Sequence of Gospel Events Study. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord. Please also see the note for 1Peter C1S2 about the word resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Christ. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Jesus. Please also see see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. The functional definition for the word arose. is: 'The past tense of the verb, to arise'. The functional definition for the word arise / arose. is: 'To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as, vapors arise from humid places'. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C15S32 and John 6:39 about the word raise.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. The note for Romans 10:13 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the words call and Lord used together, along with a small note on each reference.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the words dead / death / die. The functional definition for this word is: 'Physical death is separation of soul and spirit from body and the second death is eternal separation from God'. Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.

Please see the note for Mark 1:27 about the word question. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '1. the act of asking; an interrogatory; as, to examine by question and answer. 2. that which is asked; something proposed which is to be solved by answer. What is the question? 3. Inquiry; disquisition; discussion. It is to be put to question, whether it is lawful for christian princes to make an invasive war, simply for the propagation of the faith. 4. Dispute or subject of debate. there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying. John 3. 5. Doubt; controversy; dispute. the story is true beyond all question. this does not bring their truth in question. 6. Trial; examination; judicial trial or inquiry. Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Acts 23. Acts 24. 7. Examination by torture. 8. Endeavor; effort; act of seeking. Not in use. 9. In logic, a proposition stated by way of interrogation. In question, in debate; in the course of examination or discussion; as, the matter or point in question'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Paul. Mt 10:16 I am. Ac 26:5; Php 3:5 of the hope. Ac 24:15,21; 26:6-8; 28:20'.

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C23-S7 (Verse 7) Paul exploited their political divisions.

Equivalent Section: they started fighting each other because of what Paul said in the prior sentence.

And when he had so said,
there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees:.

Equivalent Section: This destroyed their unity and plan to kill Paul.

and the multitude was divided .

They came in united in their plan to kill Paul. However, they failed to realize that Paul was God's man and protected by God. Therefore, they were not fighting against Paul but against God. And, God directed Paul in how to break their unity and cause them to fail in their plan.

Please see the note for Acts 15:2 about the word dissension. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L., to think. Disagreement in opinion, usually a disagreement which is violent, producing warm debates or angry words; contention in words; strife; discord; quarrel; breach of friendship and union. Debates, dissensions, uproars are thy joy. Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension with them. Acts 15. We see dissensions in church and state, in towns, parishes, and families, and the word is sometimes applied to differences which produce war; as the dissensions between the houses of York and Lancaster in England'.

Please see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. The functional definition for this word is: 'To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as, vapors arise from humid places'. The word arose is the past-tense form of the word arise. Please also see the note for Colossians C2-S7 about the word rise.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the state of being many; a great number. 2. A number collectively; the sum of many. 3. A great number, indefinitely. It is a fault in a multitude of preachers, that they utterly neglect method in their harangues. 4. A crowd or throng; the populace; applied to the populace when assembled in great numbers, and to the mass of men without reference to an assemblage. He the vast hissing multitude admires. the multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful'.

Please see the note for Romans C16S20 about the word division. Please also use the link in the sentence outline, above, to see the Word Study on this word. The functional definition for this word is: 'The mathematical function used to separate things by precise rules in order to get precise results. This is part of the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world (1Corinthians 2:7)'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'there. Ac 14:4; Ps 55:9; Mt 10:34; Joh 7:40-43 General references. exp: Joh 7:43; 10:19.'.

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C23-S8 (Verse 8) Why the Council was divided,

Equivalent Section: the doctrine of the Sadducees.

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection,
neither angel,
nor spirit :

Equivalent Section: the disagreement of the Pharisees.

but the Pharisees confess both.

The note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Spirit, says: this sentence is found under other Spirits for the point titled 'Some men, foolishly, deny the existence of other spirits.' this sentence, and the next sentence, are from when the Jewish Religious Council tried to kill Paul. The high priest first made it clear that he was unreasonable and refused to listen to anything that Paul said, even though he was supposed to judge Paul. Since he was closed minded and refused to listen or be reasonable, our Lord Jesus Christ had Paul exploit a political disagreement within the council. They ended up fighting among themselves and Paul was spared their intent to kill him. As crazy as it was, the high priest who condemned Jesus to be crucified and had the apostles beat and tried to have Paul killed was a Sadducee. How messed up does your religion have to be to choose, as your top representative to God, a man who denies the existence of God? And, consider that there are many today who also choose a blind eye to all evidence of the existence of spirits and their doing supernatural things and claim that such an attitude makes them superior, intellectually, to people who believe in spirits.

Our sentence starts with the word For and explains why the prior sentence is true. God had Paul exploit the political division in the Jewish religious Council to the point that they forgot about being united in their desire to kill Paul, and he survived this encounter. Our nest sentence is added to this one by starting with the word and. At a minimum, it must be considered with this sentence for contextual reasons.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information '. Please also see the note for Jude 1:7 about the word archangel.

Please use the link in the sentence above and see the notes for Romans C8S1; Galatians C6S8 and Hebrews 8:10-LJC about the word Spirit. The functional definition is: 'An intelligent being from the spiritual reality which is a super-set of the physical reality'. As seen in the summary part of the Study on Spirit, 'We are made spiritually alive when God's spirit quickens our spirit'. That study also provides links to many more verses which teach the same doctrine. Please use his link for links to every usage in the Bible where we find the phrase Spirit of the Lord. Please see the note for Romans C11S13 about the phrase spirit of slumber. Please see the note for Galatians 6:1 in Word Study on Spirit for links to every place where we find the word spiritual. Please see the notes for Romans C8S40; Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers. Please see the note for 1Peter C1S11 about the phrase spiritual verses physical. Please see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. Please see the note for please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost.

Please see the note for 2John C1S7 about the word confess. The functional definition for this word is: 'a lifestyle which proves the faith that a person claims to have In the Bible confess includes the testimony that you live'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:13-16 about the word confession. The functional definition for this word is: 'Confession is acknowledging something with a lifestyle. There are two applications of This word, one of which is apt to be overlooked. The one is the confession of sin. This was enjoined by the law, and if accompanied with a sacrifice it led to forgiveness. Le 5:5; Nu 5:7. The other application of the term is a changed lifestyle due to the Lord Jesus'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 4:1; Mt 22:23; Mr 12:18; Lu 20:27 exp: Joh 7:43; 10:19; 1Co 15:13.'.

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C23-S9 (Verse 9) the objection from the Pharisees.

Equivalent Section: there was an imediate and loud response.

And there arose a great cry:

Equivalent Section: the Pharisees defended Paul.

and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose,
and strove,
saying,
We find no evil in this man:.

Equivalent Section: they accepted leading from God and angels.

but if a Spirit or an angel hath spoken to him,
let us not fight against God .

The note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Spirit, says: this sentence is found under other Spirits for the point titled 'Some men, foolishly, deny the existence of other spirits.' this verse, and the prior sentence, are from when the Jewish Religious Council tried to kill Paul. The high priest first made it clear that he was unreasonable and refused to listen to anything that Paul said, even though he was supposed to judge Paul. Since he was closed minded and refused to listen or be reasonable, our Lord Jesus Christ had Paul exploit a political disagreement within the council. They ended up fighting among themselves and Paul was spared their intent to kill him. As crazy as it is, the prior sentence said that the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit. Therefore, Paul used the political division. The Pharisees were convinced that the Sadducees wanted to kill Paul strictly because he believed in spirits. And, if they let them kill Paul for that reason, their own deaths would be next. And, the Sadducees were known liars. Therefore, the Pharisees refused to listen to anything that they said was a different reason for their wanting to murder Paul.

Our sentence starts with the word and, which adds it to the prior sentence. At a minimum, the two sentences need to be considered together for contextual requirements. The prior sentence tells us why the sentence before it is true. This sentence adds the reaction of one part of the Jewish religious Council with the end result being that they could not agree to kill Paul and God, again, protected him. When we are relying on God for protection, we need to pay close attention to directions given to us through God's Holy Spirit.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:20 about the word scribe. The functional definition for this word is: 'anciently held various important offices in the public affairs of the nation'.

Please see the note for John 1:41 about the word find. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident'.

The word strove is the past-tense form of the word strive. Please see the note for Romans C15S25 about the word strive. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.i. pret. strove; pp. striven. G. this word coincides in elements with drive, and the primary sense is nearly the same. See Rival. 1. to make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard; applicable to exertions of body or mind. A workman strives to perform his task before another; a student strives to excel his fellows in improvement. Was it for this that his ambition strove to equal Cesar first, and after Jove? Strive with me in your prayers to God for me. Romans 15. Strive to enter in at the strait gate. Luke 8. 2. to contend; to contest; to struggle in opposition to another; to be in contention or dispute; followed by against or with before the person or thing opposed; as, strive against temptation; strive for the truth. My spirit shall not always strive with man. Genesis 6. 3. to oppose by contrariety of qualities. Now private pity strove with public hate, reason with rage, and eloquence with fate. 4. to vie; to be comparable to; to emulate; to contend in excellence. Not that sweet grove of Daphne by Orontes, and the inspird Castalian spring, might with this paradise of Eden strive'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 7:5 about the word fight. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines fighting as: '1. Contending in battle; striving for victory or conquest. 2. a. Qualified for war; fit for battle. A host of fighting men. 2Chron. 26. 3. Occupied in war; being the scene of war; as a fighting field.
FIGHTING, n. Contention; strife; quarrel. Without were fightings, within were fears. 2Cor. 7'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'We. Ac 25:25; 26:31; 1Sa 24:17; Pr 16:7; Lu 23:4,14-15,22 if. Ac 23:8; 9:4; 22:7,17-18; 26:14-19; 27:23; Joh 12:29 let. Ac 5:39; 11:17; 1Co 10:22 General references. exp: Jer 26:16; Joh 7:43; 10:19.'.

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C23-S10 (Verse 10) Paul was removed from the fight by the Jews.

And when there arose a great dissension,
the chief captain,
fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them,
commanded the soldiers to go down,
and to take him by force from among them,
and to bring him into the castle.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence. This sentence tells us that the Jews became violent in their disagreement with each other. In Acts 23:6, we read how Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees. And, the Lord showed Paul how to exploit that disagreement so that they ended up fighting against each other instead of being united is seeking Paul's death'.
The phrase when there arose a great dissension means: 'This is when and why the captain acted'.
The phrase the chief captain means: 'This is who commanded his soldiers to act'.
The phrase fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them means: 'This is the result that he feared if he did not act'.
The phrase commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle means: 'This is the action which he commanded his soldiers to take'..

This sentence ended the chance that the Jewish Council had to resolve the disagreement locally. The next time that they tried to hurt Paul, they had to go to the Governor Felix, who understood what they were trying to do. Felix delayed things and, eventually, Pau7l appealed to Caesar in order to get away from corrupt local politics.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for John 6:19 about the word afraid. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Impressed with fear or apprehension; fearful. this word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear; as, to be afraid of death. Joseph was afraid to sin against God'. Please see the notes for Romans C11S25 and Philippians 1:12-14 about the word fear. The functional definition for this word is: 'A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. the force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us'. Please also see the Study called Fear the Lord. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:26 about the phrase fear not.

Please see the note for Luke 3:14 about the word soldier. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Apart from the common application of this term (for which see ARMY, ARMOUR, etc.) it is used in the N.T. for the service of a Christian. Two things are said of the Christian soldier. He must "endure hardness," that is, share in the suffering incident to warfare; and he must not entangle "himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier": that is, be quite free to obey his Captain in all things. As explained by the centurion, "I say to this man Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh;" so the Christian servant is under authority, and unhesitating obedience is what should characterise the soldier of Jesus Christ: he must be prepared to endure hardships, and to suffer with his Captain. Mt 8:9; 2Ti 2:3-4'.

Please see the note for John 6:15 about the word force. The functional definition for this word is: 'Strength; active power; vigor; might; energy that may be exerted; that physical property in a body which may produce action or motion in another body, or may counteract such motion. By the force of the muscles we raise a weight, or resist an assault'.

Please see the note for Acts 21:34 about the word castle. The functional definition for this word is: 'A military fortress'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'fearing. Ac 23:27; 19:28-31; 21:30-36; Ps 7:2; 50:22; Mic 3:3; Jas 1:19; 3:14-18; 4:1-2 to take. Ac 22:24 General references. exp: Pr 24:11; Joh 7:43; 10:19.'.

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C23-S11 (Verse 11) The Lord reassured Paul.

Equivalent Section: The Lord appeared to Paul.

And the night following the Lord stood by him,
and said,
Be of good cheer,
Paul:.

Equivalent Section: Paul would be a witness in Rome.

for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem,
so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

in this sentence, Paul was assured that he would live long enough to get to Rome if not longer. God gives special assurances to saved people who dedicate their lives to Him. However, saved people who refuse to serve God lose even their assurance of salvation.

Our sentence starts with the word and, which adds it to the prior sentences. Most likely, Paul was beginning to wonder if he would make it to Rome because of all of the attacks by the Jewish religious Council. Regardless of what we may think that Paul needed or felt, The Lord knew that he needed this assurance and gave it to Him.

Psalms 19:7 says: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The testimony of the LORD is how the Lord has worked in the lives of others in the past. And, since the testimony of the LORD is sure, we can be sure that the Lord will deal with us the same way if we serve Him the same way. The problem is that most people think that they are more faithful in their service that what the Lord thinks. It is not His reliability but is our opinion of yourself and our service to God.

Please see the note for John 11:10 about the word night. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as '(1) the time of distress (Isa 21:12). (2) Death, the time when life's day is over (Joh 9:4). (3) Children of night, i.e. dark deeds, filthiness, which shuns daylight (1Th 5:5). (4) the present life, compared with the believer's bright life to come (Ro 13:12)'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S16 about the word follow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction. Soldiers will usually follow a brave officer'. Please also see the note for Romans C14S25 about the phrase follow after. Please also see the note for Mark 2:14 about the phrase follow me.

Please see the note for Romans C12S5 about the word cheer. The functional definition for this word is: 'A shout of joy; as, they gave three cheers. 2. A state of gladness or joy; a state of animation, above gloom and depression of spirits, but below mirth, gayety and jollity. Son, be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee. Mat. 9. then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. Acts. 27. 3. Mirth; gayety; jollity; as at a feast. 4. Invitation to gayety. 5. Entertainment; that which makes cheerful; provisions for a feast. the table was loaded with good cheer. 6. Air of countenance, noting a greater or less degree of cheerfulness. His words their drooping cheer Enlightened'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 23:11; Acts 24:11; Acts 27:22; Acts 27:25; Acts 27:36.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:3 about the word testify. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a statement which is intended to be used in a court of law if necessary'. Please also see the note forPsalms 119 about the words testimony / testimonies. Please also see the Message called Testimony of God.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about Jerusalem. The functional definition for this word is: 'the central place of worship of the true God'. Several Bible dictionaries have quite large entries about Jerusalem because it is so important within the Bible and within world history outside of the Bible.

Please see the note for Romans C13S8 about the phrase must needs. The functional definition for this word is: 'This choice is not optional'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S1 about the word bear (verb). The functional definition for this word is: 'to carry a load over a period of time'.

Please see the note for Acts 2:10 about Rome. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'the famous capital of the ancient world, is situated on the Tiber at a distance of about 15 miles from its mouth. the "seven hills,"
Re 17:9: which formed the nucleus of the ancient city stand on the left bank. On the opposite side of the river rises the far higher side of the Janiculum. Here from very early times was a fortress with a suburb beneath it extending to the river. Modern Rome lies to the north of the ancient city, covering with its principal portion the plain to the north of the seven hills, once known as the Campus Martius, and on the opposite bank extending over the low ground beneath the Vatican to the north of the ancient Janiculum. Rome is not mentioned in the Bible except in the books of Maccabees and in three books of the New Testament, viz., the Acts, the Epistle to the Romans and the Second Epistle to Timothy.
1. Jewish inhabitants. the conquests of Pompey seem to have given rise to the first settlement of Jews at Rome. the Jewish king Aristobulus and his son formed part of Pompey's triumph, and many Jewish captives and immigrants were brought to Rome at that time. A special district was assigned to them, not on the site of the modern Ghetto, between the Capitol and the island of the Tiber, but across the Tiber. Many of these Jews were made freedmen. Julius Caesar showed them some kindness; they were favored also by Augustus, and by Tiberius during the latter part of his reign. It is chiefly in connection with St. Paul's history that Rome comes before us in the Bible. In illustration of that history it may be useful to give some account of Rome in the time of Nero, the "Caesar" to whom St. Paul appealed, and in whose reign he suffered martyrdom.
2. the city in Paul's time. --The city at that time must be imagined as a large and irregular mass of buildings unprotected by an outer wall. It had long outgrown the old Servian wall; but the limits of the suburbs cannot be exactly defined. Neither the nature of the buildings nor the configuration of the ground was such as to give a striking appearance to the city viewed from without. "Ancient Rome had neither cupola nor camyanile," and the hills, never lofty or imposing, would present, when covered with the buildings and streets of a huge city, a confused appearance like the hills of modern London, to which they have sometimes been compared. the visit of St. Paul lies between two famous epochs in the history of the city, viz, its restoration by Augustus and its restoration by Nero. the boast of Augustus is well known, "that he found the city of brick, and left it of marble." Some parts of the city, especially the forum and Campus Martius, must have presented a magnificent appearance, of which Niebur's "Lectures on Roman History," ii. 177, will give a general idea; but many of the principal buildings which attract the attention of modern travellers in ancient Rome were not yet built. the streets were generally narrow and winding, flanked by densely crowded lodging-houses (insulae) of enormous height. Augustus found it necessary to limit their height to 70 feet. St, Paul's first visit to Rome took place before the Neronian conflagration but even after the restoration of the city which followed upon that event, many of the old evils continued. the population of the city has been variously estimated. Probably Gibbon's estimate of 1,200,000 is nearest to the truth. One half of the population consisted, in all probability, of slaves. the larger part of the remainder consisted of pauper citizens supported in idleness by the miserable system of public gratuities. there appears to have been no middle class, and no free industrial population. Side by side with the wretched classes just mentioned was the comparatively small body of the wealthy nobility, of whose luxury and profligacy we learn so much from the heathen writers of the time, Such was the population which St. Paul would find at Rome at the time of his visit. We learn from the Acts of the Apostles that he was detained at Rome for "two whole years," "dwelling in his own hired house with a soldier that kept him,"
Ac 28:16,30: to whom apparently, according to Roman custom, he was hound with a chain.
Ac 28:20; Eph 6:20; Phm 1:13: Here he preached to all that came to him, no man forbidding him.
Ac 28:30-31: It is generally believed that on his "appeal to Caesar" he was acquitted, and after some time spent in freedom, was a second time imprisoned at Rome. Five of his epistles, viz., those to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, that to Philemon, and the Second Epistle to Timothy, were in all probability written from Rome, the latter shortly before his death
2Ti 4:6: the others during his first imprisonment. It is universally believed that he suffered martyrdom at Rome.
3. the localities in and about Rome especially connected with the life of Paul are-- (1) the Appian Way, by which he approached Rome.
Ac 28:15
(2) "The palace," Or "Caesar's court" (praetorium,)
Phm 1:13: this may mean either the great camp of the Praetorian guards which Tiberius established outside the walls on the northeast of the city, or, as seems more probable, a barrack attached to the imperial residence on the Palatine. there is no sufficient proof that the word "praetorium" was ever used to designate the emperors palace, though it is used for the official residence of a Roman governor.
Joh 18:28; Ac 23:35: the mention of "Caesar's household,"
Phm 1:25: confirms the notion that St. Paul's residence was in the immediate neighborhood of the emperor's house on the Palatine. (3) the connection of other localities at home with St. Paul's name rests only on traditions of more or less probability. We may mention especially-- (4) the Mamertine prison, of Tullianum, built by Ancus Martius near the forum. It still exists beneath the church of St. Giuseppe dei Falegnami. It is said that St. Peter and St. Paul were fellow prisoners here for nine months. this is not the place to discuss the question whether St. Peter was ever at Rome. It may be sufficient to state that though there is no evidence of such a visit in the New Testament, unless Babylon in
1Pe 5:13: is a mystical name for Rome yet early testimony and the universal belief of the early Church seems sufficient to establish the fact of his having suffered martyrdom there. [PETER] the story, however, of the imprisonment in the Mamertine prison seems inconsistent with
See Peter : 2Ti 4:11
(5) the chapel on the Ostian road which marks the spot where the two apostles are said to, have separated on their way to martyrdom. (6)The supposed scene of St. Paul's martyrdom, viz., the church of St. Paolo alle tre fontane on the Ostian road. to these may be added -- (7) the supposed scene of St. Peter's martyrdom, viz., the church of St. Pietro in Montorio, on the Janiculum. (8) the chapel Domine que Vadis, on the Aypian road,the scene of the beautiful legend of our Lord's appearance to St. Peter as he was escaping from martyrdom. (9) the places where the bodies of the two apostles, after having been deposited first in the catacombs, are supposed to have been finally buried --that of St. Paul by the Ostian road, that of St. Peter beneath the dome of the famous Basilica which bears his name. We may add, as sites unquestionably connected with the Roman Christians of the apostolic age-- (10) the gardens of Nero in the Vatican. Not far from the spot where St. Peter's now stands. Here Christians, wrapped in the skins of beasts, were torn to pieces by dogs, or, clothed in inflammable robes, were burnt to serve as torches during the midnight games. Others were crucified. (11) the Catacombs. these subterranean galleries, commonly from 8 to 10 feet in height and from 4 to 6 in width, and extending for miles, especially in the neighborhood of the old Appian and Nomentan Ways, were unquestionably used as places of refuge, of worship and of burial by the early Christians. the earliest dated inscription in the catacombs is A.D. 71. Nothing is known of the first founder of the Christian Church at Rome. Christianity may, perhaps, have been introduced into the city not long after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost by the "strangers of Rome, who were then at Jerusalem,
Ac 2:10: It is clear that there were many Christians at Rome before St. Paul visited the city.
Ro 1:8,13,15; 15:20: the names of twenty-four Christians at Rome are given in the salutations at the end of the Epistle to the Romans. Linus, who is mentioned
2Ti 4:21: and Clement, Phil 4:3 are supposed to have succeeded St. Peter as bishops of Rome'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Lord. Ac 2:25; 18:9; 27:23-24; Ps 46:1-2; 109:31; Isa 41:10,14; 43:2; Jer 15:19-21; Mt 28:20; Joh 14:18; 2Co 1:8-10 exp: 2Ti 4:17. Be. Ac 27:22,25; Mt 9:2; 14:27; Joh 16:33 for. Ac 19:21; 20:22; 22:18; 28:23-28; Ro 1:15-16; Php 1:13; 2Ti 4:17 must. Ac 28:30-31; Isa 46:10; Joh 11:8-10'.

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C23-S12 (Verse 12) the conspiracy to kill Paul.

And when it was day,
certain of the Jews banded together,
and bound themselves under a curse,
saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Here we see that it wasn't just the religious leaders but that they also convinced other Jews that they would serve God by murdering God's true witness. Somebody said that there have been more wars fought over religion than over anything else. I don't know if that's true but people often involve religion in their recruitment efforts when going to way. The true God of the Bible never tells people to murder others. That is the way of Cain

Please see the note for John 7:3 about the words Jewry / Judaea / Judea / Judah. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This name occurs in Ezr 5:8 for the territory of Judah; in Da 5:13 the same is called JEWRY. In the N.T. the name at times refers to a much larger district, including all south of about 32 5' N with the plain on the west border of the land to mount Carmel as generally shown on N.T. maps. the land was thus divided by Rome, with Samaria in the centre, and Galilee in the north. In Lu 3:1 Judaea embraces the above and Samaria; but in other passages a smaller area than the above is implied. Ac 12:19 speaks of Herod going down from Judaea to Caesarea, whereas Caesarea would be part of the Judaea of the Romans. Paul, in Ga 1:22; 1Th 2:14, speaks of the 'churches of Judaea' which would seem to embrace the whole of Palestine. the context will almost always show the extent of the district intended. It is called JEWRY in Lu 23:5; Joh 7:1.'. the functional definition is: 'The area of land generally associated with the Southern Kingdom and religious control by Jewish rulers but which varies in size from one reference to another'.

Please see the note for Mark 15:16 about the word band. The functional definition for this word is: 'Any narrow ligament with which a thing is bound. To unite; to associate; to confederate for some common purpose'.

Please also see the note for Luke 8:29 about the word bound. Please also see the note for Mark 3:27 about the word bind. The functional definition of the word bound is: 'Past-tense of bind. As a participle, made fast by a band, or by chains or fetters; obliged by moral ties; confined; restrained'. The functional definition of the word bind is: 'To tie together, or confine with a cord, or anything that is flexible; to fasten as with a band, fillet or ligature'.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S4 about the word curse. The functional definition for this word is: 'Doomed to destruction or misery'. The word accursed is similar the word curse. The difference is that something which is accursed has that state permanently While a curse can be removed. Further, When someone is accursed, they spread the curse to everything associated with them like leprosy did.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S2; 1Corinthians C11S37 and Hebrews 13:10 about the word eat. The functional definition for this word is: 'Besides the common use of this word, it is employed symbolically for to 'consume, destroy:' they "eat up my people as they eat bread." Ps 14:4; cf. Pr 30:14; Hab 3:14; 2Ti 2:17. Also for receiving, digesting, and delighting in God's words'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:23 about the words drink / drank. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The drinks of the Hebrews were water, wine, "strong drink," and vinegar. their drinking vessels were the cup, goblet or "basin," the "cruse" or pitcher, and the saucer. to drink water by measure (Eze 4:11), and to buy water to drink (La 5:4), denote great scarcity. to drink blood means to be satiated with slaughter. the Jews carefully strained their drinks through a sieve, through fear of violating the law of Le 11:20,23,41-42. (See Mt 23:24. "Strain at" should be "strain out.")'. The symbolic meaning was well understood in the ancient cultures and is still considered significant by many religions of today.

Please see the note for Romans C13S12 about the word kill. Webster's 1828 defines the word kill as: 'v.t. 1. to deprive of life, animal or vegetable, in any manner or by any means. to kill an animal or a plant, is to put an end to the vital functions, either by destroying or essentially injuring the org and necessary to life, or by causing them to cease from action. An animal may be killed by the sword or by poison, by disease or by suffocation. A strong solution of salt will kill plants. 2. to butcher; to slaughter for food; as, to kill an ox. 3. to quell; to appease; to calm; to still; as, in seamen's language, a shower of rain kills the wind'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'certain. Ac 23:21,30; 25:3; Ps 2:1-3; 64:2-6; Isa 8:9-10; Jer 11:19; Mt 26:4 bound. 1Ki 19:2; 2Ki 6:31; Mt 27:25; Mr 6:23-26 under a curse. or, with an oath of execration. Le 27:29; Jos 6:26; 7:1,15; Ne 10:29; Mt 26:74 (Gr) 1Co 16:22; Ga 3:13 that. Such execrable vows as these were not unusual among the Jews, who, from their perverted traditions, challenged to themselves a right of punishing without any legal process, those whom they considered transgressors of the law; and in some cases, as in the case of one who had forsaken the law of Moses, they thought they were justified in killing them. they therefore made no scruple of acquainting the chief priests and elders with their conspiracy against the life of Paul, and applying for their connivance and support; who, being chiefly of the sect of the Sadducees, and the apostle's bitterest enemies, were so far from blaming them for it, that they gladly aided and abetted them in this mode of dispatching him, and on its failure they soon afterwards determined upon making a similar attempt. (Ac 25:2-3.) If these were, in their bad way, conscientious men, they were under no necessity of perishing for hunger, when the providence of God had hindered them from accomplishing their vow; for their vows of abstinence from eating and drinking were as easy to loose as to bind, any of their wise men or Rabbis having power to absolve them, as Dr. Lightfoot has shown from the Talmud. 1Sa 14:24,27-28,40-44; Ps 31:13 exp: Ps 11:2. General references. exp: Jer 11:9.'.

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C23-S13 (Verse 13) the number of men who made this conspiracy.
And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:17 about the word forty. That note has several notes from other commentators. The functional definition for this word is: 'This number is symbolically associated with the judgment of God'.

We find forms of the word conspiracy in: Genesis 37:18; 1Samuel 22:8; 1Samuel 22:13; 2Samuel 15:12; 2Samuel 15:31; 1Kings 15:27; 1Kings 16:9; 1Kings 16:16; 2Kings 9:14; 2Kings 10:9; 2Kingsi 12:20; 2Kings 14:19; 2Kings 15:10; 2Kings 15:15; 2Kings 15:25; 2Kings 15:30; 2Kings 17:4; 2Kings 21:23; 2Kings 21:24; 2Chronicles 24:21; 2Chronicles 24:25; 2Chronicles 24:26; 2Chronicles 25:27; 2Chronicles 33:24; 2Chronicles 33:25; Nehemiah 4:8; Jeremiah 11:9; Ezekiel 22:25; Amos 7:10; Acts 23:13. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'A combination of men for an evil purpose; an agreement between two or more persons, to commit some crime in concert; particularly, a combination to commit treason, or excite sedition or insurrection against the government of a state; a plot; as a conspiracy against the life of a king; a conspiracy against the government. More than forty had made this conspiracy. Acts 23. 2. In law, an agreement between two or more persons, falsely and maliciously to indict, or procure to be indicted, an innocent person of felony. 3. A concurrence; a general tendency of two or more causes to one event'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'which. 2Sa 15:12,31; Joh 16:2 General references. exp: Jer 11:9.'.

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C23-S14 (Verse 14) they told their plan to the chief priests and elders.

And they came to the chief priests and elders,
and said,
We have bound ourselves under a great curse,
that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Since the chief priests and elders did not discourage this conspiracy, they also became guilty of this sin.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:1 about the word elder. The functional definition for this word is: 'An older saved person within the church who has Godly wisdom and is accepted as a leader in the church even if he has no formal position within the church'.

Please see the note for Luke 9:22 about the word slain. The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. of slay; so written for slayen. Killed'. Please also see the note for Luke 11:49-51 about the word slay.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ps 52:1-2; Isa 3:9; Jer 6:15; 8:12; Ho 4:9; Mic 7:3 exp: Jer 11:9.'.

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C23-S15 (Verse 15) the part the Jewish Council were supposed to play in the conspiracy.

Equivalent Section: What they were to do.

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow,
as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him:.

Equivalent Section: What the men with a vow were to do.

and we,
or ever he come near,
are ready to kill him.

Here we see their plan. However, they ignored God and the fact that they were really fighting against God. They thought that they served God but the god they were listening to did not have the character of the true God. Their god told them to murder. The true God is life and love. We need to be careful to consider the character of ant spirit which we listen to. That is why learning the true nature of our God is the most important thing we can do. Without knowing His nature, we can be led into sin by a devil claiming to be God.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word therefore. The functional definition is: 'what follows the therefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the therefore and result is only seen there'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 9:7-10 about the word signify. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to make known something, either by signs or words; to express or communicate to another any idea, thought, wish, a hod, wink, gesture, signal or other sign. A man signifies his mind by his voice or by written characters; he may signify his mind by a nod or other motion, provided the person to whom he directs it, understands what is intend by it. A general or an admiral signifies his commands by signals to officers as a distance.
2. to mean; to have or contain a certain sense. the word sabbath signifies rest. Less, in composition, as in faithless, signifies destitution or want. the prefix re, in recommend, seldom signifies anything.
3. to import; to weigh; to have consequence; used in particular phrases; as, it signifies much or little; it signifies nothing. What does it signify? What signify the splendors of a court? Confession of sin without reformation of life, can signify nothing in the view of God.
4. to make known; to declare. the government should signify to the protestants of Ireland that want of silver is not to be remedied'.

Please see the note for Acts 17:11 about the words readiness / ready. Webster's 1828 defines the word ready as: 'a. red'y. Eng. to rid; redo, ready; rida, to ride; bereda, to prepare. Gr. easy. the primary sense is to go, move, or advance forward, and it seems to be clear that ready, ride, read, riddle, are all of one family, and probably from the root of L. gradior. See Read and Red. 1. Quick; prompt; not hesitating; as ready wit; a ready consent. 2. Quick to receive or comprehend; not slow or dull; as a ready apprehension. 3. Quick in action or execution; dextrous; as an artist ready in his business; a ready writer. Ps. 45. 4. Prompt; not delayed present in hand. He makes ready payment; he pays ready money for every thing he buys. 5. Prepared; fitted; furnished with what is necessary, or disposed in a manner suited to the purpose; as a ship ready for sea. My oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Matt 22. 6. Willing; free; cheerful to do or suffer; not backward or reluctant; as a prince always ready to grant the reasonable requests of his subjects. The spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14. I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21. 7. Willing; disposed. Men are generally ready to impute blame to others. they are more ready to give than to take reproof. 8. Being at the point; near; not distant; about to do or suffer. A Syrian ready to perish was my father. Deut. 26. Job 29. Ps. 88. 9. Being nearest or at hand. A sapling pine he wrench'd from out the ground, the readiest weapon that his fury found. 10. Easy; facile; opportune; short; near, or most convenient; the Greek sense. Sometimes the readiest way which a wise man has to conquer, is to flee. Through the wild desert, not the readiest way. The ready way to be thought mad, is to contend you are not so. 1. to make ready, to prepare; to provide and put in order. 2. An elliptical phrase, for make things ready; to make preparations; to prepare. READY, adv. red'y. In a state of preparation, so as to need no delay. We ourselves will go ready armed before the house of Israel. Num. 32.
READY, n. red'y. forready money. Lord Strut was not flush in ready, either to go to law, or to clear old debts. A low word.'. Webster's 1828 defines the word readiness as: 'n. red'iness. from ready. 1. Quickness; promptness; promptitude; facility; freedom from hinderance or obstruction; as readiness of speech; readiness of thought; readiness of mind in suggesting an answer; readiness of reply. 2. Promptitude; cheerfulness; willingness; alacrity; freedom from reluctance; as, to grant a request or assistance with readiness. They received the word with all readiness of mind. Acts 17. 3. A state of preparation; fitness of condition. the troops are in readiness'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:12-13 about the word morrow. The functional definition for this word is: 'The day next after the present'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:23 about the word inquire. The functional definition for this word is: ' to ask a question; to seek for truth or information by asking questions. We will call the damsel and inquire at her mouth. Gen.24'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C2S5 and 2Timothy C3S10 about the word perfect. The functional definition for this word is: 'Properly, whole, entire or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:1 about the word concern. The functional definition for this word is: 'Pertaining to; regarding; having relation to'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that he. Ac 25:3; Ps 21:11; 37:32-33; Pr 1:11-12,16; 4:16; Isa 59:7; Ro 3:14-16 General references. exp: Jer 11:9.'.

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C23-S16 (Verse 16) God let Paul's nephew hear and had hil warn Paul.

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait,
he went and entered into the castle,
and old Paul.

Remember that this is really a spiritual war between God and devils with both sides using men as their proxies. Men think they have everything planned out without realizing they are being used by devils to fight against God. What is going on makes more sense when we keep in mind the spiritual battle which actually motivates the actions of the people involved.

Please see the note for Romans C16S1 about the word sister. The functional definition for this word is: 'a saved woman or a female child of the same parent as another identified person'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the note for Acts 1:1 about the word wait. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'The sense is to stop, or to continue. 1. to stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary, till the arrival of some person or event. thus we say, I went to the place of meeting, and there waited an hour for the moderator or chairman. I will go to the hotel, and there wait till you come. We will wait for the mail. 2. to stay proceedings, or suspend any business, in expectation of some person, event, or the arrival of some hour. the court was obliged to wait for a witness. 3. to rest in expectation and patience. All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 14. 4. to stay; not to depart. Haste, my dear father, tis no time to wait. 5. to stay; to continue by reason of hindrance. 6. to lie in ambush, as an enemy.
Such ambush waited to intercept thy way. to wait on or upon, to attend, as a servant; to perform menial services for; as, to wait on a gentleman; to wait on the table. to wait on, 1. to attend; to go to see; to visit on business or for ceremony. Tell the gentleman I will wait on him at ten oclock. 2. to pay servile or submissive attendance. 3. to follow, as a consequence; as the ruin that waits on such a supine temper. Instead of this, we use await. 4. to look watchfully. It is a point of cunning to wait on him with whom you speak, with your eye. Unusual. 5. to attend to; to perform. Aaron and his sons shall wait on their priests office. Numbers 3, 8. Romans 12. 6. to be ready to serve; to obey. Psalm 25. Proverbs 20. to wait at, to attend in service; to perform service at. 1 Corinthians 9. to wait for, to watch, as an enemy. Job 15'. Please also see the note for Luke 2:25 about the word waiting.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word enter. The functional definition for this word is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'.

Please see the note for Acts 21:34 about the word castle. The functional definition for this word is: 'A military fortress'.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Job 5:13; Pr 21:30; La 3:37; 1Co 3:19 he went. 2Sa 17:17'.

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C23-S17 (Verse 17) Paul sent the message to the chief captain.

Equivalent Section: Paul used a centurion to take the message.

Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him,
and said,
Bring this young man unto the chief captain:.

Equivalent Section: Why.

for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

Here we see that God used this young man to deliver the warning. God can use any way that he wants to deliver a message to the saved. Often, God's people suffer because they ignore a warning because they think that God's messenger is beneath them and can't be used by God to deliver a message. Beware of pride.

Please see the note for Mark 15:39 about the word centurion. The functional definition for this word is: 'A Roman officer in command of a hundred men (Mr 15:39,44- 45)'.

Please see the note for Luke 15:11-12 about the word young. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Not having been long born; being in the first part of life; not old; used of animals; as a young child; a young man; a young fawn. 2. Being in the first part of growth; as a young plant; a young tree. 3. Ignorant; weak; or rather, having little experience. Come, elder brother, thourt too young in this. YOUNG, n. the offspring of animals, either a single animal, or offspring collectively. the cow will take care of her young, as will the hen. Animals make provision for their young'. Please also see the note for Romans 9:10-12 about the word younger. Please also see the note for Mark 10:20 about the word youth.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'one. Ac 23:23; 22:26; Pr 22:3; Mt 8:8-9; 10:16'.

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C23-S18 (Verse 18) the centurion did as asked..

So he took him,
and brought him to the chief captain,
and said,
Paul the prisoner called me unto him,
and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee,
who hath something to say unto thee.

It should be obvious that even the Roman soldiers understand that Paul is more than a common prisoner. Yes, the centurion calls Paul a prisoner, but he shows Paul more respect than a common prisoner would receive.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:12 about the word prison. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of detainment and confiment used by a government'. Please also see the note for Philemon 1:1 about the word prisoner. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:3 about the word imprisonment.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25 and 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word pray. The functional definition for this word is: 'talking to God'. Please also see the Doctrinal Study called Pray for links to papers on prayer.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Paul. Ac 16:25; 27:1; 28:17; Ge 40:14-15; Eph 3:1; 4:1; Phm 1:9 something. Lu 7:40'.

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C23-S19 (Verse 19) the chief captain was careful about handling the young man.

Then the chief captain took him by the hand,
and went with him aside privately,
and asked him,
What is that thou hast to tell me?.

Apparently this was a younger man as shown by the way that the chief captain treated him.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12 and Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. The functional definition for this word is: 'In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument. Often used symbolically for ability'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The functional definition for this word is: 'To physically grab with the intention of doing great harm which, usually, ends in death'.

Please see the note for Luke 9:10 about the word aside. The functional definition for this word is: 'Distinct from others, privately, to withdraw'. In this sentence, the chief captain separated himself from other soldiers so that he could receive the warning privately.

Please see the note for Mark 13:3-4 about the word privately. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. from privy. Privately; secretly. --False teachers among you, who shall privily bring in damnable heresies. 2 Pet.2'. Please also see the note for Acts 5:1 about the word privy.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:7 about the word ask. The functional definition for this word is: 'To inquire, to seek for counsel, to request'.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'took. Jer 31:32; Mr 8:23; 9:27 What. Ne 2:4; Es 5:3; 7:2; 9:12; Mr 10:51'.

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C23-S20 (Verse 20) the young man told their plan.

And he said,
The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council,
as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the word agree. The functional definition for this word is: 'Concord; harmony; conformity'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S1; 2Corinthians 5:2-3 and Galatians 4:9; Philippians 1:23-24 about the word desire. The functional definition for this word is: 'An emotion or excitement of the mind, directed to the attainment or possession of an object from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected; a passion excited by the love of an object, or uneasiness at the want of it, and directed to its attainment or possession. Desire is a wish to possess some gratification or source of happiness which is supposed to be obtainable'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:12-13 about the word morrow. The functional definition for this word is: 'The day next after the present'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:12-13 about the word morrow. The functional definition for this word is: 'The day next after the present'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'The Jews. Ac 23:12 as. Ac 23:15; Ps 12:2; Da 6:5-12'.

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C23-S21 (Verse 21) the warning.

Equivalent Section: What to not do.

But do not thou yield unto them:

Equivalent Section: Why.

for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men,
which have bound themselves with an oath,
that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him:.

Equivalent Section: their hope.

and now are they ready,
looking for a promise from thee.

Please see the note for Romans C6S18 about the word yield. The functional definition for this word is: ' to give up the contest; to submit'.

Please see the note for Mark 6:26 about the word oath. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a solemn appeal to God, permitted on fitting occasions (De 6:13; Jer 4:2), in various forms (Ge 16:5; 2Sa 12:5; Ru 1:17; Ho 4:15; Ro 1:9), and taken in different ways (Ge 14:22; 24:2; 2Ch 6:22). God is represented as taking an oath (Heb 6:16-18), so also Christ (Mt 26:64), and Paul (Ro 9:1; Ga 1:20; Php 1:8). the precept, "Swear not at all," refers probably to ordinary conversation between man and man (Mt 5:34,37). But if the words are taken as referring to oaths, then their intention may have been to show "that the proper state of Christians is to require no oaths; that when evil is expelled from among them every yea and nay will be as decisive as an oath, every promise as binding as a vow"'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:4 about the word look. The functional definition for this word is: 'To direct the eye towards an object, with the intention of seeing it'. Please also see the note for Galatians C6S6 about the phrase LORD looketh on the heart.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S15; Galatians C3-S15; 1Timothy 4:8 and Titus 1:2 about the word promise. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it, either in honor, conscience or law, to do or forbear a certain act specified; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made, a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of the act'. Please also see the Section on Promises in the Doctrinal Studies called SignificantGospel Events and Significant New Testament Events.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'do not. Ex 23:2 for. Ac 23:12-14; 9:23-24; 14:5-6; 20:19; 25:3; 2Co 11:26,32-33 an oath. Ac 23:14; Ro 9:3'.

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C23-S22 (Verse 22) the young man was sent away with a warning to say nothing. .

So the chief captain then let the young man depart,
and charged him,
See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

The chief captain warned this young man because youth tend to be foolish and brag about the things that they do. If he had done so, and the Jews heard about it, he would be killed for giving the warning. People who warn others, especially about the judgment of God, are rarely thanked and often persecuted for their giving a warning.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word depart. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to go or move from. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire. Matt. 25. It is followed by from, or from is implied before the place left. I will depart to my own land, that is, I will depart from this place to my own land. Num. 10. 2. to go from; to leave; to desist, as from a practice. Jehu departed not from the sins of Jeroboam. Jehoshaphat departed not from the way of Asa his father'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 1:3-4 about the word charge. The functional definition for this word is: 'A superior authority gives a formal and legal command to a subordinate which includes the necessary rights and responsibilities to accomplish the assigned task'. Please also see the Message called A Pastoral Charge about the seven charges, that are in 1Timothy. Please also see the note for Luke 21:34 about the word overcharge. Please also see the note for Mark 6:25 about the word charger.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S8 about the word shew. The functional definition for this word is: 'The Biblical spelling for the word show, which means: to exhibit or present to the view of others'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Away. Ac 7:54-57; 21:36; 25:24; Lu 23:18; Joh 19:15 for. Ac 25:24 General references. exp: Ac 21:36; 1Co 4:13.'.

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C23-S23 (Verse 23-24) the chief captain made pl and to deliver Paul safely to the governor.

First Step: He ordered the number of soldiers to keep Paul safe..

And he called unto him two centurions,
saying,
Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea,
and horsemen threescore and ten,
and spearmen two hundred,
at the third hour of the night;.

Second Step: He ordered Paul delivered safe.

And provide them beasts,
that they may set Paul on,
and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

If the reader thinks about these numbers, it would seem excessive against forty men. However, when men have taken a vow to die and to not eat nor drink until they accomplish their purpose, they fight much more desperately than normal. In addition, the chief captain could not be sure that there were only forty men. Further, he knew how fanatical the Jews could be about their religious beliefs, especially with the severally attempts by them to kill Paul. Finally, as chief captain, it was his job to make sure that the goal was accomplished. If that meant sending what seemed to be an over-abundance of soldiers, so be it.

Please see the note for Mark 15:39 about the word centurion. The functional definition for this word is: 'A Roman officer in command of a hundred men (Mr 15:39,44- 45)'.

Please see the note for Mark 8:27 about the word Caesarea. The functional definition for this word is: 'A city on the Mediterranean which was visited by our Savior shortly before his transfiguration'.

Please see the note for Romans C12S15 about the word provide. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. provideo, literally to see before; pro and video, to see. 1. to procure beforehand; to get, collect or make ready for future use; to prepare. Abraham said, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering. Gen.22. Provide neither gold nor silver nor brass in your purses. Matt.10. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Rom.12. 2. to furnish; to supply; followed by with. Rome, by the care of the magistrates, was well provided with corn. Provided of is now obsolete. 3. to stipulate previously. the agreement provides that the party shall incur no loss. 4. to make a previous conditional stipulation. See Provided. 5. to foresee; a Latinism. Not in use. 6. Provide, in a transitive sense, is followed by against or for. We provide warm clothing against the inclemencies of the weather; we provide necessaries against a time of need; or we provide warm clothing for winter, etc. PROVI'DE, v.i. to procure supplies or means of defense; or to take measures for counteracting or escaping an evil. the sagacity of brutes in providing against the inclemencies of the weather is wonderful. Government is a contrivance of human wisdom to provide for human wants'.

Please see the note for Acts 7:42 about the word beast. The functional definition for this word is: 'Any animal that is not man. Sometimes it means quadrupeds, and not creeping things'.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:1 about the word safe. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines safe as: 'a. L. salvus, from salus, safety, health. 1. Free from danger of any kind; as safe from enemies; safe from disease; safe from storms; safe from the malice of foes. 2. Free from hurt, injury or damage; as, to walk safe over red hot plowshares. We brought the goods safe to land. 3. confering safety; securing from harm; as a safe guide; a safe harbor; a safe bridge. 4. Not exposing to danger. Phil. 3. 5. No longer dangerous; placed beyond the power of doing harm; a ludicrous meaning. Banquo's safe. - Aye, my good lord, safe in a ditch. SAFE, n. A place of safety; a place for securing provisions from noxious animals'.

Please see the note for Luke 2:2 about the word governor. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In the Authorized Version this one English word is the representative of no less than ten Hebrew and four Greek words. 1. the chief of a tribe or family. 2. A ruler in his capacity of lawgiver and dispenser of justice. 3. A ruler consider especially as having power over the property and persons of his subjects. Ge 24:2; Jos 12:2; Ps 100:5. the "governors of the people," in 2Ch 23:20. appear to have been the king's body-guard; cf. 2Ki 11:19. 4. A prominent personage, whatever his capacity. It is applied to a king as the military and civil chief of his people, 2Sa 5:2; 6:21; 1Ch 29:22. to the general of an army, 2Ch 32:21. and to the head of a tribe. 2Ch 19:11. It denotes an officer of high rank in the palace, the lord high chamberlain. 2Ch 28:7. It is applied in 1Ki 10:15. to the petty chieftains who were tributary to Solomon, 2Ch 9:14. to the military commander of the Syrians, 1Ki 20:24. the Assyrians, 2Ki 18:24; 23:8. the Chaldeans, Jer 51:23. and the Medes. Jer 51:38. Under the Persian viceroys, during the Babylonian captivity, the land of the Hebrews appears to have been portioned out among "governors" (pachoth) inferior in rank to the satraps, Ezr 8:30. like the other provinces which were under the dominion of the Persian king. Ne 2:7,9. It is impossible to determine the precise limits of their authority or the functions which they had to perform. It appears from Ezr 6:8. that these governors were intrusted with the collection of the king's taxes; and from Ne 5:18; 12:26. that they were supported by a contribution levied upon the people, which was technically termed "the bread of the governor" comp. Ezr 4:14. they were probably assisted in discharging their official duties by A council. Ezr 4:7; 6:6. the "governor" beyond the river had a judgment-seat beyond Jerusalem, from which probably he administered justice when making a progress through his province. Ne 3:7. At the time of Christ Judea was a Roman province, governed by a procurator (governor) appointed by Rome'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'two centurions. Ac 23:17 at. About nine o'clock in the evening, for the greater secrecy, and to elude the cunning, active malice of the Jews. Mt 14:25; Lu 12:38
beasts. Ne 2:12; Es 8:12; Lu 10:34 Felix. Ac 23:26,33-35; 24:3,10,22-27; 25:14 the governor. Mt 27:2; Lu 3:1'.

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C23-S24 (Verse 25-26) the chief captain wrote a letter to the governor explaining why he sent Paul.

Equivalent Section: He communicated in writing so that there was no misunderstanding.

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

Equivalent Section: He started with who it was fRomans whom it was sent to.

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

The word wrote is the past-tense form of the word write. Please see the notes for Romans C15S13; 2Corinthians 1:13-14; Galatians C3-S12; John 20:31-LJC about the word write. he functional definition for this word is: 'To form by a pen on paper or other material, or by a graver on wood or stone; as, to write the characters called letters; to write figures. We write characters on paper with pen and ink; we write them on stone with a graving tool. 2. to express by forming letters and words on paper or stone; as, to write a deed; to write a bill of divorcement. the ten commandments were written with the finger of God on tables of stone. Exodus 31. 3. to engrave. See the preceding definition. 4. to impress durable. Write useful truths on the heart. 5. to compose or produce, as an author. 6. to copy; to transcribe. 7. to communicate by letter.'. Please see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The functional definition for this word is: 'a retained record which can be used for judgment in a court of law'.

Please see the note for Romans C7S6 about the word letter. The functional definition for this word is: 'the detailed portions of the law'.

Please see the note for 1Peter C1S4 about the word manner (singular). Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'form; method; way of performing or executing. Find thou the manner, and the means prepare. 2. Custom; habitual practice. Show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. this will be the manner of the king. 1 Sam.8. Paul, as his manner was--Acts 17. 3. Sort; kind. Ye tithe mint and rue, and all manner of herbs. Luke 11. they shall say all manner of evil against you falsely--Matt.5. in this application, manner has the sense of a plural word; all sorts or kinds. 4. Certain degree or measure. It is in a manner done already. the bread is in a manner common. 1 Sam.21. this use may also be sometimes defined by sort or fashion; as we say, a thing is done after a sort or fashion, that is, not well, fully or perfectly. Augustinus does in a manner confess the charge. 5. Mien; cast of look; mode. Air and manner are more expressive than words. 6. Peculiar way or carriage; distinct mode. It can hardly be imagined how great a difference was in the humor, disposition and manner of the army under Essex and that under Waller. A man's company may be known by his manner of expressing himself. 7. Way; mode; of things. the temptations of prosperity insinuate themselves after a gentle, but very powerful manner. 8. Way of service or worship. the nations which thou hast removed and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the god of the land--2 Kings 7. 9. In painting, the particular habit of a painter in managing colors, lights and shades'.

Please see the note for Luke 20:45-47 about the word greet. The functional definition for this word is: 'Addressing with kind wishes or expressions of joy'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the most. Ac 24:3; 26:25 (Gr) Lu 1:3 greeting. Ac 15:23; Jas 1:1; 3Jo 1:14'.

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C23-S25 (Verse 27) He immediately writes the problem.

Equivalent Section: He writes that the Jews tried to kill Paul.

This man was taken of the Jews,
and should have been killed of them:.

Equivalent Section: He writes that he saved Paul, with an army, who was a Roman citizen.

then came I with an army,
and rescued him,
having understood that he was a Roman.

in this sentence, the chief captain covers all of the basic facts with few words. He writes that Paul was a Roman citizen. Therefore, the Roman government was require to provide him with a certain amount of protection. He also writes that the Jews tried to kill Paul, which forced the Roman government to protect Paul. It also informed the governor that the Jews were going well beyond their legal limits. Therefore, any story from the Jewish leaders had to be carefully considered in order to find truth. He also wrote that it took an army to save Paul from the Jews. Therefore, the governor needed to be aware of the lack of proper respect for the government by the Jews.

Please see the note for Luke 21:20 about the words army / armies. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Israelites marched out of Egypt in military order (Ex 13:18, "harnessed;" marg., "five in a rank"). Each tribe formed a battalion, with its own banner and leader (Nu 2:2; 10:14). In war the army was divided into thousands and hundreds under their several captains (Nu 31:14), and also into families (Nu 2:34; 2Ch 25:5; 26:12). From the time of their entering the land of Canaan to the time of the kings, the Israelites made little progress in military affairs, although often engaged in warfare. the kings introduced the custom of maintaining a bodyguard (the Gibborim; i.e., "heroes"), and thus the nucleus of a standing army was formed. Saul had an army of 3,000 select warriors (1Sa 13:2; 14:52; 24:2). David also had a band of soldiers around him (1Sa 23:13; 25:13). to this band he afterwards added the Cherethites and the Pelethites (2Sa 15:18; 20:7). At first the army consisted only of infantry (1Sa 4:10; 15:4), as the use of horses was prohibited (De 17:16); but chariots and horses were afterwards added (2Sa 8:4; 1Ki 10:26,28-29; 9:19). In 1Ki 9:22 there is given a list of the various gradations of rank held by those who composed the army. the equipment and maintenance of the army were at the public expense (2Sa 17:28-29; 1Ki 4:27; 10:16-17; Jg 20:10). At the Exodus the number of males above twenty years capable of bearing arms was 600,000 (Ex 12:37). In David's time it mounted to the number of 1,300,000 (2Sa 24:9)'.

We find forms of the word rescue in: Deuteronomy 28:31; 1Samuel 14:45; 1Samuel 30:18; Psalms 35:17; Daniel 6:27; Hosea 5:14; Acts 23:27. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '.t. res'cu.L. re and quatio. Tofree or deliver from any confinement, violence, danger or evil; to liberate from actual restraint, or to remove or withdraw from a state of exposure to evil; as, to rescue a prisoner from an officer; to rescue seamen from destruction by shipwreck. So the people rescued Jonathan that he died not. 1Sam. 14. 30. Ps. 35. Cattle taken by distress contrary to law, may be rescued by the owner, while on their way to the pound. Estimate the value of one soul rescued from eternal guilt and agony, and destined to grow forever in the knowledge and likeness of God.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 13:32 about the word understood. The word understood is the past-tense form of the word understand. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. The functional definition for this word is: 'To have the use of the intellectual faculties; to be an intelligent and conscious being. All my soul be imparadis'd in you, in whom alone I understand, and grow, and see. 2. to be informed by another; to learn. I understood of the evil that Eliashib did. Neh. 13'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'was taken. Ac 23:10; 21:31-33; 24:7 having. Ac 22:25-29'.

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C23-S26 (Verse 28-29) the chief captain investigated and found no violation of Roman law.

Equivalent Section: He had their council testify of their accusations.

And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him,
I brought him forth into their council:.

Equivalent Section: their complaints were all about their law but no violation of Roman law.

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law,
but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

Here we read that the chief captain diligently investigated. The Jewish religious Council could not accuse Paul of violating Roman law and it was against the Roman law for them to kill Paul for violating their law. Therefore, if they killed Paul, some, or most of the Jewish religious Council would have to be killed for murdering a Roman citizen and that would be a political disaster. So, while Paul should have been set free, the chief captain had to keep him in protective custody. And, with the entire Jewish religious Council involved, it was no longer a military nor a police matter but had become a political matter. Therefore, it was the governor's problem.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; 2Corinthians C1S5; Galatians C3-S9; Colossians C1S3 and know in 1John about the word know. The word knew is the past-tense form of the word know. The functional definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans 6:3 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. Please also see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 about the word cause. The functional definition for this word is: 'v.t. 1. to produce; to bring into existence. they caused great joy to all the brethren. Acts 15. 2. to effect by agency, power or influence. I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days. Gen. 7. I will cause him to fall by the sword. 2 Kings 19'. Please also see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. Please also see the note for John 15:25 about the phrase without cause. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word wherefore. The functional definition for this word is: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and seen wherever you look'.

Please see the note for Titus 2:3 about the word accuse. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to charge with, or declare to have committed a crime, either by plaint, or complaint, information, indictment, or impeachment; to charge with an offense against the laws, judicially or by a public process; as, to accuse one of a high crime or misdemeanor. 2. to charge with a fault; to blame. their thoughts, in the meanwhile, accusing or excusing one another. Rom. 2. It is followed by of before the subject of accusation; the use of for after this verb is illegitimate'. Please also see the note for John 8:3 about the phrase accuse him (Jesus). Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 22:30; Acts 23:28-29; Acts 23:30; Acts 23:35; Acts 24:2; Acts 24:8; Acts 24:13; Acts 25:5; Acts 25:11; Acts 25:16; Acts 25:18; Acts 26:2; Acts 26:7; Acts 28:19.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for 2Peter 2:19 about the word bondage. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. Slavery or involuntary servitude; captivity; imprisonment; restraint of a person's liberty by compulsion. In ancient English law, villenage. 1. Obligation; tie of duty. He must resolve not to be brought under the bondage of observing oaths. 2. In scripture, spiritual subjection to sin and corrupt passions, or to the yoke of the ceremonial law; servile fear. Heb.2. Gal.2. Rom.8.'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C7S16 about the word bond.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 22:30
questions. Ac 23:6-9; 18:15; 24:5-6,10-21; 25:19-20but. Ac 25:7-8,11,25; 26:31 General references. exp: Jer 26:16.'.

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C23-S27 (Verse 30) What the chief captain did when he heard that a group planned a violation of the law which amounted to rebellion.

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man,
I sent straightway to thee,
and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him.

When you have a large group who arm themselves and plan to attack government forces in order to violate the law, that is an act of rebellion. And, yes, the chief captain could have acted against the Jewish religious Council, but that would only escalate things. Therefore, by sending Paul to the governor, he contained the violence in the region that he was responsible for and he, literally, gave the political problem to the governor. He also gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. That is, they had to go to Caesarea and if they took a large group of armed men there then the government had a basis to move against them. While they, and Paul, remained in Jerusalem, they could hide the armed men. In addition, by making them go to the governor, the Jewish religious Council now had to explain how Paul was truly a political problem for the Roman government and not just a source of religious disagreement.

In addition to everything else, the chief captain did not speak Hebrew and did not understand the problems caused by the Jewish religion. Felix did speak Hebrew and did understand the problems caused by the Jewish religion. Therefore, for many reasons, the Roman government was better off having Ferlix deal with the problem instead of the chief captain.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:18 about the words straight / straightway. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'STRAIGHT, a. L., formed from the root of reach, stretch, right. It is customary to write straight, for direct or right, and strait, for narrow, but this is a practice wholly arbitrary, both being the same word. Strait we use in the sense in which it is used in the south of Europe. Both sense proceed from stretching, straining. 1. Right, in a mathematical sense; direct; passing from one point to another by the nearest course; not deviating or crooked; as a straight line; a straight course; a straight piece of timber. 2. Narrow; close; tight; as a straight garment. See strait, as it is generally written. 3. Upright; according with justice and rectitude; not deviating from truth or fairness.
STRAIGHT, adv. Immediately; directly; in the shortest time. I know thy generous temper well; fling but the appearance of dishonor on it, it straight takes fire, and mounts into a blaze'.

The word gave is the past-tense form of the word give. Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'it was. Ac 23:16-24 and gave. Ac 24:7-8; 25:5-6 General references. exp: Ac 24:19.'.

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C23-S28 (Verse 30) Farewell.

If the reader has been paying attention to what was really going on, the reader should recognize that the chief captain was glad to turn the problem over to the governor.

Please see the note for Luke 9:61 about the word farewell. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a compound of fare, in the imperative, and well. Go well; originally applied to a person departing, but by custom now applied both to those who depart and those who remain. It expresses a kind wish, a wish of happiness to those who leave or those who are left. the verb and adverb are often separated by the pronoun; fare you well; I wish you a happy departure; may you be well in your absence. It is sometimes an expression of separation only. Farewell the year; farewell ye sweet groves; that is, I take my leave of you.
FA'REWELL, n. 1. A wish of happiness or welfare at parting; the parting compliment; adieu. 2. Leave; act of departure. And takes her farewell of the glorious sun. Before I take my farewell of the subject'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Farewell. Ac 15:29; 2Co 13:11 General references. exp: Ac 24:19.'.

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C23-S29 (Verse 31) the soldiers took Paul to a separate, but near by, place and had him continue with just the horsemen.

Then the soldiers,
as it was commanded them,
took Paul,
and brought him by night to Antipatris.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'as. Ac 23:23-24; Lu 7:8; 2Ti 2:3-4'.

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C23-S30 (Verse 32-33) What all of the soldiers did.

Equivalent Section: What the foot soldiers did.

On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him,
and returned to the castle:.

Equivalent Section: What the horse soldiers did.

Who,
when they came to Caesarea,
and delivered the epistle to the governor,
presented Paul also before him.

The foot soldiers accompanied Paul and the horsemen far enough away that there was no question about the horsemen, and Paul, out running any Jews who planned to attack them. The foot soldiers were there to avoid an attack while they were in the area where the Jews were hiding.

Please see the note for Mark 11:12-13 about the word morrow. The functional definition for this word is: 'The day next after the present'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:12 about the word return. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.i. L. torno. 1. to come or go back to the same place. the gentleman goes from the country to London and returns, or the citizen of London rides into the country and returns. the blood propelled from the heart, passes through the arteries to the extremities of the body, and returns through the veins. Some servants are good to go on errands, but not good to return. 2. to come to the same state; as, to return from bondage to a state of freedom. 3. to answer. He said, and thus the queen of heaven return'd. 4. to come again; to revisit. Thou to mankind be good and friendly still, and oft return. 5. to appear or begin again after a periodical revolution. With the year seasons return, but not to me returns day - 6. to show fresh signs of mercy. Return, O Lord, deliver my soul. Ps. 6. Toreturn to God, to return from wickedness, to repent of sin or wandering from duty'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ will return in glory.

Please see the note for Acts 21:34 about the word castle. The functional definition for this word is: 'A military fortress'.

Please see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The functional definition for this word is: 'Freed; released; transferred or transmitted; passed from one to another; committed; yielded; surrendered; rescued; uttered; pronounced'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C5S8 about the word epistle. The functional definition for this word is: 'A written message which contains several words which are combined to deliver the thoughts from one person to another person when those words are not spoken'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:13-14 about the word present. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines present as: '1. Being in a certain place; opposed to absent. 2. Being before the face or near; being in company. Inquire of some of the gentlemen present. these things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. John 14. 3. Being now in view or under consideration. In the present instance, facts will not warrant the conclusion. the present question must be decided on different principles. 4. Now existing, or being at this time; not past or future; as the present session of congress. the court is in session at the present time. We say, a present good, the present year or age. 5. Ready at hand; quick in emergency; as present wit. 'Tis a high point of philosophy and virtue for a man to be present to himself. 6. Favorably attentive; not heedless; propitious. Nor could I hope in any place but there to find a god so present to my prayer. 7. Not absent of mind; not abstracted; attentive. the present, an elliptical expression for the present time. At present, elliptically for, at the present time. Present tense, in grammar, the tense or form of a verb which expresses action or being in the present time, as I am writing; or something that exists at all times, as virtue is always to be preferred to vice; or it expresses habits or general truths, as plants spring from the earth; fishes swim; reptiles creep; birds fly; some animals subsist on herbage, others are carnivorous.
PRES'ENT, n. that which is presented or given; a gift; a donative; something given or offered to another gratuitously; a word of general application. Gen.32. Presents' in the plural, is used in law for a deed of conveyance, a lease, letter of attorney or other writing; as in the phrase, "Know all men by these presents," that is, by the writing itself, per presentes. in this sense, it is rarely used in the singular'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the phrase presence.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'delivered. Ac 23:25-30 exp: Ac 15:30. presented. Ac 28:16'.

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C23-S31 (Verse 34) the first thing that Felix did was verify that Paul belonged to his area.

And when the governor had read the letter,
he asked of what province he was.

If Paul belonged to another governor's area, people could have questioned the legality of any decision which he made. In addition, he could upset another powerful political figure if he acted in the area which belonged to the other person. Since Felix dealt with politics, he first made sure that he did not cause a political problem by acting out of his area.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 4:13 about the word read. The functional definition for this word is: 'Getting the meaning of what was written into the mind. this can be done orally or silently'. Please also see the note for Luke 6:3 about the phrase have ye not read.

Please see the note for Romans C7S6 about the word letter. The functional definition for this word is: 'the detailed portions of the law'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:7 about the word ask. The functional definition for this word is: 'To inquire, to seek for counsel, to request'.

We find forms of the word province occurring 57 times in 53 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, only in: Acts 23:34 and Acts 25:1. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In the Old Testament this word appears in connection with the wars between Ahab and Ben-hadad: 1Ki 20:14-15,19. The victory of the former is gained chiefly "by the young" probably men of the princes of the provinces the chiefs: of tribes in the Gilead country: 2. More commonly the word is used of the divisions of the Chaldean kingdom: Da 2:49-3:1; 3:30. and the Persian kingdom: Ezr 2:1; Ne 7:6; Es 1:1,22; 2:3. etc. In the New Testament we are brought into contact with the administration of the provinces of the Roman empire. the classification of provinces supposed to need military control and therefore placed under the immediate government of the Caesar, and those still belonging theoretically to the republic and administered by the senate, and of the latter again into proconsular and praetorian, is recognized, more or less distinctly, in the Gospels and the Acts. [PROCONSUL; PROCURATOR] the strategoi of: Ac 16:22. ("magistrates," Authorized Version), on the other hand were the duumviri or praetors of a Roman colony. the right of any Roman citizen to appeal from a provincial governor to the emperor meets us as asserted by St. Paul: Ac 25:11 In the council of: Ac 25:12. we recognize the assessors who were appointed to take part in the judicial functions of the governor'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he asked. Ac 25:1; Es 1:1; 8:9; Da 2:49; 6:1; Lu 23:6 Cilicia. Ac 15:41; 21:39 exp: Ac 6:9; Ga 1:21.'.

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C23-S32 (Verse 34-35) Felix agreed to hear the case when the Jewish religious Council showed up.

First Step: Felix made the decision.

And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

Second Step: Felix said what had to happen first.

I will hear thee,
said he,
when thine accusers are also come.

As a wise politician, Felix waited until he could hear both sides at the same time and so that each side could accuse, or answer an accusation, from the other side. Our next chapter gives us the details of what was presented to Felix by both sides.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:21-23 about the place of Cilicia. The functional definition for this word is: 'This is the area surrounding Paul's home city of Tarsus. (Every mention of Tarsus in the Bible is related to Paul.) Paul was with the people from his home region when he was there to participate in the martyrdom of Stephen.'.

There are no links provided by others beyond the verses already mentioned but the commentators have some trivia that might interest some people.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Ac 23:30; 24:1,10,22,24-27; 25:16'.

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C23-S33 (Verse 35) Felix commanded Paul to be kept as a prisoner.
And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall

At the end of the next chapter, we read: He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul. Thus, we see his motivation for how he kept Paul. However, we also read: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and commused with him. Thus, God gave Felix many opportunities to be saved.

The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep anything in the memory, mind or heart. 2. to have in custody for security or preservation'. Please also see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:1 about Herod. The functional definition for this word is: ' the Herods, though aliens by birth, were Jews in faith. they made religion an engine of state policy. Eschewing Antiochus Epiphanes' design to Graecize Jerusalem by substituting the Greek worship and customs for the Jewish law, the Herod's, while professing to maintain the law, as effectively set at nought its spirit by making it a lever for elevating themselves and their secular kingdom. for this end Herod adorned gorgeously the temple with more than Solomonic splendor'. Please also see the note for Mark 3:6 about the word Herodians.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: ' in. Mt 2:1,3,16 judgment. Mt 27:27; Joh 18:28'.

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Chapter theme is: Paul's judgment by Felix,

Acts Chapter 24

links to sentences in this chapter:

C24-S1 (Verse 1), C24-S2 (Verse 2-3), C24-S3 (Verse 4), C24-S4 (Verse 5-6), C24-S5 (Verse 7-8), C24-S6 (Verse 9), C24-S7 (Verse 10-11), C24-S8 (Verse 12-13), C24-S9 (Verse 14-15), C24-S10 (Verse 16), C24-S11 (Verse 17), C24-S12 (Verse 18), C24-S13 (Verse 19), C24-S14 (Verse 20-21), C24-S15 (Verse 22), C24-S16 (Verse 23), C24-S17 (Verse 24), C24-S18 (Verse 25), C24-S19 (Verse 26), C24-S20 (Verse 27)'.

In Acts 9:15, the Lord said: Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: while talking about Paul. Felix was not a king, but, given his authority as a Roman governor, he had the same level of authority.

Acts C24:1 tells us that Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator went to Felix. They hired the equivalent of a lawyer today to do their speaking. Basically, they understood that if they failed this time, they would not get another chance to kill Paul.

Acts C24:2-9 tells us the accusation by the Jews. Notice that they claimed that the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands. However, they did not admit that the great violence was required because of the way that the Jews were acting.

Acts C24:10-21 tells us Paul's defense. In it, he accuses certain Jews from Asia of assaulting him while he was quietly praying in the Temple. And, he says: Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Paul then adds: Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. Felix understood the Jewish religious doctrines enough to understand that the resurrection was an ongoing dispute and not something which deserved death nor imprisonment.

Acts C24:22 tells us that Felix could have decided the matter then but claimed that he delayed judgment until the chief captain came and testified. The second last sentence, of our chapter, tells us that he really delayed in hope that Paul would give him money to be let go.

Acts C24:23 tells us that Felix ordered a centurion to stay with Paul but to let him have freedom otherwise.

Acts C24:24-26 tells us that Paul was able to give the Gospel, several times, to Felix and his wife.

Acts C24:27 tells us that Porcius Festus (replaced) Felix and Paul was kept bound in order to please the Jews.

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C24-S1 (Verse 1) the Jewish religious leaders show up to make their accusations..

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders,
and with a certain orator named Tertullus,
who informed the governor against Paul.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders means: 'The Jewish religious leaders came rather quickly'.
The phrase and with a certain orator named Tertullus means: 'They also hired a spokesman'.
The phrase who informed the governor against Paul means: 'He made the accusations for the Jewish religious leaders'.

Please realize that we have several chapters telling us that the Jewish religious leaders kept on trying to kill Paul while they left the saved Jews, in the Jerusalem Church, alone. Think about that! Earlier, in this book, and several times, we were told that their main complaint was that Paul testified that our Lord Jesus Christ commanded Paul to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Now, the doctrine that the Jewish religious leaders taught is that all Jews were going to Heaven because they were born Jews and that all Gentiles were going to Hell because they were not Jews. With Paul preaching that Gentiles could be saved, and with the Gentiles displaying true signs of salvation, their basic doctrine was being challenged. However, what concerned them more, was the fact that the Gentiles did not have to keep Jewish religious traditions. The Jewish religious leaders did not have a major problem with the saved, in the Jerusalem Church, because they taught that the saved had to keep the Jewish religious traditions. And, since the Jewish religious leaders controlled those traditions, they, actually, also controlled the saved in the Jerusalem Church. However, since the Gentiles did not have to keep the Jewish religious traditions, the Jewish religious leaders could not control them. Therefore, the true religious fight was over control. And, since the Jewish religious leaders were actually controlled by devils, this is, actually, another example to the spiritual war between God and devils with men used as their proxies.

Ananias is the same high priest who ordered Jesus crucified and the apostles beaten.

Please see the note for Mark 15:32 about the word descend. The functional definition for this word is: 'o move or pass from a higher to a lower place; to move, come or go downwards; to fall; to sink; to run or flow down; applicable to any kind of motion or of body'.

Please see the note for Acts 12:21 about the word oration. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. oratio, from oro, to pray, to utter. 1. A speech or discourse composed according to the rules of oratory, and spoken in public. Orations may be reduced to three kinds; demonstrative, deliberative, and judicial. 2. In modern usage, an oration differs from a sermon, from an argument at the bar, and from a speech before a deliberative assembly. the word is now applied chiefly to discourses pronounced on special occasions, as a funeral oration, an oration on some anniversary, etc. and to academic declamations. 3. A harangue; a public speech or address'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The functional definition is: 'How a person or thing is identified. In the Bible, the power and authority which is associated with the name is always part of the message where this word is used'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the name of Christ. Please see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Summary and verses documents about the use of this word for the Son of God. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname.

Please see the note for Acts 21:20-21 about the word inform. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. L. informo, to shape; in and formo, forma, form. Properly, to give form or shape to, but in this sense not used. 1. to animate; to give life to; to actuate by vital powers. Let others better mold the running mass Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. Breath informs this fleeting frame. --Breathes in our soul, informs our vital part. This use is chiefly or wholly poetical. 2. to instruct; to tell to; to acquaint; to communicate knowledge to; to make known to by word or writing; usually followed by of. Before we judge, we should be well informed of the facts relating to the case. A messenger arrived and informed the commander of the state of the troops. Letters from Europe inform us of the commencement of hostilities between the Persi and and Turks. 3. to communicate a knowledge of facts to one by way of accusation. Tertullus informed the governor against Paul. Acts.24. in this application the verb is usually intransitive; as, A informed against B.
INFORM', v.i. to give intelligence. He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught-- to inform against, to communicate facts by way of accusation; to give intelligence of a breach of law. Two persons came to the magistrate, and informed against A.
INFORM', a. L. informis. Without regular form; shapeless; ugly'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'five. Ac 24:11; 21:27 Ananias. Ac 23:2,30,35; 25:2 orator. Ac 12:21; Isa 3:3; 1Co 2:1,4 informed. Ac 25:2,15; Ps 11:2 General references. exp: Ac 25:2.'.

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C24-S2 (Verse 2-3) Tertullus starts his speech by claiming how wonderful Felix is.

And when he was called forth,
Tertullus began to accuse him,
saying,
Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness,
and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
We accept it always,
and in all places,
most noble Felix,
with all thankfulness.

Notice that he claimed that by thee we enjoy great quietness, even while the Jews had started a riot over Paul and had tried to kill him at least three times. Thus, his opening sentence proves that all of their claims are lies and they think Felix will be swayed by their lies.

In addition to that, he claimed that the Jews were thankful for his rule. The Jews were never thankful for any Roman rule.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. this word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the word enjoy. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. 1. to feel or perceive with pleasure; to take pleasure or satisfaction in the possession or experience of. We enjoy the dainties of a feast,the conversation of friends, and our own meditations. I could enjoy the pangs of death, And smile in agony. 2. to possess with satisfaction; to take pleasure or delight in the possession of. thou shalt beget sons, but thou shalt not enjoy them. Deut.28. 3. to have, possess and use with satisfaction; to have,hold or occupy, as a good or profitable thing, or as something desirable. We enjoy a free constitution and inestimable privileges. that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers. Num.36. the land shall enjoy her sabbaths. Lev.26. to enjoy one's self, is to feel pleasure or satisfaction in one's own mind, or to relish the pleasures in which one partakes; to be happy'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 2:1-2 about the word quiet. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines quiet as: '1. Still; being in a state of rest; now moving. Judges 16. 2. Still; free from alarm or disturbance; unmolested; as a quiet life. In his days the land was quiet ten years. 2Chron. 14. 3. Peaceable; not turbulent; not giving offense; not exciting controversy, disorder or trouble; mild; meek; contented. the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 1Peter 3. 1Thess. 4. 4. Calm; not agitated by wind; as a quiet sea or atmosphere. 5. Smooth; unruffled. 6. Undisturbed; unmolested; as the quiet possession or enjoyment of an estate. 7. Not crying; not restless; as a quiet child.
QUI'ET, n. L. quiets. 1. Rest; repose; stillness; the state of a thing not in motion. 2. Tranquility; freedom from disturbance or alarm; civil or political repose. Our country enjoys quiet. 3. Peace; security. Judges 18.
QUI'ET, v.t. 1. to stop motion; to still; to reduce to a state of rest; as, to quiet corporeal motion. 2. to calm; to appease; to pacify; to lull; to tranquilize; as, to quiet the soul when agitated; to quiet the passions; to quiet the clamors of a nation; to quiet the disorders of a city or town. 3. to allay; to suppress; as, to quiet pain or grief.' God tells us to be quiet so that we can hear Him.

Please see the note for Acts 5:41 about the word worthy. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. G. 1. Deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved. She has married a man worthy of her. Thou art worthy of the sway. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies--Genesis 32. 2. Possessing worth or excellence of qualities; virtuous; estimable; as a worthy citizen; a worthy magistrate. Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be. This worthy mind should worthy things embrace. 3. Suitable; having qualities suited to; either in a good or bad sense; equal in value; as flowers worthy of paradise. 4. Suitable to anything bad. The merciless Macdonald, worthy to be a rebel. 5. Deserving of ill; as things worthy of stripes. Luke 12.
WORTHY, n. A man of eminent worth; a man distinguished for useful and estimable qualities; a man of valor; a word much used in the plural; as the worthies of the church; political worthies; military worthies.'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C11S31 about the words worth / worthily.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word deed. The functional definition for this word is: 'That which is done, acted or effected; an act; a fact; a word of extensive application, including whatever is done, good or bad, great or small'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:5 about the word nation. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same sovereign or government; as the English nation; the French nation. It often happens that many nations are subject to one government; in which case, the word nation usually denotes a body of people speaking the same language, or a body that has formerly been under a distinct government, but has been conquered, or incorporated with a larger nation. thus, the empire of Russia comprehends many nations, as did formerly the Roman and Persian empires. Nation, as its etymology imports, originally denoted a family or race of men descended from a common progenitor, like tribe, but by emigration, conquest and intermixture of men of different families, this distinction is in most countries lost'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:9 about the word accept. The functional definition for this word is: 'Kindly received; regarded; agreed to; understood; received as a bill of exchange'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S1 about the word acceptable.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:26 about the word noble. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. Great; elevated; dignified; being above every thing that can dishonor reputation; as a nobel mind; a noble courage; noble deeds of valor. 2. Exalted; elevated; sublime. Statues, with winding ivy crown'd, belong to nobler poets for a nobler song. 3. Magnificent; stately; splendid; as a noble parade; a noble edifice. 4. Of an ancient and splendid family; as nobel by descent. 5. Distinguished from commoners by rank and title; as a noble personage. 6. Free; generous; liberal; as a noble heart. 7. principal; capital; as the noble parts of the body. 8. Ingenuous; candid; of an excellent disposition; ready to receive truth. Acts 17. 9. Of the best kind; choice; excellent; as a noble vine. Jeremiah 2.
NO'BLE, n. 1. A person of rank above a commoner; a nobleman; a peer; as a duke, marquis, earl, viscount or baron. 2. In Scripture, a person of honorable family or distinguished by station. Exodus 24. Nehemiah 6. 3. Originally, a gold coin, but now a money of account'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the word thank. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. 1. to express gratitude for a favor; to make acknowledgments to one for kindness bestowed. We are bound to thank God always for you. 2 thess 1. Joab bowed himself and thanked the king. 2 Sam.14. 2. It is used ironically. Weigh the danger with the doubtful bliss, And thank yourself, if aught should fall amiss'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 24:3; Acts 27:35; Acts 28:15.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Seeing. Felix, bad as he was, had certainly rendered some services to Judaea. He had entirely subdued a very formidable banditti which had infested the country, and sent their captain, Eliezar, to Rome; had suppressed the sedition raised by the Egyptian impostor (Ac 21:38); and had quelled a very afflictive disturbance which took place between the Syri and and Jews of Cæsarea. But, though Tertullus might truly say, "by thee we enjoy great quietness," yet it is evident that he was guilty of the grossest flattery, as we have seen both from his own histori and and Josephus, that he was both a bad man and a bad governor. Ac 24:26-27; Ps 10:3; 12:2-3; Pr 26:28; 29:5; Jude 1:16
most. Ac 23:26 (Gr) Ac 26:25; Lu 1:3 (Gr)'.

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C24-S3 (Verse 4) He begs Felix to listen.

Notwithstanding,
that I be not further tedious unto thee,
I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

Given the first phrase of this sentence (Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee), this orator, apparently, saw that his gross flattery was not having the desired effect. Therefore, he moved on to the next part of his speech.

Next, notice that he promises to use a few words. He, apparently, caught on that he bored Felix with his gross flattery and is trying to recover.

Finally, he begs Felix to listen to their complaints (pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency).

Please see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word Notwithstanding. The functional definition for this word is: 'there is nothing (not) that will hold back (withstanding)' the truth. That is: 'there is nothing in the prior arguments that can stand against the truth and win an argument'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:25-26 about the word further. The functional definition for this word is: 'n. A helping forward; promotion; advancement. I know that I shall abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith. Phil. 1'.

The word tedious is defined as: 'Wearisome; tiresome from continuance'.

The word clemency is defined as: 'Mildness of temper; gentleness or lenity of disposition; disposition to treat with favor and kindness..

Please see the note for Colossians 2S2 about the word word. The functional definition is: 'a single component part of human speech or language'. However, the word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. Please also see the note for John 1:1 for an extensive note explaining the differences, and similarities, between the capitalized and the non-capitalized word word. When a Bible reference uses an uppercase word, it is referring to Jesus Christ. The uppercase makes this a formal name of the Son of God. However, while the exact definition is different, the properties are spiritually similar to the lowercase word. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that the word of the Lord is a sub-set of the word of God. the word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of the word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that. Heb 11:32 exp: Pr 28:4.'.

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C24-S4 (Verse 5-6) the next set of lies.

Equivalent Section: What they claimed about Paul.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow,
and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world,
and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:.

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple:
Equivalent Section: What they claimed to try and do with Paul.

whom we took,
and would have judged according to our law.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word For means: 'Here's why they were asking Felix to listen to their complaints'. Notice that they offer no evidence to back their claims. In addition, his next sentence is also lies, which Felix would know top be lies. In addition, in Acts 24:12-13, Paul points out that they provided no proof because they had no proof to back their claims. , in Acts 24:20-21, Paul tells what their true (religious) complaint was.
The phrase For we have found this man a pestilent fellow means: 'This phrase is a lie. Paul did not bother them but the Jews of Asia followed him from city to city trying to disrupt his ministry and trying to murder him. They are accusing Paul of doing what the Jews of Asia were actually doing to Paul'.
The phrase and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world means: 'This phrase is a lie. Paul preached submission to government with faith that God would take care of problems'.
The phrase and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes means: 'This phrase is a lie. Yes, Paul was an apostle but there were many more in the Jerusalem Church which they did not object to. Yes, Paul was a leader, but not a ringleader, which means a leader of men who violate the law'.
The phrase Who also hath gone about to profane the temple means: 'This phrase is a lie. Paul never did this but the Jews of Asia assumed that he did simply because they saw Paul on the street talking to an Egyptian'.
The phrase whom we took means: 'This phrase is actually true. They took him to murder him even though it was a violation of Roman law. They were the criminals, not Paul'.
The phrase and would have judged according to our law means: 'This phrase is a lie. They were trying to murder him without a trial and without allowing him to answer for himself, which even their law required'.

Please also see the note for Matthew 11:16-17 about the word fellow. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: ', n. Heb. to tie or connect, to be joined or associated. 1. A companion; an associate. In youth I had twelve fellows, like myself. Each on his fellow for assistance calls. 2. One of the same kind. A shepherd had one favorite dog; he fed him with his own hand, and took more care of him than of his fellows. 3. An equal. Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts. Zech. 13. 4. One of a pair, or of two things used together and suited to each other. Of a pair of gloves, we call one the fellow of the other. 5. One equal or like another. Of an artist we say, this man has not his fellow, that is, one of like skill. 6. An appellation of contempt; a man without good breeding or worth; an ignoble man; as a mean fellow. Worth makes the man, and want of it the fellow. 7. A member of a college that shares its revenues; or a member of any incorporated society. 8. A member of a corporation; a trustee.
FEL'LOW, v.t. to suit with; to pair with; to match. Little used. In composition, fellow denotes community of nature, station or employment'. Please see the notes for Ephesians C5S7; Philippians 1:3-7 and Philippians 2:1 about the word fellowship. The functional definition for this word is: 'Companionship; society; consort; mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms; familiar intercourse'. Please also see the Message called Fellowship in the Gospel for the application of these verses in the life of the believer.

Please see the note for Galatians C5S20 about the word seditions. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'The sense of this word is the contrary of that which is naturally deducible from sedo, or sedeo, denoting a rising or raging, rather than an appeasing. But to set is really to throw down, to drive, and sedition may be a setting or rushing together. A factious commotion of the people, a tumultuous assembly of men rising in opposition to law or the administration of justice, and in disturbance of the public peace. Sedition is a rising or commotion of less extent than an insurrection, and both are less than rebellion; but some kinds of sedition, in Great Britain, amount to high treason. In general, sedition is a local or limited insurrection in opposition to civil authority, as mutiny is to military'.

Please see the note for Romans 16:25-27 which gives links to every place in the New Testament that uses any form of the word world and provides the definition from Webster's 1828 . Please also see the notes for 1Timothy 1:15; 2Timothy C1S5; 1Corinthians C1S19 and World in 1John about the word world. The functional definition is: 'The world is not the earth but is all of the people in the earth and often is used for the majority opinion / thought process. that opinion / thought process is the result of lost people thinking that they know better than God does and believe Satan's lie'. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of the world.

The word ringleader is defined as: 'n. ring and leader. the leader of any association of men engaged in violating of law or an illegal enterprise, as rioters, mutineers and the like. this name is derived from the practice which men associating to oppose law have sometimes adopted, of signing their names to articles of agreement in a ring, that no one of their number might be distinguished as the leader'.

Please see the note for Acts 5:17 about the word sect. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Gr. hairesis, usually rendered "heresy", Ac 24:14; 1Ch 11:19; Ga 5:20, etc.), meaning properly "a choice," then "a chosen manner of life," and then "a religious party," as the "sect" of the Sadducees (Ac 5:17), of the Pharisees (Ac 15:5), the Nazarenes, i.e., Christians (Ac 24:5). It afterwards came to be used in a bad sense, of those holding pernicious error, divergent forms of belief (2Pe 2:1; Ga 5:20)'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 1:8-11 about the word profane. The functional definition for this word is: 'treats what comes from God as common'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 about the word temple. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'first used of the tabernacle, which is called "the temple of the Lord" (1Sa 1:9). In the New Testament the word is used figuratively of Christ's human body (Joh 2:19,21). Believers are called "the temple of God" (1Co 3:16-17). the Church is designated "an holy temple in the Lord" (Eph 2:21). Heaven is also called a temple (Re 7:5). We read also of the heathen "temple of the great goddess Diana" (Ac 19:27).
This word is generally used in Scripture of the sacred house erected on the summit of Mount Moriah for the worship of God. It is called "the temple" (1Ki 6:17); "the temple [R.V., 'house'] of the Lord" (2Ki 11:10); "thy holy temple" (Ps 79:1); "the house of the Lord" (2Ch 23:5,12); "the house of the God of Jacob" (Isa 2:3); "the house of my glory" (Isa 60:7); an "house of prayer" (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13); "an house of sacrifice" (2Ch 7:12); "the house of their sanctuary" (2Ch 36:17); "the mountain of the Lord's house" (Isa 2:2); "our holy and our beautiful house" (Isa 64:11); "the holy mount" (Isa 27:13); "the palace for the Lord God" (1Ch 29:1); "the tabernacle of witness" (2Ch 24:6); "Zion" (Ps 74:2; 84:7). Christ calls it "my Father's house" (Joh 2:16)'.
The main purpose of a temple is to worship the God of the temple'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of the Lord. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of God.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word accord. The functional definition for this word is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note''. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we have. Ac 6:13; 16:20-21; 17:6-7; 21:28; 22:22; 28:22; 1Ki 18:17-18; Jer 38:4; Am 7:10; Mt 5:11-12; 10:25; 1Co 4:13 and a mover. 1Sa 22:7-9; Ezr 4:12-19; Ne 6:5-8; Es 3:8; Lu 23:2,5,19,25; 1Pe 2:12-15,19 the sect. Ac 24:14 (Gr) Ac 5:17; 15:5; 26:5; 28:22; 1Co 11:19 (Gr) Nazarenes. Mt 2:23 General references. exp: Pr 18:17; Ac 18:13; 24:12.
gone. Ac 24:12; 19:37; 21:27-29 whom. Ac 21:30-32; 22:23; 23:10-15 and. Joh 18:31; 19:7-8 General references. exp: Pr 18:17; Ac 18:13.'.

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C24-S5 (Verse 7-8) the next set of lies are half-truths.

Equivalent Section: .

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us,
and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
Commanding his accusers to come unto thee:.

Equivalent Section: .

by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things,
whereof we accuse him.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word But means: 'providing a contrast to what was said prior. The prior sentence claimed that they were quite reasonable. The note for that sentence showed it to be a pack of lies. Now, this sentence is a half-truth lie. Yes, it was true that the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence. What is not said and that he tries to hide, is that the great violence was required in order to control the Jews who were literally trying to beat Paul to death and, if it were possible, would have dismembered his limbs'.
The phrase the chief captain Lysias came upon us means: 'He ordered his soldiers to do that because the Jews refused to listen to orders to stop. The chief captain would not send his men among the citizens unless absolutely necessary because there would be too much of a chance for something small to escalate into a big problem'.
The phrase and with great violence took him away out of our hands means: 'What these foolish Jews failed to consider is that Felix understood how that commanders in the Roman Army were required to minimize violence when possible. They only used great violence when absolutely required. Therefore, he, unknowingly, confessed how the Jews acted to force the chief captain to respond this way'. . . .
The phrase Commanding his accusers to come unto thee means: 'Obviously, this problem and gone beyond a local problem and one of violence. It had become a political problem with the Jews using threats of riots to try and force the local commander to let them act illegally and kill Paul'.
The phrase by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things means: 'They expected Felix to only examine Paul. They failed to realize that they were being examined also for what political problems they would cause'.
The phrase whereof we accuse him means: 'They expected Felix to accept their accusations w2ithout any proof to back those accusations'.

You would think that the Jewish religious leaders would have recognized that Felix had to have some political ability in order to become governor. He would have to have some ability to spot lies. However, Jewish prejudices were so prevalent that they were positive that all Gentiles were stupid and could not understand even obvious lies.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for Mark 5:13 about the word violent. The functional definition for this word is: 'With force; forcibly; vehemently'. Please also see the note for Acts 5:26 about the word violence.

Please see the note for James 1:10 about the word away. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Absent; at a distance; as, the master is away from home. Have me away, for I am wounded. 2Chron. 35. 2. It is much used with words signifying moving or going from; as, go away, send away, run away, etc.; all signifying departure, or separation to a distance. Sometimes without the verb; as, whither away so fast. Love hath wings and will away. 3. As an exclamation, it is a command or invitation to depart; away, that is, be gone, or let us go. "Away with him." Take him away. 4. With verbs, it serves to modify their sense and form peculiar phrases; as, to throw away, to cast from, to give up, dissipate or foolishly destroy. to trifle away, to lose or expend in trifles, or in idleness. to drink away, to squander away, etc., to dissipate in drinking or extravagance. to make away, is to kill or destroy. 5. Away with has a peculiar signification in the phrase, "I cannot away with it." Isa. 1. the sense is, "I cannot bear or endure it."'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase go away. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:3 about the phrase put away.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S6 about the word examine. The functional definition for this word is: 'o inspect carefully, with a view to discover truth or the real state of a thing; as, to examine a ship to know whether she is sea-worthy, or a house to know whether repairs are wanted'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the chief. Ac 21:31-33; 23:23-32; Pr 4:16 great. Ac 21:35; 23:10
Commanding. Ac 23:30,35; 25:5,15-16 by. Ac 24:19-21'.

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C24-S6 (Verse 9) All of the Jews who went to Felix agreed with their spokesman.

And the Jews also assented,
saying that these things were so.

The word assent is defined as: 'The act of the mind in admitting, or agreeing to, the truth of a proposition'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 6:11-13; Ps 4:2; 62:3-4; 64:2-8; Isa 59:4-7; Jer 9:3-6; Eze 22:27-29; Mic 6:12-13; 7:2-3; Mt 26:59-60; Joh 8:44'.

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C24-S7 (Verse 10-11) Paul starts his answer.

Equivalent Section: Paul said he was happy to answer.

Then Paul,
after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
answered,
Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation,
I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:.

Equivalent Section: He first tells Felix how long ago this incident started.

Because that thou mayest understand,
that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship .

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word Then means: 'After the Jews made their accusations against Paul'. Considering all of the lies told, I'm sure that it was only with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ that Paul gave a calm, and reasoned, answer as we read here.
The phrase Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered means: 'Paul calmly waited his turn to speak'.
The phrase Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation means: 'Paul did not use the gross flattery of the opposition but recognized the true experience of Felix'.
The phrase I do the more cheerfully answer for myself means: 'Paul didn't bring in a fancy orator but spoke honestly for himself'.
The phrase Because that thou mayest understand means: 'Paul wanted Felix to understand the basis of the disagreement'.
The phrase that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship means: 'He went to Jerusalem for to worship'. There were thousands of Jews who did that, especially around the Jewish religious holy days. Thus, Paul was not doing anything unusual and was not causing any disturbance.

The note for our sentence, in the Word Study on Worship, is found in the Worship-Applications under 'Worship is a personal act that often requires personal sacrifice'. Felix knew the difference between true worship and what the high priest told. Felix also understood that Paul was saying that he was paying attention to God and not there to do the things which he was accused of. Therefore, Felix knew that the Jews had lied about what Paul was doing in Jerusalem. And, this is further verified by Paul's further statements.

Please see the note for Luke 5:7 about the word beckon. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a significant sign to'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:12 about the word answer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person; as, "I have called and ye have not answered." "He answered the question or the argument."'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:7 about the word year. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Heb shanah, meaning "repetition" or "revolution" (Ge 1:14; 5:3). Among the ancient Egyptians the year consisted of twelve months of thirty days each, with five days added to make it a complete revolution of the earth round the sun. the Jews reckoned the year in two ways, (1) according to a sacred calendar, in which the year began about the time of the vernal equinox, with the month Abib; and (2) according to a civil calendar, in which the year began about the time of the autumnal equinox, with the month Nisan. the month Tisri is now the beginning of the Jewish year'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition for this word is: 'provides a cause where the cause and effect are both in the past'. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

Please see the note for Luke 24:42 about the word twelve. The functional definition for this word is: 'The sum of two and ten; twice six; a dozen. Twelve men compose a petty jury'. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase twelve disciples / apostles.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'had. Ac 12:17; 13:16; 19:33; 21:40; 26:1 many. "Felix, made procurator over Judea, A.D. 53." a judge. Ac 18:15; 1Sa 2:25; Lu 12:14; 18:2 I do. 1Pe 3:15 General references. exp: Ac 28:18.
but. Ac 24:1; 21:18,27; 22:30; 23:11,23,32-33 to worship. Ac 24:17; 21:26'.

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C24-S8 (Verse 12-13) Paul was not causing problems and they can not prove their accusations.

Equivalent Section: .

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man,
neither raising up the people,
neither in the synagogues,
nor in the city:

Equivalent Section: .

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence. This sentence tells us more of Paul's defense. in this sentence, Paul is claiming that they have no proof of their accusations because all of the accusations are lies'.
The phrase they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man means: 'Paul was not disputing in the Temple. The religious leaders never came to him in the Temple, like they did with the apostles and others, when they disputed the doctrine being taught in the Temple because Paul was not doing that'.
The phrase neither raising up the people means: 'Paul was not acting like a ringleader nor like a mover of sedition among all the Jews'.
The phrase neither in the synagogues means: 'Paul did not go to other gathering places of Jews and do what he was accused of doing among Jews'.
The phrase nor in the city means: 'Paul did not go to the market nor any other public place to do what he was accused of doing'.
The phrase Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me means: 'They have no evidence nor witnesses to back their lies'.

Simply put, Paul, politely, called them a pack of liars.

Please see the notes for Mark 9:33; Romans C14S1 and Philippians 2:14-16 about the word dispute. The functional definition for this word is: 'ontested; opposed by words or arguments; litigated'.

Please also see see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. The functional definition for the word arose. is: 'The past tense of the verb, to arise'. The functional definition for the word arise / arose. is: 'To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as, vapors arise from humid places'. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C15S32 and John 6:39 about the word raise.

Please see the note for John 6:59 about the word synagogue. The functional definition for this word is: 'The word synagogue (sunagoge), which means a "congregation," is used in the New Testament to signify a recognized place of worship. A knowledge of the history and worship of the synagogues is of great importance, since they are the characteristic institution of the later phase of Judaism. they appear to have arisen during the exile, in the abeyance of the temple-worship, and to have received their full development on the return of the Jews from captivity. the whole history of Ezra presupposes the habit of solemn, probably of periodic, meetings.'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:19 about the word city. The functional definition for this word is: 'An area where many people live together and have a local government rule over them'. Please also see the note for Romans C13S12 about the phrase city of refuge. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 24:5; 25:8; 28:17 exp: Pr 18:17.
General references. Ac 25:7; 1Pe 3:16 exp: Pr 18:17; Da 6:5.'.

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C24-S9 (Verse 14-15) What Paul admits doing.

Equivalent Section: Paul worships God according to the word of God.

But this I confess unto thee,
that after the way which they call heresy,
so worship I the God of my fathers,
believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:.

Equivalent Section: Paul obeys based upon the character of God.

And have hope toward God,
which they themselves also allow,
that there shall be a resurrection of the dead,
both of the just and unjust.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word But means: 'providing a contrast to what was said prior. The prior sentences claimed that the Jews were lying about Paul and his activities. This sentence tells the truth about Paul and his activities'.
The phrase This I confess unto thee means: 'Paul now states what he is guilty of'.
The phrase that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers means: 'He worships God in a way that they disapprove of'. True worship is private and between man and God. However, religious people deny private worship and a personal relationship with God. They insisted that people can only deal with God in a way which they control. Again, we see that it is all about control.
The phrase believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets means: 'Here Paul states the basis if his personal beliefs and service to God and worship'.
The word hope means: 'causes us to act just like faith. However, where faith is based on a promise found in the word of God, hope is based upon the character of God'. Therefore, the phrase And have hope toward God means: 'Paul acted in his service to God based upon the character of God'.
The phrase which they themselves also allow means: 'They are complaining about Paul doing what they agree is OK to do'.
The phrase that there shall be a resurrection of the dead means: 'This is what split the Jewish religious Council. The high priest and the ones leading the Council disputed this belief, but allowed it for others in the Council. Therefore, they are hypocrites to condemn Paul for what they allow in other Council members'.
The phrase both of the just and unjust means: 'The saved and the lost will be resurrected in the end of time'.

The note for this sentence, in the Word Stuydy on Worship, says that this sentence is in the Worship-Applications under 'Worship is a personal act that often requires personal sacrifice'. True worship does not need a law of man to enforce it but false worship does. in this sentence we see Paul say that he wasn't trying to force anyone to worship his way but refused to be forced to worship the wrong way. Thus, he exposes who is right and who is wrong.

Please see the notes for John 14:6; 1Corinthians C4S17 and Psalms 119 about the word way. The functional definition for this word is: 'How we get from our present condition/place in life to the time that we face the judgment of God upon our life'. Please also see the note for Mark 1:3 about the phrase way of the Lord. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:4 about the phrase way side.

Please see the note for Galatians C5S20 about the word heresies. Webster's 1828 dictionary this word as: 'A fundamental error in religion, or an error of opinion respecting some fundamental doctrine of religion. But in countries where there is an established church, an opinion is deemed heresy, when it differs from that of the church. the Scriptures being the standard of faith, any opinion that is repugnant to its doctrines, is heresy; but as men differ in the interpretation of Scripture, an opinion deemed heretical by one body of Christians, may be deemed orthodox by another. In Scripture and primitive usage, heresy meant merely sect, party, or the doctrines of a sect, as we now use denomination or persuasion, implying no reproach. 2. Heresy, in law, is an offense against Christianity, consisting in a denial of some of its essential doctrines, publicly avowed and obstinately maintained. 3. An untenable or unsound opinion or doctrine in politics'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S15; 1Corinthians C14S25 and Galatians C3-S8 about the word believe. The functional definition for this word is: 'To credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge. When we believe upon the authority of another, we always put confidence in his veracity. When we believe upon the authority of reasoning, arguments, or a concurrence of facts and circumstances, we rest our conclusions upon their strength or probability, their agreement with our own experience, etc. true Biblical belief causes us to act upon that belief and any claimed belief that does not lead to matching action is a lie. Many people confuse faith and belief. Before people act, they have a belief but that belief does not turn into true faith until the people act upon it. Thus, we need to tell people the true gospel, which requires them to act upon their claimed belief'. Please also see the note for John 3:16 about the word believeth. The functional definition for this word is: 'a lifestyle belief. This is opposed to whay people call belief but what they have does not stay with them'. Please also see the notes for John 6:42 and John 12:40 about the phrase believe on / believe in. The functional definition for this word is: 'This identifies an ongoing spiritual relationship'. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:26-LJC and John 20:31-LJC about the phrase believe in Jesus / Christ. The functional definition for this word is: 'the start of a spiritual relationship with Jesus and / or Christ'. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase belief, non-saving. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief (true) changes life. Please also see the notes for Romans C4S21 about the word unbelief.

Please see the notes for Luke 1:76; Romans C16S33; Romans C12S5 and Jude about the word prophet. In addition, false prophets are covered in the Study called False things according to the Bible. The most popular religious definition for this word is: 'someone who foretells the future'. However, that definition tends to limit the thinking of people to only those statements when, actually, the majority of their message was doctrinal. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and the prophets. Please also see the links for Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospel Significant Events Study and the New Testament Significant Events Study.

Please see the note for Romans 7:15 about the word allow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To grant, give or yield'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:4 about the word disallow.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Galatians 2:16-LJC and 2Peter 2:9-LJC about the word just. The functional definition is: 'Regular; orderly; due; suitable; exactly proportioned; proper; upright; honest; having principles of rectitude; or conforming exactly to the laws, and to principles of rectitude in social conduct; equitable in the distribution of justice'. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please also see the note for Romans 3:20 about the word justify. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Significant Gospel Events Study for the title of Just. Please also see the note for 2Peter 2:9-LJC about the word unjust.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I confess. Ps 119:46; Mt 10:32 after. Ac 9:2; 19:9,23; Am 8:14; 2Pe 2:2 heresy. Ac 24:5; 1Co 11:19; Ga 5:20; Tit 3:10; 2Pe 2:1 so. Mic 4:2 the God. Ac 3:13; 5:30; 7:32; 22:14; Ex 3:15; 1Ch 29:18; 2Ti 1:3 believing. Ac 3:22-24; 10:43; 26:22,27; 28:23; Lu 1:70; 24:27,44; Joh 5:39-47; 1Pe 1:11; Re 19:10 in the law. Ac 13:15; Mt 7:12; 22:40; Lu 16:16,29; Joh 1:45; Ro 3:21 General references. exp: Da 6:5.
have. Ac 24:21; 26:6-7; 28:20-31 that. Ac 23:6-8; Job 19:25-26; Da 12:2; Mt 22:31-32; Joh 5:28-29; 1Co 15:12-27; Php 3:21; 1Th 4:14-16; Re 20:6,12-13 General references. exp: Da 6:5.'.

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C24-S10 (Verse 16) Paul makes sure that he has a conscience void of offence.

And herein do I exercise myself,
to have always a conscience void of offence toward God,
and toward men.

Please notice the word always. The only way that is possible is if he regularly checks to be sure that he is being personally led by God. Paul always made sure that he did not deliberately (void of offence). offend others.

Next, Paul says: herein do I exercise myself that means that he deliberately does things, on a regular and consistent basis, to exercise His relationship with God. He would have to do things like starting his day with personal worship and prayer. He would have to end his day with a review of his day and confess any sin and thank God for help during the day. He would have to keep his emotions in check, as we see by his response th the lies said against him in this court. When naturally getting upset, he would have to pray for God's help and guidance. These things, and much more, is what is meant by the phrase: herein do I exercise myself.

In addition, the Bible has much to tell us about our conscience, such as the fact that we can sear it (1Timothy 4:2). Paul would have to be careful to maintain his conscience in good working order in order for this sentence to be true.

Please see the note for Mark 10:42 about the word exercise. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, to move; to exert; to cause to act, in any manner; as, to exercise the body or the hands; to exercise the mind, the powers of the mind, the reason or judgment'.

Please see the note for Romans 3:31 about the word void. The functional definition for this word is: 'Empty; vacant; not occupied with any visible matter; as a void space or place. 1Kings 22'.

Please see the note for Romans C14S27 about the word offence. The Online Dictionary defines this word as: 'n 1. a violation or breach of a law, custom, rule, etc. a. any public wrong or crime b. a nonindictable crime punishable on summary conviction 3. annoyance, displeasure, or resentment give offence (to) to cause annoyance or displeasure (to) take offence to feel injured, humiliated, or offended 6. a source of annoyance, displeasure, or anger 7. (Military) attack; assault 8. Archaic injury or harm 9. (Team Sports / American Football) American football (usually preceded by the) a. the team that has possession of the ball b. the members of a team that play in such circumstances' '.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 23:1; Ro 2:15; 9:1; 1Co 4:4; 2Co 1:12; 4:2; 1Th 2:10; 1Ti 1:5,19; 3:9; 2Ti 1:3; Tit 1:15; 2:11-13; Heb 9:14; 10:22; 13:18; 1Pe 2:19; 3:16,21 exp: Ps 25:21; Jer 37:18; Da 6:5.'.

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C24-S11 (Verse 17) Why Paul came to Judaea.

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation,
and offerings.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word Now means: 'After you understand what came before this sentence'. Before this, Paul said that he went into the Temple to worship God privately and did nothing to cause problems. The Jewish religious leaders told lies and blamed Paul for problems caused by others. And, that was evidenced by their repeatedly trying to kill him when they were supposed to be testifying as to what they had against him. He did nothing other than to try and worship God privately.
The phrase after many years I came to bring alms to my nation means: 'Paul returned to Judaea to bring financial help to people who were starving'.
The phrase and offerings means: 'Paul also returned to make an offering at the Temple'.

Please see the note for Luke 11:41 about the word alms. The functional definition for this word is: 'charitable giving associated with religion'. As can be seen in the references of the Bible, there is more to true Christian giving than what most saved people realize.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C8S7 about the word offer. The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Presented for acceptance or rejection; presented in worship or devotion; immolated; bid; presented to the eye or the mind'. In addition, since offer is used in relationship to worship, in the Bible, please also see the Word Study onWorship.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'to bring. Ac 11:29-30; 20:16; Ro 15:25-26; 1Co 16:1-2; 2Co 8:9; Ga 2:10 offerings. Ac 21:26 General references. exp: Zep 3:10; Ro 15:25.'.

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C24-S12 (Verse 18) Certain Jews from Asia caused the tumult.

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with multitude,
nor with tumult.

Paul was in the Temple, purified and praying quietly when they dragged him out of the Temple and started telling lies about him. Note that no Jew would go through all that was required for ceremonial purification just to waste that effort by starting a tumult.

Please see the note for Hebrews 9:18 about the word whereupon. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Upon which'. The King James Bible Companion defines this word as: 'Upon which; for which reason Le 11:35; Heb 9:18'.

The functional definition for the word Asia is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches. While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church. On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia (Acts 16:6). They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church. Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia. It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia. along with a short note about each reference.

Please see the note for Luke 2:22-24 about the words purify / purification. The functional definition for this word is: 'the process by which a person unclean, according to the Levitical law, and thereby cut off from the sanctuary and the festivals, was restored to the enjoyment of all these privileges'. Please also see the note for Romans C14S27 about the word pure.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 6:3 about the word tumult. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines tumult as: '1. the commotion, disturbance or agitation of a multitude, usually accompanied with great noise, uproar and confusion of voices. What meaneth the noise of this tumult? 1 Sam 4. Till in loud tumult all the Greeks arose. 2. Violent commotion or agitation with confusion of sounds; as the tumult of the elements. 3. Agitation; high excitement; irregular or confused motion; as the tumult of the spirits or passions. 4. Bustle; stir.
TU'MULT, v.i. to make a tumult; to be in great commotion'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 21:26-30; 26:21'.

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C24-S13 (Verse 19) Since the Jews from Asia actually caused the turmut, they are who should be judged.

Who ought to have been here before thee,
and object,
if they had ought against me.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Who ought to have been here before thee means: 'They are who should be judged'.
The phrase and object means: 'They should be the people complaining against Paul and not the Jewish religious Council'.
The phrase if they had ought against me means: 'Paul says if because he knew that they had no legitimate objection to anything that Paul did. They simply allowed themselves to be used by devils in their spiritual fight against God and God's true minister'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 23:30; 25:16'.

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C24-S14 (Verse 20-21) Paul demands that the Council identify any evil that he did beyond believing scripture..

Or else let these same here say,
if they have found any evil doing in me,
while I stood before the council,
Except it be for this one voice,
that I cried standing among them,
Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Or else let these same here say means: 'Paul is directly challenging the Jewish religious leaders'. Included with them was the high priest who was a Sadducee and denied existence of spirits, of God and of resurrection.
The phrase if they have found any evil doing in me means: 'They made lots of general claims and offered no evidence. This phrase is a demand that they specify any specific incident which they can prove. They, of course, said nothing in response to this demand'.
The phrase while I stood before the council means: 'They had a time when they examined Paul and should have received evidence of specific incidents if they existed'.
The phrase Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them means: 'Paul admits that he said one thing that the Sadducees denied'.
The phrase Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day means: 'The Jewish religious leaders were split on this doctrine and allowed Jews to hold to it'. Please see the Section on Prophecies, in the Significant Gospel Events Study, about Resurrection from the Dead. While most of the references are in the New Testament, there are also several for the Old Testament. And, the Old Testament identifies three people who were raised from the dead. Therefore, these religious leaders, including the high priest, denied the truth of scripture.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for John 6:44 about the word except. The functional definition for this word is: 'to take or leave out of any number specified; to exclude; as, of the thirty persons present and concerned in a riot, we must except two. 2. to take or leave out any particular or particulars, from a general description. When he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted who did put all things under him. 1 Cor.14.'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. The functional definition for this word is: 'The sense of the verb is to throw, to drive out sound; and voice is that which is driven out. Sound or audible noise uttered by the mouth, either of human beings or of other animals'. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S11 about the word touch. The functional definition for this word is: ' to come in contact with; to hit or strike against. He touched the hollow of his thigh. Gen. 32. Matt.9'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. exp: Da 6:5.
Touching. Ac 4:2; 23:6; 26:6-8; 28:20 General references. exp: Da 6:5.'.

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C24-S15 (Verse 22) Felix put off making a decision.

And when Felix heard these things,
having more perfect knowledge of that way,
he deferred them,
and said,
When Lysias the chief captain shall come down,
I will know the uttermost of your matter.

Our sentence tells us that Felix could have decided the matter then but claimed that he delayed judgment until the chief captain came and testified. The second last sentence, of our chapter, tells us that he really delayed in hope that Paul would give him money to be let go. In addition, our last sentence tells us that Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Further, we never read of him calling thed chief captain and getting the testimony which he claimed to need before making a decision. Therefore, Paul was left a prisoner for the next two years because Felix was a corrupt politiclan.

We find forms of the word deferred in: Genesis 34:19; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 19:11; Ecclesiastes 5:4; Isaiah 48:9; Daniel 9:19; Acts 24:22. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. L. to bear. 1. to delay; to put off; to postpone to a future time; as, to defer the execution of a design. When thou vowest a vow, defer not to pay it. Eccles. 5. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick. Prov. 13. 2. to refer; to leave to anothers judgment and determination. in this sense, refer is now used'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:26 about the word uttermost. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'utter and most. Extreme; being in the furthest, greatest or highest degree; as the uttermost extent or end; the uttermost distress.
UT'TERMOST, n. the greatest. the uttermost we can do is to be patient. to the uttermost, in the most extensive degree; fully. Heb. 8'.

Please see the note for Acts 8:21 about the word matter. Only part of the definition in Webster's 1828 matches the actually usage of this word within the Bible. The other dictionaries which I can access also give erroneous definitions. The part of the definition in Webster's 1828 , which matches every usage within the Bible is: 'a. the very thing supposed or intended. He grants the deluge to have come so very near the matter, that few escaped. b. Affair; business; event; thing; course of things. Matters have succeeded well thus far; observe how matters stand; thus the matter rests at present; thus the matter ended. Tohelp the matter, the alchimists call in many vanities from astrology. Some young female seems to have carried matters so far, that she is ripe for asking advice. c. Cause of any event, as of any disturbance, of a disease, or of a difficulty. When a moving machine stops suddenly, we ask, what is the matter? When a person is ill, we ask, what is the matter? When a tumult or quarrel takes place, we ask, what is the matter?'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'having. Ac 24:10,24; 26:3 When. Ac 24:7; 18:20; 25:26; De 19:18 exp: Ac 23:35. General references. exp: Ac 28:18.'.

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C24-S16 (Verse 23) Felix let Paul go almost free.

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul,
and to let him have liberty,
and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

Our sentence tells us that Felix ordered a centurion to stay with Paul but to let him have freedom otherwise. So, Paul was technically under arrest and he could not leave that city, but otherwise he was, effectively, free. And, since there was a local church in that city, Paul could have fellowship with other believers and he could minister to them.

Please see the note for Mark 15:39 about the word centurion. The functional definition for this word is: 'A Roman officer in command of a hundred men (Mr 15:39,44- 45)'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 8:9 about the word liberty. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Besides the common application of this term, it is used in scripture symbolically, as 1. the liberty obtained by Christ for those that were captives of Satan. Isa 61:1; Lu 4:18; Joh 8:36. 2. the conscience set free from guilt, as when the Lord said to several, "Thy sins be forgiven thee: go in peace." 3. Freedom from the law, etc. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." Ro 7:24-25; Ga 5:1. Jesus said, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Joh 10:9. 4. the Christian's deliverance from the power of sin by having died with Christ, as in Ro 6:8-22; and, having reckoned himself dead to sin, experimentally enjoying liberty, as in Ro 8:2-4, after experiencing that the flesh is too strong for him the deliverance is realized by the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, and the love of God is known and enjoyed. Christ is then the object before the soul, and not self'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 24:23; Acts 26:32; Acts 27:3.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 4:1 about the word forbid. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. pret. forbad; pp. forbid, forbidden. Literally, to bid or command against. Hence, 1. to prohibit; to interdict; to command to forbear or not to do. the laws of God forbid us to swear. Good manners also forbid us to use profane language. All servile labor and idle amusements on the sabbath are forbidden. 2. to command not to enter; as, I have forbid him my house or presence. this phrase seems to be elliptical; to forbid from entering or approaching. 3. to oppose; to hinder; to obstruct. An impassable river forbids the approach of the army. A blaze of glory that forbids the sight. 4. to accurse; to blast. Obs.
FORBID', v.i. to utter a prohibition; but in the intransitive form, there is always an ellipsis. I would go, but my state of health forbids, that is, forbids me to go, or my going'. Please also see the note for Romans C3S6 and Galatians C3S25 about the phrase God forbid.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S6; 1Corinthians C3S5 and 2Corinthians 3:3 about the word minister. The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of performing service as a subordinate agent; agency; intervention for aid or service. --Because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations. Acts.6. 1. Office of a minister; service; ecclesiastical function. As soon as the days of his ministration were ended. Luke 1'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:23 about the word ministration. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C12S5 about the word administration.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and o. Ac 24:26; 27:3; 28:16,31; Pr 16:7 his. Ac 21:8-14'.

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C24-S17 (Verse 24) Felix listened to more preaching.

And after certain days,
when Felix came with his wife Drusilla,
which was a Jewess,
he sent for Paul,
and heard him concerning the faith in Christ .

Acts C24:24-26 tells us that Paul was able to give the Gospel, several times, to Felix and his wife.

As explained in the note for this sentence, within the Lord Jesus Christ Study, Felix had heard the basic gospel before but was not saved. Like many people, he was not willing to give up what he had in this world in order to secure his everlasting future in Heaven. He listened to Paul concerning the faith in Christ, but was not willing to commit even though, as our next sentence says, he trembled when hearing about future judgment.

Please see the note for Colossians C3S13 about the words wife / wives. The functional definition for this word is: 'The lawful consort of man; a woman who is united to man in the lawful bonds of wedlock; the correlative of husband'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:1 about the word concern. The functional definition for this word is: 'Pertaining to; regarding; having relation to'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please also see the notes for Colossians 1:1 and Titus 1:1 about the word faithful. The functional definition is: 'Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. Full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy. being true to oneself, to one's nature, to any promise given, and to any trust committed'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. Please also see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about Abraham's faith. Please also see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please also see the note for 2Peter 2:3 about the word feign. Please also see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about Law and faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about live / walk by faith.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he sent. Ac 26:22; Mr 6:20; Lu 19:3; 23:8 the faith. Ac 16:31; 20:21; Ga 2:16,20; 3:2; 1Jo 5:1; Jude 1:3; Re 14:12 exp: Php 1:27; Jas 2:1. General references. exp: Pr 28:6; Mt 14:4; 1Co 1:27.'.

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C24-S18 (Verse 25) Paul reasoned with Felix but he refused to believe.

First Step: Paul reasoned with Felix.

And as he reasoned of righteousness,
temperance,
and judgment to come Felix trembled,
and answered,
Go thy way for this time;.

Second Step: He refused to believe.

when I have a convenient season,
I will call for thee.

Acts C24:24-26 tells us that Paul was able to give the Gospel, several times, to Felix and his wife.

Righteousness, temperance, and judgment are not given at our initial profession but are given through our ongoing personal relationship with the Son of God through His role as Christ. A prior sentence told us that Felix had a more perfect knowledge of that way. Therefore, he had heard the basic gospel before and just wanted further understanding. However, there is a limit But the understanding that a lost person can receive and, at some point, they must accept by true faith or they will not be able to understand any more.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 3:10 about the word reason. The functional definition for this word is: 'A person is not reasonable, but is a Biblical fool, when they refuse to allow a valid reason to change their opinion on a matter'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'n. re'zn. L. ratio, which is from ratus, and which proves reor to be contracted from redo, redor, and all unite with rod, L. radius, etc. Gr. to say or speak, whence rhetoric. See Read. 1. that which is thought or which is alleged in words, as the ground or cause of opinion, conclusion or determination. I have reasons which I may choose not to disclose. You ask me my reasons. I freely give my reasons. the judge assigns good reasons for his opinion, reasons which justify his decision. Hence in general, 2. the cause, ground, principle or motive of anything said or done; that which supports or justifies a determination, plan or measure. Virtue and vice are not arbitrary things; but there is a natural and eternal reason for that goodness and virtue, and against vice and wickedness. 1Peter 3. 3. Efficient cause. He is detained by reason of sickness. Spain in thin sown of people, partly by reason of its sterility of soil the reason of the motion of the balance in a wheel-watch is by motion of the next wheel. 4. Final cause. Reason, in the English language, is sometimes taken for true and clear principles; sometimes for clear and fair deductions; sometimes for the cause, particularly the final cause. 5. A faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes truth from falsehood, and good from evil, and which enables the possessor to deduce inferences from facts or from propositions. Self-love, the spring of motion, acts the soul, reason's comparing balance rules the whole - that sees immediate good by present sense, reason the future and the consequence. Reason is the director of man's will. 6. Ratiocination; the exercise of reason. But when by reason she the truth has found - 7. Right; justice; that which is dictated or supported by reason. Every man claims to have reason on his side. I was promised on a time to have reason for my rhyme. 8. Reasonable claim; justice. God brings good out of evil, and therefore it were but reason we should trust God to govern his own world. 9. Rationale; just account. this reason did the ancient fathers render, why the church was called catholic. 10. Moderation; moderate demands; claims which reason and justice admit or prescribe. the most probable way of bringing France to reason, would be by the making an attempt on the Spanish West Indies - In reason, in all reason, in justice; with rational ground. When anything is proved by as good arguments as a thing of that kind is capable of, we ought not in reason to doubt of its existence'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 and Galatians C2-S16 about the words righteous / righteousness. The functional definition for this word is: 'doing the right thing, as defined by God, the right way and at the right time with the right purpose'. Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:9-11; James 3:18 about the phrase fruit of righteousness. Please also see the note for Romans C4S7 about the phrase imputeth righteousness. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:5 and Romans C1S16 about the word unrighteousness.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S35 about the words temperate / temperance. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. L. temperatus. Moderate; not excessive; as temperate heat; a temperate climate; temperate air. 1. Moderate in the indulgence of the appetites and passions; as temperate in eating and drinking; temperate in pleasures; temperate in speech. Be sober and temperate, and you will be healthy. 2. Cool; calm; not marked with passion; not violent; as a temperate discourse or address; temperate language. 3. Proceeding from temperance; as temperate sleep. 4. Free from ardent passion. She is not hot, but temperate as the morn. Temperate zone, the space on the earth between the tropics and the polar circles, where the heat is less than in the tropics, and the cold less than in the polar circles'.

Please see the note for Mark 5:33 about the word tremble. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to shake involuntarily, as with fear, cold or weakness; to quake; to quiver; to shiver; to shudder. Frighted Turnus trembled as he spoke. 2. to shake; to quiver; to totter. Sinai's gray top shall tremble. 3. to quaver; to shake, as sound; as when we say, the voice trembles'.

Please see the note for Philemon 1:8 about the word convenient. The functional definition for this word is: 'Fit; suitable; proper; adapted to use or to wants; commodious'.

Please see the note for Mark 12:2 about the word season. The functional definition for this word is: 'A fit or suitable time; the convenient time; the usual or appointed time; as, the messenger arrived in season; in good season'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he. Ac 17:2; 1Sa 12:7; Isa 1:18; 41:21; Ro 12:1; 1Pe 3:15 righteousness. Ac 24:15,26; 2Sa 23:3; Job 29:14; Ps 11:7; 45:7; 58:1-2; 72:2; 82:1-4; Pr 16:12; Ec 3:16; Isa 1:21; 16:5; 61:8; Jer 22:3,15-17; Eze 45:9; Da 4:27; Ho 10:4,12; Am 5:24; 6:12; Joh 16:8; 1Jo 3:7,10 temperance. Pr 31:3-5; Ec 10:16-17; Isa 28:6-7; Da 5:1-4,30; Ho 7:5; Mr 6:18-24; Ga 5:23; Tit 2:11-12; 1Pe 4:4; 2Pe 1:6 judgment. Ac 10:42; 17:13; Ps 50:3-4; Ec 3:17; 5:8; 11:9; 12:14; Da 12:2; Mt 25:31-46; Ro 2:16; 14:12; 1Co 4:5; 2Co 5:10; 2Th 1:7-10; 2Ti 4:1; Heb 6:2; 9:27; 1Pe 4:5; Re 20:11-15 exp: Joh 16:11. Felix. Ac 2:37; 9:6; 16:29; 1Ki 21:27; 2Ki 22:19; Ezr 10:3,9; Ps 99:1; 119:120; Isa 32:11; 66:2; Jer 23:29; Hab 3:16; Ro 3:19-20; 1Co 14:24-25; Ga 3:22; Heb 4:1,12; 12:21; Jas 2:19 exp: Ac 23:24. Go. Ac 16:30-34; 26:28; 1Ki 22:26-27; Pr 1:24-32; Jer 37:17-21; 38:14-28; Mt 14:5-10; 22:5; 25:1-10 when. Ac 17:32; Pr 6:4-5; Isa 55:6; Hag 1:2; Lu 13:24-25; 17:26-29; 2Co 6:2; Heb 3:7-8,13; 4:11; Jas 4:13-14 exp: Ac 23:35; 1Co 16:12. General references. exp: Pr 28:6; Mt 14:4; 1Co 1:27.'.

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C24-S19 (Verse 26) this is why Felix did not get truly saved.

Equivalent Section: He wanted to be paid.

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul,
that he might loose him:.

Equivalent Section: Felix heard the truth several times but had tge wrong motivation.

wherefore he sent for him the oftener,
and commused with him.

Acts C24:24-26 tells us that Paul was able to give the Gospel, several times, to Felix and his wife.

Please see the notes for Mark 6:7-9 and John 6:7 about the word money. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Mention is made of money as early as Ge 17:12-13, where persons are said to be 'bought with money;' and from Genesis to Zechariah it is spoken of as being not counted, but weighed, which would give the true value of the precious metals in the form of rings or in odd pieces of gold or silver. the names Gerah, Bekah, Shekel, Maneh, and Talent, being used for weights as well as money, the two are better considered together.
On the return of the Jews, B.C. 536, Persian money was used by them. this would be followed by Greek money when they were under the dominion of the Greeks. Antiochus VII about B.C. 140, granted permission to Simon Maccabeus to coin Jewish money. Shekels were coined bearing a pot of manna and an almond rod. Under the Romans, Roman money was used'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having great power and able to accomplish things which most people can not do'. Please also see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.

Please see the note for Mark 11:4 about the word loose. The functional definition for this word is: 'to free from restraint or confinement; to set at liberty'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:29 about the word oftentimes. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. of'ntimes. often and times. Frequently; often; many'.

Please see the note for Galatians C2-S2 about the word communicate. The functional definition for this word is: 'the two-way sharing (between two beings which include spirits) of thoughts, feelings, material possessions and other things'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:16 bout the word communion.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'hoped. Ac 24:2-3; Ex 23:8; De 16:19; 1Sa 8:3; 12:3; 2Ch 19:7; Job 15:34; Ps 26:9-10; Pr 17:8,23; 19:6; 29:4; Isa 1:23; 33:15; 56:11; Eze 22:27; 33:31; Ho 4:18; 12:7-8; Am 2:6-7; Mic 3:11; 7:3; 1Co 6:9; Eph 5:5-6; 1Ti 6:9-10; 2Pe 2:3,14-15 wherefore. Ac 24:24 General references. exp: Pr 28:6.'.

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C24-S20 (Verse 27) the change in who was governor did not free Paul.

Equivalent Section: There was a change in who was governor.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room:

Equivalent Section: Paul remained bound.

and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure,
left Paul bound.

Our sentenbce tells us that Porcius Festus (replaced) Felix and Paul was kept bound in order to please the Jews.

Please see the note for Mark 12:38-40 about the word room. The functional definition for this word is: 'Often used for "a place at table" or "a place at the gathering", but also used for an enclosed space within a building'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:14 about the word pleasure. The functional definition for this word is: 'The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish or happiness produced by enjoyment or the expectation of good; opposed to pain'. Please also see the notes for 2Timothy 2:4 and Galatians 1:10-LJC about the word please.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'two. Ac 28:30 Porcius Festus. Porcius Festus was put into the government of Judea in the sixth or seventh year of Nero. He died about two years afterwards, and was succeeded by Albinus. Ac 25:1; 26:24-25,32 willing. Ac 12:3; 25:9,14; Ex 23:2; Pr 29:25; Mr 15:15; Lu 23:24-25; Ga 1:10 General references. exp: Pr 28:6; Mt 27:15; Mr 15:6.'.

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Acts Chapter 23

Chapter theme is: Paul is judged by the Jewish Council for the last time.

links to sentences in this chapter:

Chapter theme is: Paul's judgment by Felix,

Acts Chapter 24

links to sentences in this chapter:

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