Interpretive Study of Acts 25-26

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 25

Chapter theme is: Paul stands at Caesar's judgment.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C25-S1 (Verse 1), C25-S2 (Verse 2-3), C25-S3 (Verse 4), C25-S4 (Verse 5), C25-S5 (Verse 6), C25-S6 (Verse 7), C25-S7 (Verse 8), C25-S8 (Verse 9), C25-S9 (Verse 10), C25-S10 (Verse 11), C25-S11 (Verse 11), C25-S12 (Verse 12), C25-S13 (Verse 12), C25-S14 (Verse 13), C25-S15 (Verse 14-15), C25-S16 (Verse 16), C25-S17 (Verse 17), C25-S18 (Verse 18-19), C25-S19 (Verse 20), C25-S20 (Verse 21), C25-S21 (Verse 22), C25-S22 (Verse 22), C25-S23 (Verse 23), C25-S24 (Verse 24), C25-S25 (Verse 25), C25-S26 (Verse 26), C25-S27 (Verse 26), C25-S28 (Verse 27)'.

Acts 25:1-5 : tells us that after three days (Festus) ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The Jewish religious leaders, again, made accusations again Paul and asked for Festus to send Paul to Jerusalem where they could kill him. But, Festus demanded that they go to Caesarea and accuse Paul there.

Acts 25:6-10 : tells us that when Festus returned to Caesarea, the Jewish religious leaders, again, accused Paul and Paul, again, answered their accusations. Again, there was no evidence that Paul violated Roman law. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? at this point, it was obvious that Paul would not get a fair trial nor be set free but would be used as a pawn in the local politics between the Jewish religious leaders and the governor. Therefore, Paul answered: I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. Paul, basically, told the governor that he knew that he was being used as a pawn in local politics and, therefore, demanded to be sent to a higher court where the Jews did not have the political power to pervert justice.

Acts 25:11-12 : tells us that Festus agreed to Paul's legal right to be tried by Caesar.

Acts 25:14-22 : tells us that after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. Eventually, Festus tld king Agrippa about Paul and the accusations against him by the Jewish religious leaders. And, Festus tld king Agrippa Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And, Festus asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem to be tried by the Jewish religious leaders. Since Paul knew that he would not get a fair trial but would be murdered, he appealed to Caesar. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.

Acts 25:23-27 : tells us that they set up the court, again, with great pomp, and Festus, officially and in the court record, again told king Agrippa what the trial was about. Festus also said that he had nothing to write to Caesar because Paul had not violated Roman law and asked king Agrippa to determine what they should write to Caesar. That sets us up for the next chapter where we read about the trial before king Agrippa.

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C25-S1 (Verse 1) What Festus did upon arrival.

Now when Festus was come into the province,
after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word Now means: 'After you understand what came before this sentence. Festus had just been made governor and would have to recover from his travel and meet people in his local government center. Yet, he quickly ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem, which shows the political power enjoyed by the Jewish religious leaders'.
The phrase when Festus was come into the province means: 'This was when he arrived to take over the government'.
The phrase after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem means: 'This shows the political priorities'.

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'.

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.

Please see the note for John 6:62 about the word ascend. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to move upwards; to mount; to go up; to rise, whether in air or water, or upon a material object. 2. to rise, in a figurative sense; to proceed from an inferior to a superior degree, from mean to noble objects, from particulars to generals, etc. 3. to proceed from modern to ancient times; to recur to former ages; as, our inquiries ascend to the remotest antiquity. 4. In a corresponding sense, to proceed in a line towards ancestors; as, to ascend to our first progenitors. 5. to rise as a star; to proceed or come above the horizon. 6. In music, to rise in vocal utterance; to pass from any note to one more acute.
ASCEND', v.t. To move upwards; to mount; to go up; to rise, whether in air or water, or upon a material object upon, as to ascend a hill or ladder; or to climb, as to ascend a tree'.

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 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'into. Ac 23:34 the province. By the province, Judea is meant; for after the death of Herod Agrippa, Claudius thought it imprudent to trust the government in the hands of his son Agrippa, who was then but seventeen years of age; and therefore, Cuspius Fadus was sent to be procurator. And when afterwards Claudius had given to Agrippa the tetrarchy of Philip, he nevertheless kept the province of Judea in his own hands, and governed it by procurators sent from Rome. he. Ac 25:5; 18:22; 21:15'.

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C25-S2 (Verse 2-3) the Jewish religious leaders still try to get Paul so that they can murder him.

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,
and besought him,
And desired favour against him,
that he would send for him to Jerusalem,
laying wait in the way to kill him.

Realize that it has been more than two years that they have been seeking to murder Paul. And, the last phrase of our sentence makes it clear what their true intent was. However, the earlier phrases also make it clear that they lied to Festus. Anyone who claims to be a representative of the God of the Bible, while telling lies, is truly a representative of a lying devil.

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.

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 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 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'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word besought. The functional definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word beseech'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S1 about the word beseech. The functional definition for this word is: 'To entreat; to supplicate; to implore; to ask or pray with urgency'.

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 Luke 1:28 about the word favor / favour. The functional definition for this word is: 'Kind regard; kindness; countenance; propitious aspect; friendly disposition. His dreadful navy, and his lovely mind, Gave him the fear and favor of mankind. the king's favor is as dew on the grass. Prov. 19'.

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 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 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: 'General references. Ac 25:15; 24:1; Job 31:31; Pr 4:16; Ro 3:12-19
desired. Ac 9:2; 1Sa 23:19-21; Jer 38:4; Mr 6:23-25; Lu 23:8-24 laying. Ac 23:12-15; 26:9-11; Ps 37:32-33; 64:2-6; 140:1-5; Jer 18:18; Joh 16:3; Ro 3:8'.

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C25-S3 (Verse 4) Festus tld them no.

But Festus answered,
that Paul should be kept at Caesarea,
and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

We are not told, but, most likely, Felix explained the political situation to Festus when he took over as governor. And, our chapter lets us know that Festus tried to continue to use Paul as a political pawn in order to control the Jewish religious leaders. And, in this sentence, we read that Felix demanded that the Jewish religious leaders go to Caesarea, in order to make their charges. And, while there probably were other reasons, at least one reason was to lower the political power of the Jewish religious leaders.

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 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.

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 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'.

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C25-S4 (Verse 5) Festus tld them to go to Caesarea if they wanted to charge Paul.

Let them therefore,
said he,
which among you are able,
go down with me,
and accuse this man,
if there be any wickedness in him.

We need to keep in mind the background maneuverings in order to understand the short-term moves. We already read that the Jewish religious leaders wanted to murder Paul and were willing to lie to Festus in order to do so. At the same time, Festus understood that they were lying and that they wanted to murder Paul, but he had to work with them because they represented a real and powerful political force within the people that he had to govern. In addition, the devils had been motivating the Jewish religious leaders to murder Paul and they had been frustrated for over two years while Paul was free to minister in Caesarea. In addition, without a doubt God was letting the devils know that He was more powerful than all of them combined. And, we can believe that Festus thought he was getting ahead of the Jewish religious leaders, in their political game, but he was actually being used by God to keep Paul alive.

Please also notice that Festus tld the Jewish religious leaders that they had to charge Paul with wickedness because he had appealed to Caesar and their religious disagreements were not a violation of Roman law. In order for Festus t, legally, do anything against Paul, they had to charge Paul with violating Roman law.

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 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 Acts 6:10 about the word able. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having physical power or strength to perform'.

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).

Please see the note for Romans C1S16; Colossians 1:9-17; 1Corinthians 5:8 and Ephesians 6:12 about the word wicked. Please also use the link in the sentence outline, above. The functional definition for this word is: 'Departure from the rules of the divine law; evil disposition or practices; immorality; crime; sin; sinfulness; corrupt manners Wickedness generally signifies evil practices. What wickedness is this that is done among you? Judges 20. But wickedness expresses also the corrupt dispositions of the heart. their inward part is very wickedness. Psalm 5. In heart ye work wickedness. Psalm 58'. Please also see the note for Ephesians C4S8 about the phrase wicked heart.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'them. Ac 25:16; 23:30; 24:8 if. Ac 25:18-19,25; 18:14; 1Sa 24:11-12; Ps 7:3-5; Joh 18:29-30'.

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C25-S5 (Verse 6) Festus deliberately delayed to make a political statement.

First Step: Festus delayed long enough to let the Jewish religious leaders know that this was a political maneuver.

And when he had tarried among them more than ten days,
he went down unto Caesarea;.

Second Step: there was no delay once he returned.

and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

Again, we need to understand the background maneuvers in order to understand why things were done like they were. Festus is a new governor and political people, like the Jewish religious leaders, would try to take advantage while he was still trying to figure out the political landscape. By refusing the request by the Jewish religious leaders, Festus was letting them know that they did not control him. By delaying his return, when it became obvious that he could have heard them in Jerusalem, he was making them recognize that they had to go to him and that he was more powerful than they were. By making them show up in court right after he returned, he was not allowing them to do any maneuvering and making it clear that they could only present what they had prepared ahead of time.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:33 about the word tarry. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to stay; to abide; to continue; to lodge. Tarry all night and wash your feet. Gen.19. 2. to stay behind. Ex.12. 3. to stay in expectation; to wait. Tarry ye here for us, till we come again to you. Ex.24. 4. to delay; to put off going or coming; to defer. Come down to me, tarry not. Gen.45. 5. to remain; to stay. He that telleth lies, shall not tarry in my sight. Ps.101. TAR'RY, v.t. to wait for. I cannot tarry dinner. Not in use'.

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 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 Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'more than ten days. or, as some copies read no more than eight or ten days. sitting. Ac 25:10,17; 18:12-17; Mt 27:19; Joh 19:13; 2Co 5:10; Jas 2:6'.

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C25-S6 (Verse 7) the Jews told more unsubstantiated lies.

And when he was come,
the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about,
and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul,
which they could not prove .

In court, it does not matter what you believe but what you can prove. However, when you can not prove anything, you make accusations and hope that the judge is too stupid to realize that you have no proof. And, once more, we see that the Jews were relying on political power to carry their lies.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:1 about the word grievous. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. from grieve, or grief. Heavy; oppressive; burdensome; as a grievous load of taxes. 1. Afflictive; painful; hard to be borne. Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way. Prov.15. 2. Causing grief or sorrow. the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight, because of his son. Gen.21. 3. Distressing. the famine was very grievous in the land. Gen.12. 4. Great; atrocious. Because their sin is very grievous. Gen.18. 5. Expressing great uneasiness; as a grievous complaint. 6. Provoking; offensive; tending to irritate; as grievous words. Prov.15. 7. Hurtful; destructive; causing mischief; as grievous wolves. Acts.20'.

Please see the note for Jude 1:16 about the word complain. The functional definition for the word complain is: 'The action of expressing grief, to lament, to find fault'. The functional definition for the word complaint is: 'The resulting expression of a complain'. The functional definition for the word complainer is: 'The person who complains'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and laid. Ac 25:24; 21:28; 24:5-6,13; Ezr 4:15; Es 3:8; Ps 27:12; 35:11; Mt 5:11-12; 26:60-62; Mr 15:3-4; Lu 23:2,10; 1Pe 4:14-16 General references. exp: Ac 24:13; 28:18.'.

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C25-S7 (Verse 8) Paul answered their complaints by, basically, calling them liars.

While he answered for himself,
Neither against the law of the Jews,
neither against the temple,
nor yet against Caesar,
have I offended anything at all.

In his report of earlier trials, Luke provided more details. Since this trial covers the same material, he did not repeat reporting those details and we can look at the earlier reports if we want to details. What Luke reports here is what is different. And, those differences are covered in the next sentence. It has already been made clear, in several earlier trials, that the Jews are not interested in truth nor justice but simply wish to murcer Paul.

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 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 Luke 2:1 about the word Caesar. The functional definition for this word is: 'The common title of the successive Roman emperors, taken from Julius Caesar'. Please see the note for Mark 8:27 about the city called Caesarea Philippi. Please see the note for Luke 2:1 about the city called Caesarea.

Please see the note for John 6:61 about the word offend. The functional definition for this word is: 'To transgress the moral or divine law; to sin; to commit a crime.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Neither. Ac 25:10; 6:13-14; 23:1; 24:6,12,17-21; 28:17,21; Ge 40:15; Jer 37:18; Da 6:22; 2Co 1:12 General references. exp: Jer 37:18; Ac 18:13; 24:12; 28:18.'.

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C25-S8 (Verse 9) Festus asked Paul if he would go be murdered.

But Festus,
willing to do the Jews a pleasure,
answered Paul,
and said,
Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem,
and there be judged of these things before me?.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word but means: 'provides a contrast6 between what came before the word and what comes after'. What came before was a trial where it was obvious that Paul was innocent and the Jews were liars. What comes after is an offer to go where the truth does not matter and Paul will be murdered for political expediency. Before was truth. After is corrupt political maneuvering.
The phrase But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure means: 'This phrase tells us why Festus asked this question. After several trials, it was obvious that the Jews had no new evidence. It was also obvious that the Jews could not prove their complaints. Festus had already heard everything and, therefore, there was no judicial reason to repeat everything in Jerusalem. The only true reason was so that the Jews could murder Paul and Festus would have a political lever to use over the Jews. Therefore, the true question was: 'Are you willing to die so that a corrupt Roman politician can control corrupt Jewish politicians?'.
The phrase answered Paul, and said means: 'Festus asked Paul this question as an answer to Paul's proof that he did nothing wrong and was innocent of all charges'.
The phrase Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem means: 'Festus asked Paul if he would go be literally beat to death after he proved that he was innocent of all charges'.
The phrase and there be judged of these things before me? means: 'He said before me but everyone knew that Paul would never live long enough to get there and there was nothing new that could be in Jerusalem other than Paul's death'.

In his report of earlier trials, Luke provided more details. Since this trial covers the same material, he did not repeat his reporting those details and we can look at the earlier reports if we want to details. What Luke reports here is what is different. The judge is different and his political maneuvering is more blatant. The lack of proof in the current trial, even after several earlier trials, prove that they have no evidence that Paul violated Roman law and never will be able to prove that. The fact that Festus already refused their request, once, to send Paul to Jerusalem proves that he knows that they are lying about having a trial and will simply murder Paul. Thus, this is another lie and Festus is proving that he is just as corrupt as the Jewish religious leaders and willing to participate in the murder of an innocent man for political expedient.

The meaning of the word wilt, does not match what is found in a man-written dictionary. The true Biblical meaning is: 'The will applied at a lifestyle level. That is: a decision of will which does not change throughout the life.'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about the word will. The functional definition for this word is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about the word will. The functional definition for this word is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:15 about the phrase will of God. Please also see the Message called The Will of God for the application of these verses in the life of the believer.

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: 'willing. Ac 25:3,20; 12:3; 24:27; Mr 15:15 General references. exp: Mt 27:15; Mr 15:6.'.

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C25-S9 (Verse 10) Paul ended all of the local political maneuverings.

Equivalent Section: Paul demanded to go to Caesar, which eliminated to local politics.

Then said Paul,
I stand at Caesar's judgment seat,
where I ought to be judged:.

Equivalent Section: Paul had proven himself several times and Festus knew that he was innocent of all charges.

to the Jews have I done no wrong,
as thou very well knowest.

When Paul said: as thou very well knowest, he made it clear to everyone that everyone knew that he was innocent of all legal charges. The only, human, reason that he was still being held was political because the Jewish religious leaders wanted to murder Paul while he was innocent and Festus wanted a political hold on the Jewish religious leaders. However, what is not reported are the spiritual reasons. Our Lord Jesus Christ had prophesied that Paul would testify of Him before kings (Acts 9:15). So, even when we think that things are going terrible in this world, we need to remember that our Lord Jesus Christ is in charge and things are still going according to His plan.

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 notes for Colossians 3:25; 1Corinthians 6:7 about the word wrong. The functional definition for this word is: 'Not physically right; not fit or suitable'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I stand. Every procurator represented the emperor in the province over which he presided; and as the seat of government was at Caesarea, St. Paul was before the tribunal where, as a Roman citizen, he ought to be judged. Ac 16:37-38; 22:25-28 as thou. Ac 25:25; 23:29; 26:31; 28:18; Mt 27:18,23-24; 2Co 4:2 General references. exp: Ps 25:21.'.

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C25-S10 (Verse 11) Paul accuses Festus of offering to do an illegal act.

Equivalent Section: Paul is willing to die if anyone proves him guilty of an actual crime that has a death penalty.

For if I be an offender,
or have committed anything worthy of death,
I refuse not to die:.

Equivalent Section: Festus does not have the legal right to let the Jews murder him.

but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me,
no man may deliver me unto them.

Acts 25:11-13 : tells us that Festus agreed to Paul's legal right to be tried by Caesar.

I is easy to misunderstand what Paul is actually saying in this sentence. However, if we look at the last phrase, we get a better idea of what Paul is saying. When Paul says: no man may deliver, he is telling Festus that he does not have the legal right to do so. Hidden within this sentence is a threat that someone would complain to Caesar about Festus perverting his position to let the Jews murder Paul and the death that Caesar would deliver to Festus, and possibly also to his family, would be very painful. Therefore, even as governor, Festus would not want to violate the law of a basic protection given to all Roman citizens.

As the title of the First Equivalent Section: tells us, Paul is willing to die if anyone proves him guilty of an actual crime that has a death penalty. However, in the several trials that Paul has already gone through, the Jews never gave any evidence much less evidence which would justify a death sentence. Therefore, while Paul is saying he would not contest a death sentence if it was proven that he deserved such a sentence, he is also pointing out the lack of any evidence within several trials. And, indirectly, he is also pointing out that the only reason that he has gone through several trials is political. The Jews keep trying to get the Roman government to agree to jet Jews murder innocent people, without a trial, when the Roman government doesn't allow the Jews to kill someone found guilty of a capital crime in a legitimate trial.

As the title of the Second Equivalent Section: tells us, Festus does not have the legal right to let the Jews murder him. In the first phrase, of the Second Equivalent Section, Paul says: if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me. That means: 'if they can not prove their accusations'. They have already had several trials. They have never produced any evidence. It should be obvious to even the most stupid person that they never will produce any evidence. Therefore, these are not legitimate trials but are abuses of the legal system to try and get a political decision even though such a political decision is illegal. And, that is why Paul's last phrase tells Festus that he does not have the legal right to set aside the most basic right of all Roman citizens. As a result, our next sentence tells us that Paul told Festus I appeal unto Caesar. That statements ends all of the local political maneuvering.

Please see the note for John 6:61 about the word offend. The functional definition for this word is: 'To transgress the moral or divine law; to sin; to commit a crime.'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S26 about the word commit. The functional definition for this word is: 'To do a premeditated act or to trust another to do it; with no possibility of taking the thing back'

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 1Timothy 4:7 about the word refuse. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to deny a request, demand, invitation or command; to decline to do or grant what is solicited, claimed or commanded. thus, Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border. Num. 20. 2. to decline to accept what is offered; as, to refuse an office; to refuse an offer. If they refuse to take the cup at thy hand - Jer. 25. 3. to reject; as, to refuse instruction or reproof. Prov. 10. the stone which the builders refused is become the head of the corner. Ps. 118. Note - Refuse expenses rejection more strongly than decline.
REFU'SE, v.i. s as z. to decline to accept; not to comply. Too proud to ask, to humble too refuse'.

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 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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'if I. Ac 18:14; Jos 22:22; 1Sa 12:3-5; Job 31:21,38-40; Ps 7:3-5 no man. Ac 16:37; 22:25; 1Th 2:15 General references. exp: Ps 25:21; Jer 37:18.'.

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C25-S11 (Verse 11) I appeal unto Caesar.

Acts 25:11-12 : tells us that Festus agreed to Paul's legal right to be tried by Caesar.

As explained in the note from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Festus did not dare refuse this demand by Paul. And as I explained in an earlier note, the consequence to him, and possibly to his family, was so severe that he refused to even consider denying it. As we read later in the chapter, Festus tld king Agrippa that the only reason that Paul had not yet gone to Rome was that Festus was waiting on a ship which could take him there, or at least on the first part of such a journey.

We find forms of the word appeal in: Acts 25:11; Acts 25:12; Acts 25:21; Acts 25:25; Acts 26:32; Acts 28:19. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court. Moses established in the wilderness a series of judicatories such that appeals could be made from a lower to a higher (Ex 18:13-26.) Under the Roman law the most remarkable case of appeal is that of Paul from the tribunal of Festus at Caesarea to that of the emperor at Rome (Ac 25:11-12,21,25). Paul availed himself of the privilege of a Roman citizen in this matter.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I appeal. An appeal to the emperor was the right of a Roman citizen, and was highly respected. the Julian law condemned those magistrates, and others, as violaters of the public peace, who had put to death, tortured, scourged, imprisoned, or condemned any Roman citizen who had appealed to Cesar. this law was so sacred and imperative, that, in the persecution under Trajan, Pliny would not attempt to put to death Roman citizens, who were proved to have turned Christians, but determined to send them to Rome, probably because they had appealed. Ac 25:10,25; 26:32; 28:19; 1Sa 27:1 General references. exp: Ps 25:21; Jer 37:18.'.

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C25-S12 (Verse 12) Festus agreed to Paul's demand.

Then Festus,
when he had conferred with the council,
answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Caesar?.

Acts 25:11-13 : tells us that Festus agreed to Paul's legal right to be tried by Caesar.

Our sentence tells us that Festus first conferred with the council. Most likely, with the attitude displayed by the Jewish religious leaders for years, Festus had to explain to them that if he refused Paul' demand, not only would his life be forfeit but that Rome would hear of their involvement. That pretty much guaranteed that the Roman Army would march on Jerusalem considering it to be in rebellion. All of the Jewish religious leaders would be hunted down and killed and the Jews would never have local rule again. Nothing less than that would have gotten them to back down.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about the word confer. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'v.i. L., to bear, to bring forth, to show, to declare. See Bear. to discourse; to converse; to consult together; implying conversation on some serious or important subject, in distinction from mere talk or light familiar conversation; followed by with. Adonijah confered with Joab and Abiathar. I Kings 1. Festus confered with the council. Acts 25.
CONFER', v.t. 1. to give, or bestow; followed by on. Coronation confers on the king no royal authority. this word is particularly used to express the grant of favors, benefits and privileges to be enjoyed, or rights which are to be permanent; as, to confer on one the privileges of a citizen; to confer a title or an honor. 2. to compare; to examine by comparison; literally, to bring together. See Compare. If we confer these observations with others of the like nature. this sense, though genuine, is now obsolete. 3. to contribute; to conduce to; that is, to bring to. the closeness of parts confers much to the strength of the union, or intransitively, confers to the strength of the union'.

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 Acts 25:11 about the word appeal. The functional definition for this word is: 'a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court'.

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C25-S13 Festus officially gave the only answer that he could give.(Verse 12) unto Caesar shalt thou go

Acts 25:11-13 : tells us that Festus agreed to Paul's legal right to be tried by Caesar.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'unto Caesar shalt. Ac 25:21; 19:21; 23:11; 26:32; 27:1; 28:16; Ps 76:10; Isa 46:10-11; La 3:37; Da 4:35; Ro 15:28-29; Php 1:12-14,20'.

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C25-S14 (Verse 13) King Agrippa came to visit Festus.
And after certain days King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus

Acts 25:11-13 : tells us that Festus agreed to Paul's legal right to be tried by Caesar.

King Agrippa was not in the authority like of Festus but had a neighboring land. And, he is visiting the new governor because it is always advisable to get along with your neighbors. In addition, most of the people that king Agrippa dealt with were under him but were also trying to maneuver in a way to take over his position. Therefore, he could relax around Festus in a way that he could not do with most other people that he dealt with.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. The functional definition for this word is: 'All of this physical world including the influence it has on us. At times, the application o0f this word, will focus on only part of the whole'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:21 about the words salute / salutation. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines salute as: 'v.t. L. saluto; salus or salvus. 1. to greet; to hail; to address with expressions of kind wishes. If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Matt 5. 2. to Please ; to gratify. Unusual. 3. to kiss. 4. In military and naval affairs, to honor some person or nation by a discharge of cannon or small arms, by striking colors, by shouts, etc.
SALU'TE, n. 1. the act of expressing kind wishes or respect; salutation; greeting. 2. A kiss. 3. In military affairs, a discharge of cannon or small arms in honor of some distinguished personage. A salute is sometimes performed by lowering the colors or beating the drums. the officers also salute each other by bowing their half pikes. 4. In the navy, a testimony of respect or deference rendered by the ships of one nation to the ships of another, or by ships of the same nation to a superior or equal. this is performed by a discharge of cannon, volleys of small arms, striking the colors or top-sails, or by shouts of the seamen mounted on the masts or rigging. When two squadrons meet, the two chiefs only are to exchange salutes'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'king. Ac 25:22-23; 26:1,27-28 to. 1Sa 13:10; 25:14; 2Sa 8:10; 2Ki 10:13; Mr 15:18 General references. exp: Ge 28:10.'.

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C25-S15 (Verse 14-15) Festus asked the advise of king Agrippa,

Equivalent Section: Festus waited until the right time to bring up his problem.

And when they had been there many days,
Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king,
saying,
There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:.

Equivalent Section: Felix identified Paul's accusers.

About whom,
when I was at Jerusalem,
the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me,
desiring to have judgment against him.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:11 about the word declare. The functional definition for this word is: 'to make clear'

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 about the word cause. The functional definition for this word is: 'Basically, the source of a result. It can also be an action in court, or any legal process whereby someone demands his supposed right'. 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. In John 15:25, we read that the prophecy was fulfilled about Jesus that: They hated me without a cause. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

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.

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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'There. Ac 24:27
when. Ac 25:1-3; Es 3:9; Lu 18:3-5; 23:23 General references. exp: Ac 25:2.'.

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C25-S16 (Verse 16) Festus claimed that the Jews wanted him to turn Paul over to be murdered without a trial.

To whom I answered,
It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die,
before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face,
and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

This may have been true but was not reported earlier in our account.

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 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. The functional definition for this word is: 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

We find forms of the word licence only in our current sentence and Acts 21:40. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines this word as: 'li'-sens: this word is not found at all in the Revised Version (British and American) (except in Judith 11:14; Ecclesiasticus 15:20; 1 Macc 1:13), and twice only in the King James Version (except in 2 Macc 4:9), both times in Acts. In Ac 21:40 (as translation of epitrepo) the American Standard Revised Version has "leave" where the King James Version has "licence." In Ac 25:16, "opportunity to make his defense" (as translation of topon apologias) takes the place of "have licence to answer for himself."'.

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'.

We find forms of the word crime in: Job 31:11; Ezekiel 7:23; Acts 25:16; Acts 25:27. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'act which violates a law, divine or human; an act which violates a rule of moral duty; an offense against the laws of right, prescribed by God or man, or against any rule of duty plainly implied in those laws. A crime may consist in omission or neglect, as well as in commission, or positive transgression. the commander of a fortress who suffers the enemy to take possession by neglect, is as really criminal, as one who voluntarily opens the gates without resistance. But in a more common and restricted sense, a crime denotes an offense, or violation of public law, of a deeper and more atrocious nature; a public wrong; or a violation of the commands of God, and the offenses against the laws made to preserve the public rights; as treason, murder, robbery, theft, arson, etc. the minor wrongs committed against individuals or private rights, are denominated trespasses, and the minor wrongs against public rights are called misdemeanors. Crimes and misdemeanors are punishable by indictment, information or public prosecution; trespasses or private injuries, at the suit of the individuals injured. But in many cases an act is considered both as a public offense and a trespass, and is punishable both by the public and the individual injured. 2. Any great wickedness; iniquity; wrong. No crime was thing, if tis no crime to love. Capital crime, a crime punishable with death.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'It is not. Ac 25:4-5 and have. Ac 26:1; De 17:4; 19:17-18; Pr 18:13,17; Joh 7:51 General references. exp: Ac 24:19.'.

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C25-S17 (Verse 17) Festus reports having court the day after the arrival of the Jews.

Therefore,
when they were come hither,
without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat,
and commanded the man to be brought forth.

Notice that Festus reports doing everything reasonable and proper with no hint of political maneuvering.

Please see the note for Matthew 8:29 about the word hither. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. 1. to this place; used with verbs signifying motion; as, to come hither; to proceed hither; to bring hither. 2. Hither and thither, to this place and that. 3. to this point; to this argument or topic; to this end. Little used and not to be encouraged. Hither we refer whatever belongs to the highest perfection of man.
HITH'ER, a. Nearest; towards the person speaking; as on the hither side of a hill; the hither end of the building'.

Please see the note for Luke 12:45-46 about the word delay. The functional definition for this word is: 'To prolong the time of acting, or proceeding; to put off; to defer'.

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: 'without. Ac 25:6'.

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C25-S18 (Verse 18-19) Festus tells king Agrippa the basic dispute between Paul and the Jewish religious leaders.

Equivalent Section: the Jewish religious leaders did not make the kind of charges which Festus expected.

Against whom when the accusers stood up,
they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:.

Equivalent Section: they disagreed about Jesus.

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition,
and of one Jesus,
which was dead,
whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

Here, Festus finally tells king Agrippa what the true dispute was about.

Please see the note for Luke 24:37 about the word suppose. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '1. to lay down or state as a proposition or fact that may exist or be true, though not known or believed to be true or to exist; or to imagine or admit to exist, for the sake of argument or illustration. Let us suppose the earth to be the center of the system, what would be the consequence? When we have as great assurance that a thing is, as we could possibly, supposing it were, we ought not to doubt of its existence. 2. to imagine; to believe; to receive as true. Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all young men, the king's sons; for Ammon only is dead. 2 Sam.13. 3. to imagine; to think. I suppose, If our proposals once again were heard-- 4. to require to exist or be true. the existence of things supposes the existence of a cause of the things. One falsehood supposes another, and renders all you say suspected. 5. to put one thing by fraud in the place of another. Not in use'.

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'.

Please see the note for Acts 17:22 about the word superstitious. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. L. superstitiosus. 1. Over scrupulous and rigid in religious observances; addicted to superstition; full of idle fancies and scruples in regard to religion; as superstitious people. 2. Proceeding from superstition; manifesting superstition; as superstitious rites; superstitious observances. 3. Over exact; scrupulous beyond need. Superstitious use, in law, the use of land for a religious purpose, or by a religious corporation'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life. The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please note that eternal life is different from everlasting life in that while eternal life is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life 'has a beginning but is without end of existence'. Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live. Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us. 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 C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'certain. Ac 25:7; 18:15,19; 23:29 superstition. Ac 17:22-23 which. Ac 1:22; 2:32; 17:31; 26:22-23; 1Co 15:3-4,14-20; Re 1:18 General references. exp: Ac 26:8.'.

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C25-S19 (Verse 20) Festus lies about why he wanted to send Paul to Jerusalem.

And because I doubted of such manner of questions,
I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem,
and there be judged of these matters.

Festus starts with an innocent enough statement of the problem. And, in his recounting of the problem, Festus avoids mentioning any of the political maneuvering which truly cause things to go like they did. If we read this account, without considering what truly happened, it would seem as if Paul had very little reason for appealing to Caesar instead of, as it truly was, his last option.

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 Romans C14S1 about the word doubtful. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Dubious; not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating; applied to persons; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety of a measure. 2. Dubious; ambiguous; not clear in its meaning; as a doubtful expression. 3. Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear or certain; questionable; not decided; as a doubtful case; a doubtful proposition; it is doubtful what will be the event of the war. 4. Of uncertain issue. We have sustained one day in doubtful fight. 5. Not secure; suspicious; as, we cast a doubtful eye. 6. Not confident; not without fear; indicating doubt. With doubtful feet, and wavering resolution. 7. Not certain or defined; as a doubtful hue'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:1 about the word doubtless.

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?'.

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 9:5 about the word whether. The functional definition for this word is: 'Which of two'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'doubted of such manner of questions. or, was doubtful how to inquire hereof, etc. I asked. Ac 25:9'.

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C25-S20 (Verse 21) Festus commanded Paul to be protected from the Jews until he could be sent to Rome.

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,
I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

The real reason that Festus was keeping Paul was that he was required to protect him until Paul appeared at Rome for trial. According to history, Paul won his appeal but was later arrested on another charge and beheaded for that other charge. However, human written historical accounts are often inaccurate.

Please see the note for Acts 25:11 about the word appeal. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 1:4 about the word reserve. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. rezerv'. L. reservo; re and servo, to keep. 1. to keep in store for future or other use; to withhold from present use for another purpose. the farmer sells his corn, reserving only what is necessary for his family. Hast thou seen the treasures of hail, which I have reserved against the day of trouble? Job 38. 2. to keep; to hold; to retain. Will he reserve his anger for ever? Jer. 3. 3. to lay up and keep for a future time. 2Peter 2. Reserve your kind looks and language for private hours. RESERVE, n. rezerv'. 1. that which is kept for other or future use; that which is retained from present use or disposal. the virgins, besides the oil in their lamps, carried likewise a reserve in some other vessel for a continual supply. 2. Something in the mind withheld from disclosure. However any one may concur in the general scheme, it is still with certain reserves and deviations. 3. Exception; something withheld. Is knowledge so despis'd? or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste? 4. Exception in favor. Each has some darling lust, which pleads for a reserve. 5. Restraint of freedom in words or actions; backwardness; caution in personal behavior. Reserve may proceed from modesty, bashfulness, prudence, prudery or sullenness. My soul surpris'd, and from her sex disjoin'd, left all reserve, and all the sex behind. 6. In law, reservation. In reserve, in store; in keeping for other or future use. He has large quantities of wheat in reserve. He has evidence or arguments in reserve. Body of reserve, in military affairs, the third or last line of an army drawn up for battle, reserved to sustain the other lines as occasion may require; a body of troops kept for an exigency'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'had. Ac 25:10; 26:32; 2Ti 4:16 hearing. or, judgment. Augustus. Ac 27:1; Lu 2:1 I commanded. Ac 25:12'.

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C25-S21 (Verse 22) Agrippa asked to hear Paul..

Then Agrippa said unto Festus,
I would also hear the man myself.

Here, we read that king Agrippa asked to hear Paul's case. However, what is not reported are the spiritual reasons. Our Lord Jesus Christ had prophesied that Paul would testify of Him before kings (Acts 9:15). So, even when we think that things are going terrible in this world, we need to remember that our Lord Jesus Christ is in charge and things are still going according to His plan.

Please also see the Section on Prophecies Fulfilled, in Significant New Testament Events Document for links to other prophecies fulfilled in the new Testament.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 9:15; Isa 52:15; Mt 10:18; Lu 21:12'.

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C25-S22 (Verse 22) Festus promises that king Agrippa will hear Paul on the morrow.

To morrow,
said he,
thou shalt hear him.

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: 'General references. Ac 9:15; Isa 52:15; Mt 10:18; Lu 21:12'.

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C25-S23 (Verse 23) they had a great ceremony and invited all of the chief captains, and principal men of the city, along with king Agrippa and his sister, to hear Paul.

And on the morrow,
when Agrippa was come,
and Bernice,
with great pomp,
and was entered into the place of hearing,
with the chief captains,
and principal men of the city,
at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

Again, we see lots going on physically in order to distract from what is going on spiritually. Lord Jesus Christ used Festus to gather lots of people to hear Paul preach the Gospel.

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 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 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 11:19 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: 'with. Ac 12:21; Es 1:4; Ec 1:2; Isa 5:14; 14:11; Eze 7:24; 30:18; 32:12; 33:28; Da 4:30; 1Co 7:31; Jas 1:11; 1Pe 1:24; 1Jo 2:16 at. Ac 9:15'.

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C25-S24 (Verse 24) Festus blames the multitudes of Jews for Paul still being arrested.

And Festus said,
King Agrippa,
and all men which are here present with us,
ye see this man,
about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,
both at Jerusalem,
and also here,
crying that he ought not to live any longer.

Here we read that Festus admits to hearing the Jews in Jerusalem when he appeared to deny that truth earlier. Thus, he proves that he is a typical lying politician. In addition, he makes this hearing a public one with great pomp to impress all of the people. However, as already mentioned, the true purpose was spiritual with our Lord Jesus Christ using Festus to gather a lot of important people so that Paul could preach the Gospel to them.

Notice that Festus claims that all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, when he only talked to the Jewish religious leaders. He also claimed that all the multitude of the Jews were crying that he ought not to live any longer when, in fact, it was only the Jewish religious leaders. Thus, once more, we see evidence that he was a typical lying politician.

Our next sentence is added to this one by starting with the word But and needs to be considered with this sentence for contextual reasons. Between the two sentences, Festus confesses that Paul was kept arrested even though it was proven that he did no crime. He was kept arrested for more than two years for political reasons and when he, finally, appealed to Caesar, in order to get away from the local politics, Festus could find no excuse for keeping him arrested. Festus failed to enforce the law for political reasons and, now, he was worried about getting in trouble for doing so. And, he hoped king Agrippa would give him something to use as an excuse when he wrote a letter to accompany Paul to Caesar.

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.

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 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'King Agrippa. King Agrippa was the son of Herod Agrippa; who upon the death of his uncle Herod, king of Chalcis, A.D. 28, succeeded to his dominions, by the favour of the emperor Claudius. Four years afterwards, Claudius removed him from that kingdom to a larger one; giving him the tetrarchy of Philip, that of Lysanias, and the province which Varus governed. Nero afterwards added Julias in Peraea, Tarichaea, and Tiberias. Claudius gave him the power of appointing the high priest among the Jews; and instances of his exercising this power may be seen in Josephus. He was strongly attached to the Romans, and did every thing in his power to prevent the Jews from rebelling; and when he could not prevail, he united his troops to those of Titus, and assisted at the siege of Jerusalem. After the ruin of his country, he retired with his sister Berenice to Rome where he died, aged 70, about A.D. 90. about. Ac 25:2-3,7 that he. Ac 22:22; Lu 23:21-23'.

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C25-S25 (Verse 25) Festus finally says what he wants from king Agrippa..

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death,
and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus,
I have determined to send him.

Notice the order in which Festus says the phrases of our sentence. He says the first phrase before the second phrase when they actually happened in the reverse order. If Festus had found him innocent first, then there would have been no reason for Paul to appeal to Augustus. However, if Festus had admitted things in the true order, then he would have to admit that Paul was innocent and, yet, kept arrested for more than two years to use him as a political pawn against the Jewish religious leaders. This subtle lie is added to the one in the prior sentence where Festus said that it was the multitudes of Jews, .and not the Jewish religious leaders, which caused Paul to remain arrested. That, of course, is the physical perspective. From the spiritual perspective, our Lord Jesus Christ is keeping Paul where he can fulfill prophecy.

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'.

Please see the note for Acts 25:11 about the word appeal. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:1 about the word determine. The functional definition for this word is: 'Ended; concluded; decided; limited; fixed; settled; resolved; directed. Having a firm or fixed purpose, as a determined man; or manifesting a firm resolution, as a determined countenance'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:22-24 about the word determinate.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'committed. Ac 23:9,29; 26:31; Lu 23:4,14; Joh 18:38 and that. Ac 25:11-12 Augustus. the honourable title of Sebastos G4575, or Augustus, that is venerable or august, which was first conferred by the senate on Octavius Caesar, was afterwards assumed by succeeding Roman emperors. General references. exp: Jer 26:16; 37:18.'.

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C25-S26 (Verse 26) Festus wants help writing a letter.
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord

Festus is not certain how to write to Caesar explaining that Paul was illegally kept as a political pawn for over two years.

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.

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C25-S27 (Verse 26) Festus emphasizes that Paul was brought before king Agrippa personally.

Wherefore I have brought him forth before you,
and specially before thee,
O King Agrippa,
that,
after examination had,
I might have somewhat to write.

Notice that Festus says that he brought Paul before you and then adds and specially before thee ('you personally'). He really wants king Agrippa involved in the letter he has to send to Caesar, with Paul, so that, if there is any consequence to mistreating Paul, king Agrippa will, at least, share the blame. Festus is asking for help writing this letter because he is not sure how to avoid being blames for abusing his office and failing to resolve the problem locally.

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 1Timothy 5:8 about the words especially / specially. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. 1. Particularly; in a manner beyond what is common, or out of the ordinary course. Every signal deliverance form danger ought to be specially noticed as a divine interposition. 2. fora particular purpose. A meeting of the legislature is specially summoned. 3. Chiefly; specially'.

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'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'specially. Ac 26:2-3'.

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C25-S28 (Verse 27) Festus has to explain what crimes Paul did..

For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner,
and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

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 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 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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Pr 18:13; Joh 7:51'.

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Acts Chapter 26

Chapter theme is: Paul's Testimony to king Agrippa.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C26-S1 (Verse 1), C26-S2 (Verse 1-3), C26-S3 (Verse 4-5), C26-S4 (Verse 6-7), C26-S5 (Verse 7), C26-S6 (Verse 8), C26-S7 (Verse 9), C26-S8 (Verse 10), C26-S9 (Verse 11), C26-S10 (Verse 12-13), C26-S11 (Verse 14), C26-S12 (Verse 14), C26-S13 (Verse 15), C26-S14 (Verse 15), C26-S15 (Verse 16-18), C26-S16 (Verse 19-20), C26-S17 (Verse 21), C26-S18 (Verse 22-23), C26-S19 (Verse 24), C26-S20 (Verse 25), C26-S21 (Verse 26), C26-S22 (Verse 27), C26-S23 (Verse 27), C26-S24 (Verse 28), C26-S25 (Verse 29), C26-S26 (Verse 30-31), C26-S27 (Verse 32)'.

Acts 26:1 says Then Agrippa said unto Paul, thou art permitted to speak for thyself.

Acts 26:1-7 says that Paul was glad to speak because he knew that king Agrippa understood the Jewish culture and religion. He then said that his manner of life from my youth was well known by the Jews and that he lived after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now, he is judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers. That is: where the Jewish religious leaders strayed from what scripture says, Paul stayed with scriptural truth.

Acts 26:8 says that the argument is over God raising the dead.

Acts 26:9-11 says that Paul was an enforcer for the Jewish religion, arresting and killing Jews who disagreed with the Jewish religious leadership.

Acts 26:12-14 tells of Paul being saved. All with him were literally knocked from their horses and Paul heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. It should be obvious to everyone that this was a miracle which required the power of God. Please see the Section on Miracles, in Significant New Testament Events Document for links to other miracles fulfilled in the new Testament. Paul is reported to also give his testimony in Acts 9:1-8 and Acts 22:4-11.

Acts 26:15 says that Paul responded with: And I said, Who art thou, Lord? He had enough sense to recognize a supernatural power when it literally knocked him from his horse.

Acts 26:16-18 tells us the answer from Jesus.

Acts 26:19-20 tells us that Paul obeyed the personal commands which he received from God.

Acts 26:21 says For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Paul was persecuted for obeying God.

Acts 26:22-23 says that Paul continues to be a witness and to teach that what the prophets said was true.

Acts 26:24 says And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

Acts 26:25-27 says that Paul answered Festus and then spoke to king Agrippa, saying that the king knew the truth of what he said.

Acts 26:28 says Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Acts 26:29-32 tells us the conclusion of the meeting and that Paul had done nothing to be arrested. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, this man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

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C26-S1 (Verse 1) Paul is allowed to start the hearing.

Then Agrippa said unto Paul,
Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.

While this statement might seem strange to some people, the truth is that some courts do not let people speak for themselves and require them to hire a professional to represent them.

We find forms of the word permit in: Acts 26:1; 1Corinthians 14:34; 1Corinthians 16:7; Hebrews 6:3. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. L. permitto; per and mitto, to send. 1. to allow; to grant leave or liberty to by express consent. He asked my leave and I permitted him. 2. to allow by silent consent or by not prohibiting; to suffer without giving express authority. the laws permit us to do what is not expressly or impliedly forbid. What God neither commands nor forbids, he permits with approbation to be done or left undone. 3. to afford ability or means. Old age does not permit us to retain the vigor of youth. the man's indigence does not permit him to indulge in luxuries. 4. to leave; to give or resign. Let us not aggravate our sorrows, But to the gods permit the event of things. The latter sense is obsolete or obsolescent.
PERMIT', n. A written license or permission from the custom house officer or other proper authority, to export or transport goods or to land goods or persons. 1. Warrant; leave; permission.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Thou. Ac 25:16; Pr 18:13,17; Joh 7:51'.

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C26-S2 (Verse 1-3) Why Paul was happy to speak.

Equivalent Section: Paul answered for himself..

Then Paul stretched forth the hand,
and answered for himself:.

Equivalent Section: Paul was happy to answer for himself.

I think myself happy,
King Agrippa,
because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Equivalent Section: Paul said he was happy that king Agrippa understood the Jewish culture and religion..

Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews:

Equivalent Section: Paul asked for patient listening.

wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:14-16 about the word stretch. The functional definition for this word is: 'To draw out to greater length; to extend in a line; as, to stretch a cord or a rope.'.

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 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word thought. The functional definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word think'. Please see the note for Philippians 3:4-6 about the word think. The functional definition for this word is: 'To have the mind occupied on some subject; to have ideas, or to revolve ideas in the mind. --For that I am I know, because I think. these are not matters to be slightly thought on. 2 to conceive; to imagine'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 3:14 about the word happy. The functional definition for this word is: 'happiness comes from happenings'.

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'.

We find forms of the word expert in: 1Chronicles 12:33; 1Chronicles 12:35; 1Chronicles 12:36; Song 3:8; Jeremiah 50:9; Acts 26:3. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. L. expertus, from experior, to try. See Experience. 1. Properly, experienced; taught by use, practice or experience; hence, skillful; well instructed; having familiar knowledge of; as an expert philosopher. 2. Dextrous; adroit; ready; prompt; having a facility of operation or performance from practice; as an expert operator in surgery. It is usually followed by in; as expert in surgery; expert in performance on a musical instrument. Pope uses expert of arms, but improperly'. Please also see the note for Romans C5S2 about the word experience.

Please see the note for Romans C13S10 about the word custom. The functional definition for this word is: 'Frequent or common use, or practice; a frequent repetition of the same act; hence, way; established manner; habitual practice'.

Please see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word patient. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. pa'shent. L. patiens. 1. Having the quality of enduring evils without murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with fortitude, calmness or Christian submission to the divine will; as a patient person, or a person of patient temper. It is followed by of before the evil endured; as patient of labor or pain; patient of heat or cold. 2. Not easily provoked; calm under the sufferance of injuries or offenses; not revengeful. Be patient towards all men. 1 thess.5. 3. Persevering; constant in pursuit or exertion; calmly diligent. Whatever I have done is due to patient thought. 4. Not hasty; not over eager or impetuous; waiting or expecting with calmness or without discontent. Not patient to expect the turns of fate'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'because. Ac 26:26; 6:14; 21:21; 24:10; 25:19-20,26; 28:17; De 17:18; 1Co 13:2 to hear. Ac 24:4 General references. exp: Ac 16:21.'.

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C26-S3 (Verse 4-5) Paul starts with his background.

First Step: All of the Jews know what his life was like at first.

My manner of life from my youth,
which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem,
know all the Jews;.

Second Step: Paul was a Pharisee.

Which knew me from the beginning,
if they would testify,
that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Paul is starting with what he was like at the start so that his audience will understand that our Lord Jesus Christ changes the lives of true believers and why the Jews feel betrayed by his change. They refused to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and they never changed from their religion. They relied on religion to get them to Heaven and not a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Please see the note for Mark 10:20 about the word youth. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'the part of life that succeeds to childhood. In a general sense, youth denotes the whole early part of life, from infancy to manhood; but it is not unusual to divide the stages of life into infancy, childhood, youth, and manhood. in this sense the word can have no plural. those who pass their youth in vice, are justly condemned to spend their age in folly. 2. A young man. in this sense it has a plural. Seven youths from Athens yearly sent-- 3. A young person, male or female. 4. Young persons, collectively. It is fit to youth to read the best authors first'.

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 John 1:1 about the word beginning. The functional definition for this word is: 'First entering upon; commencing; giving rise or original; taking rise or origin'.

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 for Psalms 119 about the words testimony / testimonies. Please also see the Message called Testimony of God.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:23-24 about the word strait. The functional definition for this word is: 'Narrow, and difficult to pass, Mt 7:13-14. This word is not to be confounded with straight. to be "in a strait," is to have one's way beset with doubts or difficulties, to be at a loss, 1Sa 13:6; 2Sa 24:14; Php 1:23'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:12 about the word straiten.

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 James 1:26 about the words religious / religion. The functional definition for this word is: 'Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion.'. Please also see the note for John 5:1-LJC about the phrase Jesus is greater than religion. Please also see the note for Hebrews 19:29-LJC about the phrase religious part of Mosaic Law.

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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'manner. 2Ti 3:10 which. Ac 22:3
if. Ac 22:5 that. Ac 23:6; Php 3:5-6 sect. Ac 24:5,14 exp: Ac 28:22'.

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C26-S4 (Verse 6-7) Now Paul's life is different.

Equivalent Section: Paul believes scripture over popular religious error.

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Equivalent Section: Paul believes the historical record over current religious error.

Unto which promise our twelve tribes,
instantly serving God day and night,
hope to come.

This sentence tells us the basic doctrinal dispute between Paul and the Jewish religious leaders. They believed what they wanted to believe and demanded that others treat them as greater that God, the word of God and the testimony of God. The most basic of their dispute was over resurrection. Please see the Section on Resurrection from the Dead in the Doctrinal Study called Significant Gospel Events. It has links to Old Testament prophecies about resurrection which Paul believed and the Jewish religious leaders rejected. It also has links to the three times that the historical record reported people being raised from the dead. The Jewish religious leaders rejected all of that evidence.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; 2Corinthians 4:8-12; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, to move, or to move one way and the other; to perform'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works. 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 notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:1 about the word workers. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word workman.

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 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 Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events.

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 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.

Please see the note for Matthew 24:29 about the word tribe. The functional definition for this word is: 'A family, race or series of generations, descending from the same progenitor and kept distinct, as in the case of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of Jacob'.

Please see the note for Luke 2:38 about the word instantly. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. Immediately; without any intervening time; at the moment. Lightning often kills instantly. 1. With urgent importunity. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, that he was worthy for whom he should do this. Luke 7. 2. With diligence and earnestness. Acts.26'.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S21 and 2Timothy C1-S2 about the word serve. The functional definition for this word is: 'To work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S4; 1Corinthians C7S27 and Ephesians C6S4 about the word servant. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'am. Ac 26:8; 23:6; 24:15,21; 28:20 the promise. Ac 3:24; 13:32-33; Ge 3:15; 12:3; 22:18; 26:4; 49:10; De 18:15; 2Sa 7:12-13; Job 19:25-27; Ps 2:6-12; 40:6-8; 98:2; 110:1-4; 132:11,17; Isa 4:2; 7:14; 9:6-7; 11:1-5; 40:9-11; 42:1-4; 53:10-12; 61:1-3; Jer 23:5-6; 33:14-17; Eze 17:22-24; 21:27; 34:23-25; 37:24; Da 2:34-35,44-45; 7:13-14; 9:24-26; Ho 3:5; Joe 2:32; Am 9:11-12; Ob 1:21; Mic 5:2; 7:20; Zep 3:14-17; Zec 2:10-11; 6:12; 9:9; 13:1,7; Mal 3:1; 4:2; Lu 1:69-70; Ro 15:8; Ga 3:17-18; 4:4; Tit 2:13; 1Pe 1:11-12'.

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C26-S5 (Verse 7) Paul says that the argument is over God raising the dead.

For which hope's sake,
King Agrippa,
I am accused of the Jews.

As already mentioned, the hope of resurrection is based upon promises found in scripture and the evidence that God resurrected Jesus Christ and promised to do the same for all who believe in Him. However, the Jewish religious leadership, at that time, were who had Jesus crucified. So, of course, they refused to believe in Him. They also rejected the doctrine of resurrection. And, since Paul was the most effective preacher preaching both of those truths, they wanted him dead. And, even more importantly, the devils who motivated the Jewish religious leadership wanted Paul dead and continuously bothered the Jewish religious leadership so long as Paul was alive.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25; 1Corinthians C9S16 and 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about the word sake. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines sake as 'n. Heb. to press or oppress. the primary sense is to strain, urge, press or drive forward, and this is from the same root as seek, essay and L. sequor, whence we have pursue and prosecute. We have analogous words in cause, thing, and the L. res. 1. Final cause; end; purpose; or rather the purpose of obtaining. I open a window for the sake of air, that is, to obtain it, for the purpose of obtaining air. I read for the sake of instruction, that is, to obtain it. Sake then signifies primarily effort to obtain, and secondarily purpose of obtaining. the hero fights for the sake of glory; men labor for the sake of subsistence or wealth. 2. Account; regard to any person or thing. I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake. Gen. 8. Save me for thy mercies' sake. Ps. 6'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:29-30 about the phrase for His sake. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the word forsake.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'our. Ezr 6:17; 8:35; Mt 19:28; Lu 22:30; Jas 1:1; Re 7:4-8 instantly. Ac 20:31; Ps 134:1-2; 135:2; Lu 2:36-37; 1Th 3:10; 1Ti 5:5 day and night. Gr. night and day. hope. Lu 2:25,38; 7:19-20; Php 3:11 for. Ac 26:6'.

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C26-S6 (Verse 8) Why is resurrection incredible?

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,
that God should raise the dead?.

Acts 26:8 says that the argument is over God raising the dead.

Paul asks this question because some people claim that resurrection is incredible. Such people are so full of pride that they deny obvious truths and cling to obvious stupid ideas while claiming themselves to be the most brilliant minds in existence. How could anyone dispute the claim that: 'Nothing blew up nothing and created everything'? Or how about: 'If you wait a gazillion years, a bunch of dead rocks surely will spontaneously create life'? Or how about: 'There's a bunch of incredibly horney fish just waiting to rape women who go into the ocean so that they can create mermaids'? Or how about: 'Your grandpa was a worm and your mom a monkey and now you are the smartest person in the world'?.

The only reason that anyone should have problems with resurrection is if their pride prevents then from considering the existence of God and that God created life.

Please 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 and 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 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 the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections for Bible references to resurrection. Please see the Appearances of Jesus Christ After the Resurrection Section within the Time Sequence of Gospel Events Study.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 4:2; 10:40-42; 13:30-31; 17:31-32; 25:19; Ge 18:14; Mt 22:29-32; Lu 1:37; 18:27; Joh 5:28-29; 1Co 15:12-20; Php 3:21'.

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C26-S7 (Verse 9) What Paul used to believe.

I verily thought with myself,
that I ought to do manythings contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth .

Acts 26:9-11 says that Paul was an enforcer for the Jewish religion, arresting and killing Jews who disagreed with the Jewish religious leadership.

At first, Paul was convinced that Jesus of Nazareth was just a man who taught doctrinal error. However, as Paul explains in the next few sentences, Jesus of Nazareth proved that Hew was literally 'God in human flesh'. And, from personal experience, I can tell you that after you personally experience a true miracle, many people will doubt your testimony but no one can convince you that you did not experience the supernatural happen to you. And, because Paul refused to accept and tell a lie; and because he was so effective in telling the truth; the Jewish religious leadership wanted to kill him.

One thing that I keep emphasizing to Bible School students is the need to verify anything that someone tells you is in the Bible. The world is full of liars and religious liars are the worse. In addition, most Bible liars are people who claim to be some Bible authority and are repeating some lie which they heard, and liked in their natural sinful self, and started repeating without bothering to verify what they were told. The word verily, in the Gospels, means: 'verify'. Every time that Jesus said verily, He meant that 'He had verified what he said and that we are commanded to verify the same'. Every time that Jesus said verily, verily, in the Gospel of John, He was speaking as the Son of God and telling us a doctrine that is part of God's law and that we will be judged for how well we obeyed that law. (When something is said, literally, two or more times in the word of God, it is part of the law of God that will be used to judge men.)

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.

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 Luke 1:26-27 about Nazareth. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'separated, generally supposed to be the Greek form of the Hebrew netser, a "shoot" or "sprout." Some, however, think that the name of the city must be connected with the name of the hill behind it, from which one of the finest prospects in Palestine is obtained, and accordingly they derive it from the Hebrew notserah, i.e., one guarding or watching, thus designating the hill which overlooks and thus guards an extensive region. this city is not mentioned in the Old Testament. It was the home of Joseph and Mary (Lu 2:39), and here the angel announced to the Virgin the birth of the Messiah (Lu 1:26-28). Here Jesus grew up from his infancy to manhood (Lu 4:16); and here he began his public ministry in the synagogue (Mt 13:54), at which the people were so offended that they sought to cast him down from the precipice whereon their city was built (Lu 4:29). Twice they expelled him from their borders (Lu 4:16-29; Mt 13:54-58); and he finally retired from the city, where he did not many mighty works because of their unbelief (Mt 13:58), and took up his residence in Capernaum. Nazareth is situated among the southern ridges of Lebanon, on the steep slope of a hill, about 14 miles from the Sea of Galilee and about 6 west from Mount Tabor. It is identified with the modern village en-Nazirah, of six or ten thousand inhabitants. It lies "as in a hollow cup" lower down upon the hill than the ancient city. the main road for traffic between Egypt and the interior of Asia passed by Nazareth near the foot of Tabor, and thence northward to Damascus. It is supposed from the words of Nathanael in John 1:46 that the city of Nazareth was held in great disrepute, either because, it is said, the people of Galilee were a rude and less cultivated class, and were largely influenced by the Gentiles who mingled with them, or because of their lower type of moral and religious character. But there seems to be no sufficient reason for these suppositions. the Jews believed that, according to Mic 5:2, the birth of the Messiah would take place at Bethlehem, and nowhere else. Nathanael held the same opinion as his countrymen, and believed that the great "good" which they were all expecting could not come from Nazareth. this is probably what Nathanael meant. Moreover, there does not seem to be any evidence that the inhabitants of Galilee were in any respect inferior, or that a Galilean was held in contempt, in the time of our Lord. (See Dr. Merrill's Galilee in the Time of Christ.) the population of this city (now about 10,000) in the time of Christ probably amounted to 15,000 or 20,000 souls. "The so-called 'Holy House' is a cave under the Latin church, which appears to have been originally a tank. the 'brow of the hill', site of the attempted precipitation, is probably the northern cliff: the traditional site has been shown since the middle ages at some distance to the south. None of the traditional sites are traceable very early, and they have no authority. the name Nazareth perhaps means 'a watch tower' (now en-Nasrah), but is connected in the New Testament with Netzer, 'a branch' (Isa 4:2; Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8; 6:12; Mt 2:23), Nazarene being quite a different word from Nazarite'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that. Joh 16:2-3; Ro 10:2; Ga 1:13-14; Php 3:6; 1Ti 1:13 the name. Ac 3:6; 9:16; 21:13; 22:8; 24:5 General references. exp: Le 13:29; Jg 17:13; Pr 16:25; Joh 16:9; Ac 8'.

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C26-S8 (Verse 10) What Paul used to do because of his belief.

Equivalent Section: Paul acted in Jerusalem.

Which thing I also did in Jerusalem:

Equivalent Section: Paul acted elsewhere in Judaea.

First Step: Paul went personally to arrest them.

and many of the saints did I shut up in prison,
having received authority from the chief priests;.

Second Step: Paul testified in the trials which ordered believers murdered.

and when they were put to death,
I gave my voice against them.

Acts 26:9-11 says that Paul was an enforcer for the Jewish religion, arresting and killing Jews who disagreed with the Jewish religious leadership.

One thing is clear: Paul definitely believed in acting on what he professed to believe. Many people profess a belief which is not backed by their actions. However, the Bible teaches that our true beliefs are revealed by our actions. That is why we will be judged by our works (Romans 2:8-11).

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 notes for Matthew 27:51-53; Romans C16S1; 2Corinthians C1S1 and Colossians C1S1 about the word saint. The functional definition for this word is: 'a spiritually mature saved person who is actively involved in the ministry of the church'.

Please see the note for Matthew 25:10 about the word shut. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to close so as to hinder ingress or egress; as, to shut a door or gate; to shut the eyes or the mouth. 2. to prohibit; to bar; to forbid entrance into; as, to shut the ports of the kingdom by a blockade. Shall that be shut to man, which to the beast Is open? Milton. 3. to preclude; to exclude. But shut from every shore. Dryden. 4. to close, as the fingers; to contract; as, to shut the hand'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S1; 1Corinthians C15S1 and Colossians C2-S4 about the word receive. The functional definition for this word is: 'To take, as a thing offered or sent; to accept'. In addition, please see the note for Matthew 10:41, which explains that in order to truly receive a person, we must receive their character as our own.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:8-9 about the word authority. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines authority as: '1. Legal power, or a right to command or to act; as the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children. Power; rule; sway. 2. the power derived from opinion, respect or esteem; influence of character or office; credit; as the authority of age or example, which is submitted to or respected, in some measure, as a law, or rule of action. that which is claimed in justification or support of opinions and measures. 3. Testimony; witness; or the person who testifies; as, the Gospels or the evangelists are our authorities for the miracles of Christ. 4. Weight of testimony; credibility; as a historian of no authority. 5. Weight of character; respectability; dignity; as a magistrate of great authority in the city. 6. Warrant; order; permission. By what authority dost thou these things. Mat. 21. Acts 9. 7. Precedents, decisions of a court, official declarations, respectable opinions and says, also the books that contain them, are call authorities, as they influence the opinions of others; and in law, the decisions of supreme courts have a binding force upon inferior courts, and are called authorities. 8. Government; the persons or the body exercising power or command; as the local authorities of the states. In Connecticut, the justices of the peace are denominated the civil authority'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 5:9 about the word author.

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.'.

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.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I also. Ac 7:58; 8:1,3; 9:13,26; 22:4,19-20; 1Co 15:9; Ga 1:13 the saints. Ac 9:32,41; Ps 16:3; Ro 15:25-26; Eph 1:1; Re 17:6 having. Ac 9:14,21; 22:5 General references. exp: Le 13:29; Joh 16:9; Ac 8:3.'.

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C26-S9 (Verse 11) Details of what Paul did.

First Step: Paul hurt them in their place of worship.

And I punished them oft in every synagogue,
and compelled them to blaspheme;.

Second Step: Paul pursued believers everywhere.

and being exceedingly mad against them,
I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Acts 26:9-11 says that Paul was an enforcer for the Jewish religion, arresting and killing Jews who disagreed with the Jewish religious leadership.

in this sentence, we read how Paul made believers do spiritual sins while he was lost. He also confesses that he was exceedingly mad at that time. He was under control of devils and devils will make people mad.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:6 about the word punish. The functional definition for this word is: 'Any pain or suffering inflicted on a person for a crime or offense, by the authority to which the offender is subject, either by the constitution of God or of civil society'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:46 about the word punishment.

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 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 2Corinthians 12:11 about the word compel. The functional definition for this word is: 'To drive or urge with force, or irresistibly; to constrain; to oblige; to necessitate, either by physical or moral force'.

Please see the notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy. The functional definition for this word is: 'Speaking evil of God'.

Please see the note for Ephesians C2S2 about the word exceed. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'ppr. Going beyond; surpassing; excelling; outdoing. 1. Great in extent, quantity or duration; very extensive. Cities were built an exceeding space of time before the flood. this sense is unusual. 2. adv. In a very great degree; unusually; as exceeding rich. the Genoese were exceeding powerful by sea. I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen.15.
EXCEE'DING, n. Excess; superfluity'.

Please see the note for John 10:20 about the word mad. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This word is used in its proper sense in De 28:34; Joh 10:20; 1Co 14:23. It also denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various causes, as over-study (Ec 1:17; 2:12), blind rage (Lu 6:11), or a depraved temper (Ec 7:25; 9:3; 2Pe 2:16). David feigned madness (1Sa 21:13) at Gath because he "was sore afraid of Achish."'.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S11 about the word persecute. The functional definition for this word is: 'n a general sense, to pursue in a manner to injure, vex or afflict; to harass with unjust punishment or penalties for supposed offenses; to inflict pain from hatred or malignity. 2. Appropriately, to afflict, harass, or destroy for adherence to a particular creed or system of religious principles, or to a mode of worship. thus, Nero persecuted the Christians by crucifying some, burning others, and condemning others to be worried by dogs. See Acts.22. 3. to harass with solicitations or importunity'. Please also see the note for Romans C8S37 about the word persecution.

Please see the notes for 1Timothy 5:9-10 and 1Peter 1:1-LJC about the word strangers. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'this term was applied to any sojourning among the Israelites, who were not descendants of Israel. the law gave injunctions against the oppression of such. Nu 15:14-30. 2. Gentiles are also called 'strangers' from the covenants of promise (Eph 2:12), showing that the covenants made with Israel did in no wise embrace the Gentiles, though God's grace at all times extended to them. 3. those called strangers in 1Pe 1:1 were Jews away from their own land: sojourners of the dispersion. 4. Both the O.T. and the N.T. saints were and are strangers upon earth. David said, "I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were." Ps 39:12. they "confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Heb 11:13. the same is true of the saints now. 1Pe 2:11. their citizenship is in Heaven, and this earth is no longer their home or their rest'. The note for 1Peter 1:1-LJC has links to where this word is used in the New Testament along with some discussion about the usage of this word within the Bible. Be careful because some commentators wrongly define this word to be Jews who did not live in Judaea. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:4 about the word stranger.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I punished. Ac 22:19; Mt 10:17; Mr 13:9; Lu 21:12 compelled. Ac 13:45; 18:6; Mr 3:28; Heb 10:28-29; Jas 2:7 mad. Ac 26:24-25; Ec 9:3; Lu 6:11; 15:17; 2Pe 2:16 exp: Ps 102:8. General references. exp: Ac 8:3.'.

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C26-S10 (Verse 12-13) Paul report the miracle of our Lord Jesus Christ intervening in Paul's life.

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
At midday,
O King,
I saw in the way a light from heaven,
above the brightness of the sun,
shining round about means them which journeyed with me.

This obviously was a miracle. It was also seen by Paul's companions but they did not receive the details because those were for Paul specifically.

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'.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about Damascus. The functional definition for this word is: 'A celebrated metropolis of Syria, first mentioned in Ge 14:15; 15:2, and now probably the oldest city on the globe'.

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 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 notes for Romans C13S15; 2Corinthians 4:3-4 and Ephesians C5S6 about the word light. The functional definition for this word is: 'The spiritual gift from God that overcomes spiritual darkness from sin and Satan. Spiritual light allows us to see and understand things from God's view. Spiritual light allows us to see how to walk, work and live in this world in a Godly way'. Please also see the notes for John 1:9; Romans 13:12; John 8:12 and John 11:9-LJC about the phrase Jesus is our light. Please also see the notes for Light and Darkness in 1John; Romans C13S15 and Hebrews 12:18-24 about the phrase light and darkness. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of the world. Please also see the note for Luke 17:24 about the word lightning. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:4 about the word enlightened.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fulness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 12:2-LJC and Laying up Treasure in heaven about the phrase treasure in heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase heaven, things in. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of heaven.

Please see the note for Matthew 17:5 about the words bright / brightness. Webster's 1828 defines this word as 'a. brite. Heb. to shine. 1. Shining; lucid; luminous; splendid; as a bright sun or star; a bright metal. 2. Clear; transparent; as liquors. 3. Evident; clear; manifest to the mind, as light is to the eyes. 4. Resplendent with charms; as a bright beauty; the brightest fair. 5. Illuminated with science; sparkling with wit; as the brightest of men. 6. Illustrious; glorious; as the brightest period of a kingdom. 7. In popular language, ingenious; possessing an active mind. 8. Promising good or success; as bright prospects. 9. Sparkling; animated; as bright eyes'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:45 about the word sun. The functional definition for this word is: 'Ge 1:14 translated "let there be luminaries," literally, "light bearers". Genesis only tells what the sun, moon, and stars are in relation to the earth'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:16 about the word shine. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to emit rays of light; to give light; to beam with steady radiance; to exhibit lightness or splendor; as, the sun shines by day; the moon shines by night. Shining differs from sparkling, glistening, glittering, as it usually implies a steady radiation or emission of light, whereas the latter words usually imply irregular or interrupted radiation. this distinction is not always not always observed, and we may say, the fixed stars shine, as well as they sparkle. But we never say the sun or the moon sparkles. 2. to be bright; to be lively and animated; to be brilliant. Let thine eyes shine forth in their full luster. Denham. 3. to be unclouded; as, the moon shines'.

Please see the note for Titus 2:13 about the word journey. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) A day's journey in the East is from 16 to 20 miles (Nu 11:31). (2.) A sabbath-day's journey is 2,000 paces or yards from the city walls (Ac 1:12). According to Jewish tradition, it was the distance one might travel without violating the law of Ex 16:29. (See sabbath.)'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'as. Ac 9:1-2; 22:5 exp: Ac 9:3. with. Ac 26:10; 1Ki 21:8-10; Ps 94:20-21; Isa 10:1; Jer 26:8; 29:26-27; Joh 7:45-48; 11:57
mid-day. Ac 9:3; 22:6 above. Isa 24:23; 30:26; Mt 17:2; Re 1:16; 21:23 General references. exp: Ac 9:7.'.

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C26-S11 (Verse 14) What happened after they were all knocked off their horses.

And when we were all fallen to the earth,
I heard a voice speaking unto me,
and saying in the Hebrew tongue,
Saul,
Saul,
why persecutest thou me?.

In another telling of his conversion, Paul related that the others heard a noise but not a voice and did not get the message meant only for Paul. The details reported differ slightly from one telling to another, but the main account is the same. Some God deniers claim that those minor differences constitute proof that the word of God is unreliable because all reports do not use the exact same wording and sentence structure. Which is absolutely stupid. No one tells an account exactly the same way every time unless it is critical that the details never vary. In addition, if the reader truly studies the differences, they will find that the differences in telling are actually related to the differences in the audience. in this telling, Paul knows that king Agrippa knows scripture. He also knows how God uses His people. Therefore, Paul is relating more of the personal commands to him, making him a minister of our Lord Jesus Christ, because king Agrippa will understand those commands and make the telling more believable to him because of his personal knowledge.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The functional definition for this word is: 'moving from a high position to a low position'. This word is often used symbolically for the spiritual meaning which is: 'apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position'.

Please see the note for John 5:2 about the word Hebrew. The functional definition Hebrew tongue is: 'The language of the Hebrews. The Hebrews are identified as: Designation of Abraham and of his descendants. the name is first met with when Lot had been carried away prisoner, one came and told Abram 'the Hebrew.' Ge 14:13. Hence it is applied to Abraham's descendants through Isaac and Jacob in distinction to the name of Israelites (from the name of Israel given to Jacob), which is their covenant name, the name of promise'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S8; 1Corinthians 14:2 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word tongue. The functional definition for this word is: 'a human language'. Also see language in Acts 2:6.

Saul was the name of Paul before he was a missionary. (This is written in Acts 13:9.) 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'in. Ac 21:40; 22:2 exp: Joh 19:20. Saul. Ac 9:4-5; 22:7-9 General references. exp: Mt 17:6; Ac 9:7.'.

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C26-S12 (Verse 14) This symbolic language tells Paul that he is wasting his time fighting against God.
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks

Please see the note for John 6:60 about the word hard. The functional definition for this word is: 'Firm; solid; compact; not easily penetrated, or separated into parts; not yielding to pressure; applied to material bodies, and opposed to soft; as hard wood; hard flesh; a hard apple. 2. Difficult; not easy to the intellect. In which are some things hard to be understood. 2 Pet.3'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word harden.

Please see the note for Acts 2:37 about the word prick. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Pierced with a sharp point; spurred; goaded; stung with pain; rendered acid or pungent; marked; designated.' In addition, the plural form of this word (pricks) is defined by the American Tract Society Dictionary as: 'The points with which ox-goads were armed, by kicking against which a refractory bullock only hurt itself the more. Hence a proverb, found in Greek and Latin as well as in Hebrew, applied to those who resist lawful authority, or the power of God, Ac 9:5; 26:14. Compare Job 15:25-26.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'hard. Pr 13:15; Zec 2:8; 12:2; 1Co 10:22 General references. exp: Mt 17:6; Ac 9:7.'.

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C26-S13 (Verse 15) Paul had enough sense to recognize a supernatural power when it literally knocked him from his horse.

And I said,
Who art thou,
Lord ?.

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C26-S14 (Verse 15) .

And he said,
I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

Acts 26:16-18 tells us the answer from Jesus.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I am. Ex 16:8; Mt 25:40,45; Joh 15:20-21'.

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C26-S15 (Verse 16-18) the command to Paul from Jesus

Equivalent Section: Get up.

But rise,
and stand upon thy feet:.

Equivalent Section: Paul will be a minister for Jesus.

First Step: the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to make Paul His minister.

for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose,
to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen,
and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;.

Second Step: What Paul will do and with whom..

Delivering thee from the people,
and from the Gentiles,
unto whom now I send thee,
To open their eyes,
and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins,
and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Acts 26:16-18 tells us the answer from Jesus.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word but means: 'provides a contrast6 between what came before the word and what comes after'. What came before was Paul persecuting Jesus as a life-style. What comes after is Paul ministering for Jesus as a life-style.
The phrase rise, and stand upon thy feet means: 'Stand up and receive your personal commission'.
The phrase for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose means: 'Our Lord Jesus Christ personally appeared to Paul to personally give him this commission'.
The phrase to make thee a minister and a witness means: 'To personally make him a minister and a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ'.
The phrase both of these things which thou hast seen means: 'of two things. First, of the things which Paul had already seen'.
The phrase and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee means: 'Secondly, of the things which our Lord Jesus Christ would personally teach him in the future'.
The phrase Delivering thee from the people means: 'and that He would miraculously deliver Paul from the Jews'.
The phrase and from the Gentiles means: 'and that He would miraculously deliver Paul from the Gentiles whom our Lord Jesus Christ would send Paul to but who would also reject the message from Paul'.
The phrase unto whom now I send thee means: 'Our Lord Jesus Christ was personally sending Paul to the Gentiles which son=me would accept his message and some would reject his message'.
The phrase To open their eyes means: 'His message was to open their spiritual eyes'.
The phrase and to turn them from darkness to light means: 'and to turn then from the darkness of the world and of devils to the light of God'.
The phrase and from the power of Satan unto God means: 'literally what it says'.
The phrase that they may receive forgiveness of sins means: 'So that they might receive true forgiveness if they truly turn from their sins to obeying God'.
The phrase and inheritance means: 'They would go to Heaven and receive everlasting rewards'.
The phrase among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me means: 'Among others who are set aside from a life of sin unto a life of serving God by faith that is in our Lord Jesus Christ'.
This is the true Gospel message.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S7 about the word rise. The functional definition for this word is: ' to move to pass upward in any manner; to ascend; as, a fog rises from a river or from low ground; a fish rises in water; fowls rise in the air; clouds rise from the horizon towards the meridian; a balloon rises above the clouds'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord.

Please see the note for Luke 1:76 about the word feet. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'n. plu of foot. Sandals covered only the soles, so that the feet needed washing when coming from a journey. In Joh 13:10 a distinct Greek word expresses bathing the whole person and washing the feet; "he that is washed (leloumenos) needeth not save to wash (nipsasthai) his feet, but is clean every whit." When one has been, as Peter, once for all wholly forgiven in regeneration, and so received the bathing of the whole man, i.e. justification through faith in Jesus, he needs no repetition of this as Peter requested; all he needs is cleansing from the soils that his feet contract in his daily life walk. Hence we daily pray, "give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as," etc. (1Jo 1:9.) So the priests in entering the house of God (Ex 30:19). It was an act of humble deference to guests to wash the feet (Lu 7:38-44; 1Ti 5:10). Disciples, after Christ's example, were to wash one another's feet, "by love serving one another" (Ga 5:13). the sandals were taken off in entering a house, hence the command to Moses (Ex 3:5) and to Joshua (Jos 5:15); compare Ec 5:1. to put them on was to prepare for active duty (Eze 24:17); whereas mourners went barefoot (2Sa 15:30). to "cover the feet" was the delicate expression for easing oneself, preparatory to which the loose garment was let fall to cover the person (1Sa 24:3; compare margin 2Ki 18:27). Putting the feet on captives' necks, as Joshua did (Jos 10:24), symbolizes complete mastery (Ps 110:1; 1Co 15:25; Isa 60:14)'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word appear. The functional definition is: 'The act of coming into sight; the act of becoming visible to the eye.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:8 about the word purpose. The functional definition for this word is: 'That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure or exertion'.

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.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:4 about the word witness. The functional definition for this word is: 'someone who is qualified to testify in court and is available to do so if the court requests'. In addition, we have the definition, as it applies to the Bible, of: 'Basically, if the Bible literally says something in at least two places, that is a law that will be enforced by the court of God and is something that all must accept and obey'. Please also see the notes for John 8:17; 2Corinthians 13:1 and Colossians C3S13 about the phrase witnesses, two or the. Please also see the note for John 5:1 about the phrase witnesses given by Jesus to show that He is God.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S13 and Galatians C2-S4 about the word Gentile. The functional definition for this word is: 'In the scriptures, a pagan; a worshipper of false gods; any person not a Jew or a christian; a heathen'.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The functional definition for this word is: ' Unclosed; not shut; as, the gate is open; an open door or window; an open book; open eyes'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S13 about the word eye. The functional definition for this word is: 'The organ of sight or vision; properly, the globe or ball movable in the orbit'. Please also see the note for John 12:45 about the phrase eyes to see.

Please see the note for Romans 13:12; John 8:12 about the word darkness. The symbolic definition for this word is: 'lack of spiritual light and guidance from God including following the guidance of a devil'. Please also see Light and Darkness in 1John. Please also see the Message called outer darkness.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition for this word is: 'the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Power might be physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, religious or of some other nature'. Please also see the note for John 5:41 about the phrase power of God. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about Satan. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines Satan as: 'Heb. an adversary. the grand adversary of man; the devil or prince of darkness; the chief of the fallen angels'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:7 and Colossians C1S3 about the word forgive. The functional definition for this word is: 'for God to blot out the legal record in Heaven of out violating His law (sin)'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. forgiv'. pret. forgave; pp. forgiven. L. remitto. See Give. 1. to pardon; to remit, as an offense or debt; to overlook an offense, and treat the offender as not guilty. the original and proper phrase is to forgive the offense, to send it away, to reject it, that is, not to impute it, put it to the offender. But by an easy transition, we also use the phrase, to forgive the person offending. forgive us our debts. If we forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly father will also forgive you. Matt. 6. As savages never forget a favor, so they never forgive an injury. It is to be noted that pardon, like forgive, may be followed by the name or person, and by the offense; but remit can be followed by the offense only. We forgive or pardon the man, but we do not remit him. 2. to remit as a debt, fine or penalty'.

Please see the note for Romans C7S26 about the word sin. The functional definition is: 'a violation of God's law' (1John 3:4). Please see the notes for Sin in 1John; Romans C2S4; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26 about the phrase sin unto death. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S20 about the word inheritance. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. An estate derived from an ancestor to an heir by succession or in course of law; or an estate which the law casts on a child or other person, as the representative of the deceased ancestor. 1. the reception of an estate by hereditary right, or the descent by which an estate or title is cast on the heir; as, the heir received the estate by inheritance. 2. the estate or possession which may descend to an heir, though it has not descended. And Rachel and Leah answered and said, is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? Gen.31. 3. An estate given or possessed by donation or divine appropriation. Num.26. 4. that which is possessed or enjoyed. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance. Ps.2'. Please also see the note for Luke 10:25 about the word inherit. The functional definition for this word is: 'To take by descent from an ancestor; to take by succession, as the representative of the former possessor; to receive, as a right or title descendible by law from an ancestor at his decease'.

Please see the note for Jude 1:1 about the word sanctified. The functional definition for this word is: 'Made holy; consecrated; set apart for sacred service'. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase salvation through sanctification. Please see the Book Study on 2Timothy and then use the browser FIND function to find the usage of the word sanctified.

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: 'rise. Ac 9:6-9; 22:10 to make. Ac 9:15-16; 13:1-4; 22:14-15 a minister. Ac 1:17,25; 6:4; 20:24; 21:19; Ro 1:5; 15:16; 2Co 4:1; 5:18; Eph 3:7-8; Col 1:7,23,25; 1Th 3:2; 1Ti 1:12; 4:6; 2Ti 4:5 in the. Ac 18:9-10; 22:17-21; 23:11; 27:23-24; 2Co 12:1-7; Ga 1:12; 2:2 General references. exp: Pr 14:25.
Delivering. Ac 9:23-25,29-30; 13:50; 14:5-6,19-20; 16:39; 17:10,14; 18:10,12-16; 19:28-41; 21:28-36; 22:21-22; 23:10-24; 25:3,9-11; 27:42-44; Ps 34:19; 37:32-33; 2Co 1:8-10; 4:8-10; 11:23-26; 2Ti 3:11; 4:16-17 the Gentiles. Ac 9:15; 22:21; 28:28; Ro 11:13; 15:16; Ga 2:9; Eph 3:7-8; 1Ti 2:7; 2Ti 1:11; 4:17 General references. exp: Pr 14:25; Ro 3:29.
open. Ac 9:17-18; Ps 119:18; 146:8; Isa 29:18; 32:3; 35:5; 42:7; 43:8; Lu 4:18; 24:45; Joh 9:39; 2Co 4:4,6; Eph 1:18 and o. Ac 26:23; 13:47; Isa 9:2; 49:6; 60:1-3; Mal 4:2; Mt 4:16; 6:22-23; Lu 1:79; 2:32; Joh 1:4-9; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36; 2Co 4:6; 6:14; Eph 1:18; 4:18; 5:8,14; 1Th 5:4-8; 1Pe 2:9,25; 1Jo 2:8-9 and from. Isa 49:24-25; 53:8-12; Lu 11:21-22; Col 1:13; 2Ti 2:26; Heb 2:14-15; 1Jo 3:8; 5:19; 1Pe 2:9; Re 20:2-3 that they. Ac 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38-39; Ps 32:1-2; Lu 1:77; 24:47; Ro 4:6-9; 1Co 6:10-11; Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; 1Jo 1:9; 2:12 exp: Joh 9:39. inheritance. Ac 20:32; Ro 8:17; Eph 1:11,14; Col 1:12; Heb 9:15; Jas 2:5; 1Pe 1:4 sanctified. Ac 20:32; Joh 17:17; 1Co 1:2,30; 6:11; Tit 3:5-6; Heb 10:10,14; Jude 1:1; Re 21:27 faith. Ac 15:9; Joh 4:10,14; 7:38-39; Ro 5:1-2; Ga 2:20; 3:2,14; Eph 2:8; Heb 11:6 General references. exp: Pr 8:5; 14:25; 20:12; Isa 32:3; Mt 13:16; Lu 5:32; 24:45; 1Th 5:5.'.

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C26-S16 (Verse 19-20) Paul obeyed the personal commands which he received from God.

Equivalent Section: Paul acted upon the personal message from Lord Jesus.

Whereupon,
O King Agrippa,
I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:.

Equivalent Section: the message that Paul delivered.

But shewed first unto them of Damascus,
and at Jerusalem,
and throughout all the coasts of Judaea,
and then to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God,
and do works meet for repentance.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word Whereupon means: 'Paul acted upon his command'. The order of the places where Paul says that he preached matches the order of places found in the command of Jesus in Acts 1:8.
The phrase O king Agrippa means: 'This is the main person whom Paul is speaking to but he also includes all of the rest of the audience'.
The phrase I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision means: 'Paul, indirectly, tells everyone that they should obey any message from God'.
The phrase But shewed first unto them of Damascus means: 'That was where Paul was at when his sight was restored and he was baptized'.
The phrase and at Jerusalem means: 'That is the first place where Jesus said to preach the Gospel'.
The phrase and throughout all the coasts of Judaea means: 'That is the next place where Jesus said to preach the Gospel'.
The phrase and then to the Gentiles means: 'That is the last place where Jesus said to preach the Gospel'.
The phrase that they should repent and turn to God means: 'This is the basic message of the Gospel. It is not turn to religion but to God. That is what the religious Jews were upset about. Paul refused to tell people to obey religion when religion disagreed with God's word'.
The phrase and do works meet for repentance means: 'This is the main message of the Gospel. True repentance is turning from our personal sin to personal obedience to God'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word obey. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. obedio; Gr. 1. to comply with the commands, orders or instructions of a superior, or with the requirements of law, moral, political or municipal; to do that which is commanded or required, or to forbear doing that which is prohibited. Children, obey your parents in the Lord. Eph. 6. Servants, obey in all things your masters. Col. 3. He who has learned to obey, will know how to command. 2. to submit to the government of; to be ruled by. All Israel obeyed Solomon. 1Chron. 29. Dan. 7. 3. to submit to the direction or control of. Seamen say, the ship will not obey the helm. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom. 6. James 3. 4. to yield to the impulse, power or operation of; as, to obey stimulus. Relentless time, destroying power, whom stone and brass obey'. Please also see the notes for Romans C6S12 and 2Corinthians C2S9 about the word obedience. Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of disobedience. The functional definition is: 'Saved people who live a life of disobedience to God'. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the word disobedient. Please also see the note for Romans C6S12 about the word disobedience. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the phrase disobedient to parents.

Please see the note for Luke 1:22 about the word vision. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'By means of visions God often vouchsafed to make known His will. When Samuel was a child, before the word of Jehovah was revealed to him, for a time 'there was no open vision.' 1Sa 3:1,15. With the prophets they were frequently employed: more than twenty times we read of them in Daniel. In the future when the Spirit will be poured out, Israel's sons and daughters will prophesy; the old men will dream dreams, and the young men will see visions. Joe 2:28; Ac 2:17. the book of Revelation is a series of visions. Re 1:2.'.

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'.

Please see the note for Mark 5:17 about the word coast. The King James Bible Companion defines this word as: 'Border; region/country; land by water. Ex 10:14'.

Please see the note for Romans C11S32 about the word repentance. The functional definition for this word is: 'A turning away from the attitudes and actions of sin and turning towards God and accepting His attitudes and actions about sin'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:27 about the word meet. The functional definition for this word is: 'come together and match in every area'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'O king. Ac 26:2,26-27 I was not. Ex 4:13-14; Isa 50:5; Jer 20:9; Eze 2:7-8; 3:14; Jon 1:3; Ga 1:16 General references. exp: Pr 14:25; Eze 3:2; Lu 5:32.
first. Ac 9:19-22; 11:26-30 exp: Ac 3:26. and at. Ac 9:28-29; 22:17-18 and then. Ac 26:17; 13:46-48; 14:16-21; 22:21-22; Ro 11:18-20 repent. Ac 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; Jer 31:19-20; Eze 18:30-32; Mt 3:2; 4:17; 9:13; 21:30-32; Mr 6:12; Lu 13:3,5; 15:7,10; 24:46-47; Ro 2:4; 2Co 7:10; 2Ti 2:25-26; Re 2:5,21; 3:3; 16:11 exp: Eze 14:6. turn. Ac 9:35; 14:15; 15:19; Ps 22:27; La 3:40; Ho 12:6; 14:2; Lu 1:16; 2Co 3:16; 1Th 1:9 exp: Pr 1:23; Isa 31:6; Jer 25:5; Joe 2:12; Zec 1:4. and do. Isa 55:7; Mt 3:8; Lu 3:8-14; 19:8-9; Eph 4:17-32; 5:1-25; 6:1-9; Tit 2:2-13; 1Pe 1:14-16; 2:9-12; 4:2-5; 2Pe 1:5-8 General references. exp: Pr 14:25; Lu 5:32.'.

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C26-S17 (Verse 21) Paul was persecuted for obeying God.

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,
and went about to kill me.

Our sentence says that the Jews caught me in the temple. Paul was praying quietly in the Temple. He was not causing trouble like the lying Jewish religious leaders claimed. And, the Jews went about to kill Paul. They attacked him and continued to try and kill him until Paul had to appeal unto Caesar. They wanted to kill Paul for preaching that people should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance (For these causes) instead of obeying the religious leaders who taught a doctrine which opposed God and submitted to devils.

The word caught is the past-tense form of the word catch. Please see the note for Luke 5:10 about the word catch. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to seize or lay hold on with the hand; carrying the sense of pursuit, thrusting forward the hand, or rushing on. And they came upon him and caught him. Acts 6. 2. to seize, in a general sense; as, to catch a ball; to catch hold of a bough. 3. to seize, as in a snare or trap; to ensnare; to entangle. they sent certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. Mark 12. 4. to seize in pursuit; hence simply to overtake; a popular use of the word. He ran, but could not catch him companion. 5. to take hold; to communicate to. the fire caught the adjoining building. 6. to seize the affections; to engage and attach to; as, to catch the fair. 7. to take or receive by contagion or infection; as, to catch the measles or small pox. 8. to snatch; to take suddenly; as, to catch a book out of the hand. 9. to receive something passing. the swelling sails no more catch the soft airs and wanton in the sky. Trumbull. to catch at, to endeavor to seize suddenly. to catch at all opportunities of subverting the state. to catch up, to snatch; to take up suddenly.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Jews. Ac 21:30-31; 22:22; 23:12-15; 25:3 General references. exp: Mt 2:14; Ac 24:18; 2Co 1:10.'.

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C26-S18 (Verse 22-23) What Paul was doing at the time that he spoke.

Equivalent Section: .

Having therefore obtained help of God,
I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great,
saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:.

Equivalent Section: .

That Christ should suffer,
and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead,
and should shew light unto the people,
and to the Gentiles.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

Please see the Section called Prophecies Fulfilled, in the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for references to verses related to the suffering of Jesus Christ. Please also see the Section called Appearances of Jesus Christ After the Resurrection, in the Study called Gospel Time Sequences, and several Sections in the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for the prophecies of Christ rising from the dead.
The phrase Having therefore obtained help of God means: 'Paul reports that God has been helping him and keeping the Jews from killing him'.
The phrase I continue unto this day means: 'Paul continues to obey his personal command from our Lord Jesus Christ'.
The phrase witnessing both to small and great means: 'Paul witnesses to anyone who will listen'.
The phrase saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come means: 'Paul does not add to scripture. He only preaches the fulfillment of prophecy'.
The phrase That Christ should suffer means: 'These are the specific prophecies that Paul preaches and that the Jews objected to being preached'.
The phrase and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead means: 'These are the specific prophecies that Paul preaches and that the Jews really objected to being preached'.
The phrase and should shew light unto the people means: 'Paul preached that our Lord Jesus Christ would show us how to live and please God in order to receive true salvation and blessings from God'.
The phrase and to the Gentiles means: 'Paul preached to Gentiles as well as to Jews. The Jews objected to preaching to Gentiles because they insisted that only Jews could be saved'.

Please see the note for Romans C11S33 about the word obtained. The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Gained; procured; acquired'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S24 about the word help. The functional definition for this word is: 'To lend aid; to contribute strength or means. A generous present helps to persuade, as well as an agreeable person. to help out, to lend aid; to bring a supply'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:54-55` about the word holpen.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:25-26 about the word continue. The functional definition for this word is: 'keep doing what they were doing before. The dictionary does not make the distinction between the words continue and continueth. Webster's 1828 actually gives the Biblical definition of continueth for the word continue. In the Bible, the word continue is used for when the action stopped at some point and uses the word continueth for when the action does not stop in this life'. Please also see the note for James 1:25 about the word continueth. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 7:5 about the word incontinent.

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 Hebrews 3:1 about Moses. The functional definition for this word is: 'While this name is often used for the physical man, it is also used in the Bible to refer to the Law that God gave to His people through the man. In the New Testament, the Law for the saved comes from the Lord Jesus Christ'.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S17 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word suffer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind'. Please also see the note for Romans 9:22 about the word longsuffering. Please also see the note for Mark 8:31-LJC about the phrase suffering of Jesus Christ.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'obtained. Ac 26:17; 14:19-20; 16:25-26; 18:9-10; 21:31-33; 23:10-11,16-22; 1Sa 7:12; Ezr 8:31; Ps 18:47; 66:12; 118:10-13; 124:1-3,8; 2Co 1:8-10; 2Ti 3:11; 4:17-18 witnessing. Ac 20:20-27; Re 11:18; 20:12 none. Ac 26:6; 3:21-24; Lu 24:27,44,46 the prophets. Ac 24:14; 28:23; Mt 17:4-5; Lu 16:29-31; Joh 1:17,45; 3:14-15; 5:39,46; Ro 3:21; Re 15:3
Christ. Ge 3:15; Ps 22-69; Isa 53; Da 9:24-26; Zec 12:10; 13:7; Lu 18:31-33; 24:26,46; 1Co 15:3 the first. Ac 26:8; 2:23-32; 13:34; Ps 16:8-11; Isa 53:10-12; Mt 27:53; Joh 10:18; 11:25; 1Co 15:20-23; Col 1:18; Re 1:5 and should. Ac 26:18; Lu 2:32'.

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C26-S19 (Verse 24) Festus expresses his opinion of the Gospel.

First Step: What Festus thought.

And as he thus spake for himself,
Festus said with a loud voice,
Paul,
thou art beside thyself;.

Second Step: Why he thought it.

much learning doth make thee mad.

Acts 26:22-23 says that Paul continues to be a witness and to teach that what the prophets said was true.

We see here a common reaction to the Gospel. Unless God works on the heart of a lost person, they will reject the Gospel as foolishness.

While Paul is giving his testimony, Festus interrupts him to say Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad because Festus does not have the background that king Agrippa has. The things that make perfect sense to someone who has been taught Bible principals seem crazy to someone from a different background. That's why the gospel is presented more than one way. It is the same truth but has to be presented in a way that people can understand. 1Corinthians 1:22-25 tells us For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Even though the Jews require a sign and believe when the gospel is presented with a sign, the Greeks seek after wisdom and signs do not convince them. Paul presents his arguments with signs which king Agrippa understands but which seems mad to Festus.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:13 about the word beside. The functional definition for this word is: 'be and side, by the side'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 14:31 about the word learn. The functional definition for this word is: 'To gain knowledge of; to acquire knowledge or ideas of something before unknown. We learn the use of letters, the meaning of words and the principles of science. We learn things by instruction, by study, and by experience and observation. It is much easier to learn what is right, than to unlearn what is wrong'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S25 about the word unlearned. The functional definition for this word is: 'They did not have the formal religious education'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'spake. Ac 22:1 Festus. Ac 17:32; 24:25; 25:19-20 Paul. Ac 26:11; 2Ki 9:11; Jer 29:26; Ho 9:7; Mr 3:21; Joh 8:48,52; 10:20-21; 1Co 1:23; 2:13-14; 4:10; 2Co 5:13'.

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C26-S20 (Verse 25) Paul answers Festus.

First Step: Paul tells Festus that he is wrong.

But he said,
I am not mad,
most noble Festus;.

Second Step: Paul tells Festus what is right.

but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Acts 26:25-27 says that Paul answered Festus and then spoke to king Agrippa, saying that the king knew the truth of what he said.

Here Paul corrects Festus and in the next sentence tells Festus how he can verify what Paul says in this sentence. It is important to give people a way to verify our claims when we disagree with them.

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 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.

Please see the note for Romans C12S3 about the word soberly. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'adv. 1. Without intemperance. 2. Without enthusiasm. 3. Without intemperate passion; coolly; calmly; moderately. 4. Gravely; seriously'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I am not. Joh 8:49; 1Pe 2:21-23; 3:9,15 most. Ac 23:26 (Gr) Ac 24:3; Lu 1:3 (Gr) words. Tit 1:9; 2:7-8'.

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C26-S21 (Verse 26) Paul gives Festus a way to verify what he just said.

Equivalent Section: .

For the King knoweth of these things,
before whom also I speak freely:.

Equivalent Section: Parts of sentence below are steps.

for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;
For this thing was not done in a corner.

Acts 26:25-27 says that Paul answered Festus and then spoke to king Agrippa, saying that the king knew the truth of what he said.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase For the king knoweth of these things means: 'Festus can verify what Paul said by asking king Agrippa'.
The phrase before whom also I speak freely means: 'Paul presented the Gospel in a way that made sense to king Agrippa'. Paul had already presented the Gospel to Festus in a way that he could understand. The same Gospel is presented in different ways because different people have different ways of understanding. It is the same Gospel, just different ways of presenting it.
The phrase for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him means: 'Paul was persuaded that king Agrippa understood scripture and the importance of relying on what scripture said'.
The phrase For this thing was not done in a corner means: 'Paul also knew that king Agrippa could verify the fulfillment of prophecy'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C7S29 about the word free. The functional definition for this word is: 'Being at liberty; not being under necessity or restraint, physical or moral; a word of general application to the body, the will or mind, and to corporations'.

Please see the note for Romans C8S40 about the word persuade. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines for this word as: 'influence by argument, advice, intreaty or expostulation; to draw or incline the will to a determination by presenting motives to the mind. I should be glad, if I could persuade him to write such another critick on anything of mine. Almost thou persuadest me to be a christian. Acts.26. 2. to convince by argument, or reasons offered; or to convince by reasons suggested by reflection or deliberation, or by evidence presented in any manner to the mind. Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you. Heb.6. 3. to inculcate by argument or expostulation. Little used. 4. to treat by persuasion. Not in use'.

Please see the note for Mark 12:10-11 about the word corner. The functional definition for this word is: 'Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The angle of a house (Job 1:19) or a street (Pr 7:8). "Corners" in Ne 9:22 denotes the various districts of the promised land allotted to the Israelites. In Nu 24:17, the "corners of Moab" denotes the whole land of Moab. the "corner of a field" (Le 19:9; 23:22) is its extreme part, which was not to be reaped. the Jews were prohibited from cutting the "corners," i.e., the extremities, of the hair and whiskers running round the ears (Le 19:27; 21:5). the "four corners of the earth" in Isa 11:12; Eze 7:2 denotes the whole land. the "corners of the streets" mentioned in Mt 6:5 means the angles where streets meet so as to form a square or place of public resort.
The corner gate of Jerusalem (2Ki 14:13; 2Ch 26:9) was on the north-west side of the city.
Corner-stone (Job 38:6; Isa 28:16), a block of great importance in binding together the sides of a building. the "head of the corner" (Ps 118:22-23) denotes the coping, the "coign of vantage", i.e., the topstone of a building. But the word "corner stone" is sometimes used to denote some person of rank and importance (Isa 28:16). He is also styled "the chief corner stone" (Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:6-8). When Zechariah (Zec 10:4), speaking of Judah, says, "Out of him came forth the corner," he is probably to be understood as ultimately referring to the Messiah as the "corner stone."'. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the king. Ac 26:2-3; 25:22 this thing. Ac 2:1-12; 4:16-21; 5:18-42; Isa 30:20; Mt 26:5; 27:29-54'.

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C26-S22 (Verse 27) Paul makes his challenge personal.

King Agrippa,
believest thou the prophets?.

Acts 26:25-27 says that Paul answered Festus and then spoke to king Agrippa, saying that the king knew the truth of what he said.

When someone is speaking to a group in general, it can be easy to not apply a challenge to yourself personally. However, here God has Paul deliberately make this challenge personal to the king. And, everyone else in the rook will also know it. Therefore, anyone who was less sure of the prophecies might ask the king about them. Or, at least, consider that if Paul personally challenged the king, who did know the prophecies, then they probably said what Paul claimed and they also should consider believing.

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 what 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'believest. Ac 26:22-23'.

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C26-S23 (Verse 27) Paul assures the king that he knows the truth.
I know that thou believest

Acts 26:25-27 says that Paul answered Festus and then spoke to king Agrippa, saying that the king knew the truth of what he said.

The king will have no excuse when he is judged by God. Since he has a lifestyle belief (believest) of the prophets, he should also believe the conclusion, from those prophecies, which Paul pointed out.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'believest. Ac 26:22-23'.

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C26-S24 (Verse 28) this is the response from king Agrippa.

Then Agrippa said unto Paul,
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

We never know what he decided later in his life. However, most people do not choose to truly believe and serve God later if they refuse while God's Holy Ghost is dealing with their heart.

Please see the note for 1Peter 4:16 about the word Christian. Thus, a true Biblical Christian is: 'a truly saved person who has spiritually matured enough for their life to display the changes caused by their personal relationship with Christ'. Please also see the Message called Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Almost. Ac 26:29; 24:25; Eze 33:31; Mt 10:18; Mr 6:20; 10:17-22; 2Co 4:2; Jas 1:23-24'.

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C26-S25 (Verse 29) Paul expresses his wish for the conclusion of his preaching.

And Paul said,
I would to God,
that not only thou,
but also all that hear me this day,
were both almost,
and altogether such as I am,
except these bonds.

Notice that Paul does not just wish that they were saved by that they were altogether such as I am, except these bonds. That is, not only saved but also dedicated to serving the true God and building His kingdom here on Earth.

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.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I would. Ex 16:3; Nu 11:29; 2Sa 18:33; 2Ki 5:3; 1Co 4:8; 7:7; 2Co 11:1 that not. Jer 13:17; Lu 19:41-42; Joh 5:34; Ro 9:1-3; 10:1; Col 1:28 except. Ac 12:6; 25:14; Eph 6:20 General references. exp: Php 1:13.'.

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C26-S26 (Verse 30-31) the end of the hearing.

Equivalent Section: After Paul finished presenting the gospel, those who were judging him moved for a private word..

And when he had thus spoken,
the King rose up,
and the governor,
and Bernice,
and they that sat with them:.

Equivalent Section: In private, king Agrippa admitted that Paul should not be under arrest..

And when they were gone aside,
they talked between themselves,
saying,
This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

After king Agrippa turned down a personal invitation to becomes a Christian He understood the motivations of the Jewish leaders and that they had also refused an invitation to become Christians. He also understood that they were jealous of the personal influence that God gave Paul. Here we see that human government that human government, as represented by the king...and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them can be maneuvered into perverting justice. They admitted that This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. They should have freed him, and knew it. However, they also understood that if they did then the Jewish leaders would cause the Jewish people to rebel and they could loose their positions because they did not maintain the peace. Therefore, the king said to use the technical excuse that Paul had appealed unto Caesar. They could have ignored the technicality, but chose to use it as an excuse to pass the problem to someone else. Later the Jews did riot and Rome destroyed their Temple as a result, but these people were not blamed at this time, which is all that they cared about.

The word rose. is the past-tense form of the word rise. Please see the note for Colossians C2-S7 about the word rise. The functional definition for this word is: ' to move to pass upward in any manner; to ascend; as, a fog rises from a river or from low ground; a fish rises in water; fowls rise in the air; clouds rise from the horizon towards the meridian; a balloon rises above the clouds'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord.

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'.

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 King, and the governor, and Bernice separated themselves to discuss what to do without the Jews hearing and interfering with their discussion.

Please see the note for Matthew 22:15 about the word talk. The functional definition for this word is: 'o converse familiarly; to speak, as in familiar discourse, when two or more persons interchange thoughts'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the king. Ac 18:15; 28:22
This man. Ac 23:9,29; 25:25; 28:18; 2Sa 24:17; Lu 23:4,14-15; 1Pe 3:16; 4:14-16 General references. exp: Jer 26:16; 37:18; Ac 28:18; Php 1:13.'.

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C26-S27 (Verse 32) King Agrippa advises Festus on the legal conclusion.

Then said Agrippa unto Festus,
This man might have been set at liberty,
if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

Agrippa arranged this hearing so that king Agrippa would tell him what to write to Caesar. in this sentence, we see that Agrippa had his answer. He could write to Caesar that the prior governor left a man in bonds whom he had to deal with. Apparently, he was arrested because there was a religious dispute between Paul and the Jewish religious leaders that he did not completely understand because he did not know their religion. And, while he was trying to determine the truth, Paul appealed to Caesar. Therefore, he was required to send Paul to Caesar. And, with that, he admits no wrong while blaming everyone else and also explaining why Paul was sent to Rome.

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'.

Please see the note for Acts 25:11 about the word appeal. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'appealed. Ac 25:11-12,25; 28:18 General references. exp: Jer 26:16.'.

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Acts Chapter 25

Chapter theme is: Paul stands at Caesar's judgment.

links to sentences in this chapter:

Acts Chapter 26

Chapter theme is: Paul's Testimony to king Agrippa.

links to sentences in this chapter:

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