Interpretive Study of Acts 25-26

Book theme is: How God Started the Church.

Chapter links: Outline, 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 told king Agrippa about Paul and the accusations against him by the Jewish religious leaders. And, Festus told 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'.

Please see the note for Acts 23:34 about the word province. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'An area within a government which was separated for tax purposes'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. The New Testament definition, of the word day is: 'the time when the sun provides light to a part of the Earth. The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32)'. The New Testament definition, of the word days is: 'the plural form of the word day'. The New Testament definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age or the end of our physical life'. Please see the Sections on Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Doctrinal Study called Significant Gospel Events for the titles of day star and the dayspring. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The New Testament definition is: 'the current day'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. The New Testament definition is: 'something happens every day'. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. The New Testament definition is: 'the day belongs to'. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. The New Testament definition is: 'the day that belongs to the Lord'. There are many days which have special meanings within the Bible and many people, including preachers, confuse them. the notes provided lists various days and their meanings within the Bible. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Sunday'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the phrase to day. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. to and day. The present day'. Please see the note for Acts 26:13 about the word midday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'noon'. Please see the note for Hebrews 13:8 about the word yesterday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the day before today'. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'this is doctrinal error taught by many religions'. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the words birth / birthright / birthday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the yearly dat for remembering a birth'. Please see the note for John 20:19 about the phrase evening. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the period from sunset till night'. Please see the note for Mark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Today, the phrase The even, would be called 'sunset' and would be considered to be a particular part of evening. This was naturally the closing of the day, for God called the light 'day'. Please also seeMark 11:11 about the word eventide. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'The time of evening; evening. '. Please also see the note for John 11:10 about night. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'that part of the natural day when the sun is beneath the horizon, or the time from sunset to sunrise.'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the middle of the night; twelve o'clock at night'.

Please see the note for John 3:13 about the word ascended. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word ascend'. Please also see the note for Luke 19:28 about the word ascending. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word ascend'. Please also see the note for Revelation 11:7 about the word ascendeth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word ascend'. Please also see the note for John 6:62 about the word ascend. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to move upwards; to rise'.

Please see the note for Mark 8:27 about the word Caesarea. The New Testament 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 New Testament definition, for Jerusalem, is: 'the central place of worship of the true God. In the Bible, this phrase isused only for Jerusalem or the New Jerusalem'. 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: 'into. Ac 23:34 the province. By the province, Judea is meant; for after the death of Herod Agrippa, Claudis thought it imprudent to trust the government in the hands of his son Agrippa, who was then but seventeen years of age; and therefore, Cuspis Fadus was sent to be procurator. And when afterwards Claudis 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 Matthew 4:8 about the word high. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'extending a great distance above the surface of the earth or the position of another thing'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:32 about the word highest. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'at a height that nothing else can match'. Please see the note for Mark 5:7 about Most High. The New Testament definition is: 'another phrase for the word highesrt'. Please also see the note for Luke 14:10 about the word higher. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'having more height than another object'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:28 about the word highly. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to a great height or to a great degree'. Please also see the note on Romans 11:20 aboutthe word highminded. Please also see the note on Mark 10:46 aboutthe word highway. Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest. The word highness is only found in the Old Testament.

Please see the note for Hebrews 4:14 about the word priest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'One who represents men before God. Only God can give this position to a man. Men, and women, claim to have this position but they truly represent men before devils if God does not appoint the man to this position'. Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the high priest was the top of their authority. In the New Testament, our Lord Jesus Christ is the high priest of all saved'.

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

Please see the note for Revelation 2:9 about the word Jew. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'the name borne by the Hebrews among foreign nations, especially after the return from Babylon; from Judah their ancestor'. Please also see the note for John 7:3 about the words Jewry / Judaea / Judea / Judah. Please see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews.

Please see the note for Acts 21:20-21 about the word inform. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to instruct; to tell to; to acquaint; to communicate knowledge to; to make known to by word or writing'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word besought. The New Testament 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'to entreat; to supplicate; to implore; to ask or pray with urgency'.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:46 about the word desiring. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word desire'. Please also see the note for Luke 5:39 about the word desired. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word desire'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S1 about the word desire. The New Testament 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'. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:17 about the word desireeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word desire'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:28 about the word favor / favour. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Kind regard; kindness; countenance; propitious aspect; friendly disposition'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:1 about the word wait. The New Testament 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 New Testament 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 told 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:4 about the word answered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of answer'. Please also see the note for Mark 8:29 about the word answereth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of an answer'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:4 about the word answered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word answer'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 about the name of Paul. Please also see the note for Colossians C1S6 for links to every place where the phrase I Paul is used. The New Testament definition, for Paul is: 'He was a Pharisee before he was saved. God changed his name from Saul to Paul. He started more churches and wrote mote of the New Testament than any other man'. Please also see the second half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Paul to show us how He uses a pastor / missionary to build the ministry.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with'. Please also see the note for Matthew 8:33 about the word kept. The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. The word keepeth is 'life-style keeping'. Please also see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'One who retains anything or anyone in custody'. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:9 about the word departed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word depart'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word depart. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to go or move from'. Please also see the note for Mark 6:33 about the word departing. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word depart'.

We find the word shortly in: Genesis 41:32; Jeremiah 27:16; Ezekiel 7:8; our current sentence; Romans 16:20; 1Corinthians 4:19; Philippians 2:19; Philippians 2:24; 1Timothy 3:14; 2Timothy 4:9; Hebrews 13:23; 2Peter 1:14; 3John 1:14; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:6. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'very soon'. Please also see the note for Romans 3:23 about the word short. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'not long; not having great length or extension'. Please also see the note for Mark 13:20 about the word shortened. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of make shorter'.

Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. 1. Quickly; soon; in a little time. The armies came shortly in view of each other. Clarendon. 2. In a few words; briefly; as, to express ideas more shortly in verse than in prose'.

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C25-S4 (Verse 5) Festus told 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 told 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 New Testament 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 Matthew 9:18 about the word spake. Please also see the note for Matthew 1:22 about the word spoken. The New Testament definition, for both words, is: 'the past-tense form of the word speak, although the gramaritical rules differ for each word'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speak. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts by words'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:15 about the word unspeakable. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'That which cannot be spoken'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 and the Concordance for all references to the word saith. Please see the note for Ephesians C4S15 about the phrase evil speaking. Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. 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). The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:11 about the word down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'In a descending direction; tending from a higher to a lower place'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the phrase cast down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to cause the destruction of the thing that is cast away'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:5-6 about the phrase thrown down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'having a structure completely taken apart as a means of destruction and the parts disposed of as useless'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:5 about the phrase pull down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'destroy'.

Please see the note for Acts 6:10 about the word able. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Having physical power or strength to perform'.

Please see the note in Matthew 12:10 about the word: accuse. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to charge with, or declare to have committed a crime'. Please also see the note for Matthew 27:12 about the word accused. Please also see the note for Revelation 12:10 about the word accuser. Please also see the note for John 5:45 about the word accuseth. Please also see the note in Matthew 27:37 about the word: accusation. Please also see the note for John 8:3 about the phrase accuse him (Jesus). the religious leaders never had a valid accusation against Jesus. Every place where we read that they made an accusation, the context makes it clear that they were lying and acting as ministers of Satan.

Please see the note for Romans C1S16; Colossians 1:9-17; 1Corinthians 5:8 and Ephesians 6:12 about the word wicked. Please alsouse the link in the sentence outline, above. The New Testament 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 words tarry and tarried. The New Testament definition, for the words tarry, is: 'to stay waiting for something'. The New Testament definition, for the words tarried, is: 'the past-tense of tarry'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:10 about the word judge. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood'. Please see the note for Philippians 1:9 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 C14S16 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the judgment Seat of Christ Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the earth. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C4S5 about the phrase we are to judge. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 4:5 about the phrase judge nothing. Please also see the note for Romans 8:1-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase judgment by us. The New Testament definition is: 'to compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood'. Please also see the Section called: 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' in the Doctrinal Study called: Significant Gospel Events with the title of: Judge.

Please see the note for Mark 12:38-40 about the word seat. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Denotes a place or thing upon which one sits, as a chair. It is used also of the exalted position occupied by men of marked rank or influence, either in good or evil'. 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 see the note for Matthew 8:4 about the word commanded. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:7 about the word command. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to order; to direct; to charge; implying authority, and power to control, and to require obedience'. Please also see the note for Matthew 11:1 about the word Commanding. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Acts 17:30 about the word commandeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge; precept'. Please also see the note for Acts 23:3 about the word commandest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of a life-style form of the word command'. 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 cannot 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 Matthew 3:5 about the word round. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'cylindrical; circular; spherical or globular'.

Please see the note for Mark 7:8 about the word laying. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word lay'. Please see the note for Matthew 3:10 about the word laid. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word lay'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hand. Please also see the note for Matthew 6:19 about the word lay. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'literally, to throw down'. Please also see the note for Luke 12:21 about the word layeth. Please also see the note for Mark 5:23 about the word lieth. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay hold. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay up. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The saved are commanded to lay up treasure in Heaven before they leave this world.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:1 about the word grievous. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'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'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:19 about the word greif. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the pain of mind produced by loss, misfortune, injury or evils of any kind; sorrow; regret. We experience grief when we lose a friend, when we incur loss, when we consider ourselves injured, and by sympathy, we feel grief at the misfortunes of others'. Please see the note for Romans 14:15 about the word grieve. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'to give pain of mind to; to afflict; to wound the feelings. Nothing grieves a parent like the conduct of a profligate child'.

We find the word complaints only in this sentence. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word complaint'. We find the word complaint in: 1Samuel 1:16; Job 7:13; Job 9:27; Job 10:1; Job 21:4; Job 23:2; Psalms 55:2; Psalms 102:1; Psalms 142:2. Notice that those are all in the Old Testament and mainly in Job. Please also see the note for Jude 1:16 about the word complainers. The New Testament definition for the word complainer is: 'the plural form of the word complainer'. The New Testament definition for the word complainer is: 'the person who complaints'. The New Testament definition for the word complain is: 'the expression of grief or a lament the expression of a fault'. The New Testament definition for the word complaining is: ' the ongoing form of the word complain'. The words complain, complained and complaining are only found in the Old Testament.

Webster's 1828 defines the word complaint as: 'n. 1. Expression of grief, regret, pain, censure, or resentment; lamentation; murmuring; a finding fault. Even to day is my complaint bitter. Job 23. 2. The cause or subject of complaint, or murmuring. The poverty of the clergy hath been the complaint of all who wish well to the church. 3. The cause of complaint, or of pain and uneasiness in the body; a malady; a disease; usually applied to disorders not violent; as a complaint in the bowels or breast. 4. Accusation; a charge against an offender, made by a private person or informer to a justice of the peace or other proper officer, alleging that the offender has violated the law, and claiming the penalty due to the prosecutor. It differs from an information, which is the prosecution of an offender by the Attorney or Solicitor General; and from a presentment and indictment, which are the accusation of a Grand Jury. 5. Representation of injuries, in a general sense; and appropriately, in a writ of Audita Querela'.

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 note for Matthew 4:4 about the word answered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of answer'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:12 about the word answer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person'. Please also see the note for Mark 8:29 about the word answereth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of an answer'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:4 about the word answered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word answer'.

Please see the Doctrinal Study called God's Laws for the New Testament about the word law. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the set of written or commonly understood rules for unacceptable 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 law. Please also see the note for Psalms 119 about the phrase law of The Lord. 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 Romans 13:8 about the phrase law and love. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and The prophets. Please also see the note for Luke 14:3 about the word lawyer. 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 Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of The Law.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 about the word temple. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'A house of worship. Also used, symbolically, for our body'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of God. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of The Lord. Please also see the note for Mark 15:38 about the phrase Veil of the Temple.

Please see the note for Luke 2:1 about the word Caesar. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the common title of the successive Roman emperors, taken from Julis 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to displease, to make angry; to affront. It expresses rather less than make angry, and without any modifying word, it is nearly synonymous with displease'. Please also see the note for Romans C14S27 about the word offence. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A violation or breach of a law, custom, rule, etc'. Please also see the following notes about this word: 25:11.

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 phrasetells 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 life-style 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 New Testament 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 New Testament 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 phrase pleasure. The New Testament 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 note for 2Timothy 2:4 about the word please. As explained in the note for Galatians 1:10-LJC, if we seek to please men then we will not be the servant of Christ. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C10S2 about the phrase well pleased. Please also see the note for Matthew 21:15 about the word displeased.

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 note for 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie. Symbolically, it means to remain upright, in a moral sense; not to fall'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. The New Testament definition is: 'There is nothing in the prior arguments that can stand against God's truth and win an argument' Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. The word understanding describes what makes a person able to stand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for Colossians 3:25 about the word wrong. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Not physically right; not fit or suitable'.

Please see the note note for know in 1John about the word know. The New Testament 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'. The th, in the word knoweth, makes it a 'life-style knowing'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Matthew 1:25 about the word knew. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Past tense form of know. Also used for intimate knowledge as Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived'. The New Testament definition, for the word knewest is: 'A life-style past tense form of know'. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'not known'. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is asking the question: 'How could you not know something that is so obvious?'. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. True Biblical knowledge includes the most intimate and personal type of knowledge which comes from personal experience.

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 cannot 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 Matthew 5:28 about the word committed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word commit'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:8 about the word commit. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to give in trust; to put into the hands or power of another'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:32 about the word committeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word commit'.

Please see the note for Acts 5:41 about the word worthy. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Deserving; such as merits'.

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 note for Romans 8:38 about the word death. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word dead. Please see that word, and the word die, as most people believe error about it'. Please also see the 2Corinthians 11:23 about the word deaths. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plural form of the word death'. Please also see the note for Revelation 2:11 about the phrase second death. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the permanent separation of the soul and spirit from God, who is the source of all life'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:30 about the word decease. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to departure from this life applied to human beings only'. Please also see the note for Matthew 22:25 about the word deceased. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word decease'. Please also see the notes for 1John 5:16 and Romans 6:16 about the phrase sin unto death. Please also see the note for Romans C6S4 about the word dead. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the word die. Please see that word as most people believe error about it'. Please also see the note for Romans 14:8 about the word die. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'this is an ongoing process of corruption which ends with the thing which dies being separated from its source of life. Physical death is when the soul and spirit are permanently separated from thebody. Spiritualdeath is also called the second death and is when the soul and spirit are permanently separated from God in the lake of fire.'. Please see the note for Romans 5:6 about the word died. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of the past-tense form of the word die'. Please also see the note for John 8:44 about all forms of the word murder. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plan to unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind'. Please see the note for Mark 9:44 about the word dieth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb noun of the ever-lasting form of the word die'. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the heart desire to end the life of another person'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the phrase sleep is physically dead but spiritually alive. The word deadness is only found in Romans 4:19 and is used to describe Sarah's womb after she went through the change of life. Please see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:15 about the phrase death unto death. This phrase means: 'death approaching death'. That is not possible, and the word of God is wrong if death is a one-time event.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:25 about the word deliver. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make free; to release; to pass from one to another'. Please also see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word deliver'. Please see the note for Matthew 25:20 about the word deliveredst. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of the life-style form of worddeliver'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:12 about the word delivering. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word deliver'. The word the word deliverest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for Luke 4:18 about the word the word deliverance. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'release from captivity, slavery, oppression, or any restraint; rescue from danger or any evil'. Please also see the note for Acts 7:53 about the word the word deliverer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'one who delivers; one who releases or rescues'.

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 told 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 the word appeal in: our current sentence and Acts 28:19. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court'.

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 conferred. The New Testament definition, for the word confer is: 'This word is particularly used to express the grant of favors, benefits and privileges to be enjoyed, or rights which are to be permanent'. The New Testament definition, for the word conferred is: 'the past-tense form of the word confer'. Please also seeGalastians 2:6 about the word conferrence. It is 'the noun form of the word confer'.

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

We find the word appealed in: our current sentence; Acts 25:21; Acts 25:25; Acts 26:32. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of appeal'. The New Testament definition, for the word appeal 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 note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word Earth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the physical planet we reside on, also soil or ground. At times, the application of this word, will focus on only part of the whole'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'of this world'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the kings of the Earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the Earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:13 about the phrase salt of the Earth.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:21 about the words salute / salutation. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A favorable greeting. "God be gracious unto thee," "the Lord bless thee," etc'. Please note that 2Thessalonians 3:17 says: The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. Paul did NOT sign Hebrews. It is doctrinal error to claim that Paul wrote Hebrews.

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 3:13 the word declare. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to make something clearly known'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:1 the word declaration. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for Acts 15:3 the word declaring. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:47 the word declared. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word declare'. The word declareth is only found in the Old Testament.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:22 about the word cause. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '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 John 11:37 about the word caused. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word cause'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 2:14 about the word causeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word cause'. Please also see the note for Acts 26:21 about the word causes. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word cause'. 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 they oke 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 New Testament 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 New Testament 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). The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the method or way of performing or executing'. That definition is different from the word manners (plural), even though it is derived from the singular. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S30 about the word manners (plural).

Please also see the note for Romans 14:8 about the word die. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'this is an ongoing process of corruption which ends with the thing which dies being separated from its source of life. Physical death is when the soul and spirit are permanently separated from the body. Spiritual death is also called the second death and is when the soul and spirit are permanently separated from God in the lake of fire'. Please see the note for Mark 9:44 about the word dieth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb noun of the ever-lasting form of the word die'. Please see the note for Romans 5:6 about the word died. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of the past-tense form of the word die'. Please see the note for Romans C6S4 about the word dead. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the word die. Please see that word as most people believe error about it'. Please also see the note for Romans 8:38 about the word death. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word dead. Please see that word, and the word die, as most people believe error about it'. Please also see the 2Corinthians 11:23 about the word deaths. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plural form of the word death'. Please also see the note for Revelation 2:11 about the phrase second death. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the permanent separation of the soul and spirit from God, who is the source of all life'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:30 about the word decease. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to departure from this life applied to human beings only'. Please also see the note for Matthew 22:25 about the word deceased. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word decease'. Please also see the notes for 1John 5:16 and Romans 6:16 about the phrase sin unto death. Please also see the note for John 8:44 about all forms of the word murder. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plan to unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind'. Please see the note for Mark 9:44 about the word dieth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb noun of the ever-lasting form of the word die'. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the heart desire to end the life of another person'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the phrase sleep is physically dead but spiritually alive. The word deadness is only found in Romans 4:19 and is used to describe Sarah's womb after she went through the change of life. Please see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 2:15 about the phrase death unto death. This phrase means: 'death approaching death'. That is not possible, and the word of God is wrong if death is a one-time event. Please also see the note for Matthew 22:31 about various forms of the phrase from the dead and the phrase of the dead.

Please see the note for Matthew 27:12 about the word accused. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word accuse'. Please aqlso see the note in Matthew 12:10 about the word: accuse. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to charge with, or declare to have committed a crime'. Please also see the note for Revelation 12:10 about the word accuser. Please also see the note for John 5:45 about the word accuseth. Please also see the note in Matthew 27:37 about the word: accusation. Please also see the note for John 8:3 about the phrase accuse him (Jesus). the religious leaders never had a valid accusation against Jesus. Every place where we read that they made an accusation, the context makes it clear that they were lying and acting as ministers of Satan.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'In a general sense, the surface of a thing, or the side which presents itself to the view of a spectator'.

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 therevised 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."'. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Have a legal right to act'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:3 about the word concerning. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word concern'. Please also see the note for Acts 28:31 about the word concern. Webster's 1828 defines the word concern as: 'pertaining to; having a regard; having a 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'.

Please see the note for Matthew 3:10 about the word laid. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word lay'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hand. Please also see the note for Matthew 6:19 about the word lay. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'literally, to throw down'. Please also see the note for Mark 7:8 about the word laying. Please also see the note for Luke 12:21 about the word layeth. Please also see the note for Mark 5:23 about the word lieth. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay hold. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay up. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The saved are commanded to lay up treasure in Heaven before they leave this world.

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. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to this place; used with verbs signifying motion; as, to come hither; to proceed hither; to bring hither'. Please see the note for John 5:17 about the word hitherto.

Please see the note for Acts 9:38 about the word delay. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'to prolong the time of acting, or proceeding; to put off; to defer'. Please see the note for Luke 12:45-46 about the word delayeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the noun form of the life-style form of the word delay'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:12-13 about the word morrow. The New Testament 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 in Matthew 27:37 about the word: accusation. Please also see the note in Matthew 12:10 about the word: accuse. Please also see the note for Matthew 27:12 about the word accused. Please also see the note for Revelation 12:10 about the word accuser. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a person who claims that another person did wrong'. Please also see the note for John 5:45 about the word accuseth. Please also see the note for John 8:3 about the phrase accuse him (Jesus). the religious leaders never had a valid accusation against Jesus. Every place where we read that they made an accusation, the context makes it clear that they were lying and acting as ministers of Satan.

Please see the note for Luke 24:37 about the word suppose. The New Testament definition is: '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'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:27 about the word question. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the act of asking; an interrogatory; as, to examine by question and answer'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:7 about the words own. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'Belonging to; possessed; peculiar; usually expressing property with emphasis, or in express exclusion of others'. Please also see the note for Acts 27:11 about the word owner.

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 note for Titus 3:8 about the word affirm. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to assert positively; to tell with confidence; to aver; to declare the existence of something; to maintain as true; opposed to deny'. Our sentence actually use the word affirmed, which is 'the past-tense form of the word affirm'.

Please see the Doctrine of Life about the words life, live, alive and lively. The New Testament definition, for the word the word life, is: 'the cause of all movement, both physically and spiritually. Physical life ends (is mortal). Spiritual life is immortal'. The New Testament definition, for the word the word live, is: 'the verb form of life'. The New Testament definition, for the word the word alive, is: 'Having life'. The New Testament definition, for the word the word lively, is: 'Living and energetic'. In addition, the New Testament definition, for the phrase everlasting life. is: 'Spiritual life which has a beginning but no end'. Please also see the message called Labor for Everlasting Life. Please see the note for 3:25 about the word live that note has links to several other places where the doctrine of this word is discussed. Please see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16. Please also see the note for about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by life-style sins. Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of life. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about live / walk by faith. Please see the note for Romans C11S6 about The just shall live by his faith. Please see the note for Colossians C3S4 about Christ lives through us. Please use This link to see other, less important, 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. This title is eternal life.

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 New Testament definition for this word is: 'provides an effect where the cause is in the past. It is a combination of the words be and cause'. Please also see the Concordance for all Bible references to the word be. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:22 about the word cause. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Please also see the note for John 15:25 about the phrase without cause.

Please see the note for Acts 5:24 about the word doubted. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word doubt'. Please also see the note for Acts 10:20 about the word doubting. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word doubt'. Please also see the note for Romans 14:23 about the word doubteth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word doubt'. Please also see the note for Luke 12:29 about the word doubtful. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'full of doubt. Claiming that another claim has very little possibility of being true'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:1 about the word doubtless. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'free from fear of danger; secure'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:12 about the word doubt. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to question, or hold questionable what is claimed'.

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 New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Anything which can be sensed'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:27 about the word question. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the act of asking; an interrogatory; as, to examine by question and answer'.

Please see the note for Matthew 6:8 about the word ask. The New Testament 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 New Testament 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 note for Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God and obeying that message'. The New Testament definition, for the word heard is: 'the past-tense form of hear'. 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. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to listen closely'. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:17 about the phrase have not heard. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase ears to hear. Please also see the note for Romans 2:13 about the word hearer. The New Testament definition, for the word hearer is: 'One who attends to what is orally delivered by another'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Having great physical, spiritual, mental or financial power. This word is also used for "if possible"'. 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: '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 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 New Testament 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the day next after the present'.

Please see Matthew 8:5 about the word entered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word enter'. Please also seeJohn 10:9 about the word enter. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'. Please also seeMatthew 23:13 about the word entering. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word enter'. Please also seeMatthew 15:17 about the word entereth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word enter'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The New Testament 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 New Testament 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 New Testament 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. Please also see the note for Mark 8:23 about the word town.

Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge; precept'. 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. Please also see the note for Acts 23:3 about the word commandest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of a life-style form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Matthew 8:4 about the word commanded. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:7 about the word command. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to order; to direct; to charge; implying authority, and power to control, and to require obedience'. Please also see the note for Matthew 11:1 about the word Commanding. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Acts 17:30 about the word commandeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of the word command'.

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 Philippians 2:12 about the words presence.the New Testament definition is: 'the existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:13-14 about the word present. The New Testament definition is: 'Being in a certain place; opposed to absent'. The word presently meams: 'At this time'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:27-28 about the words absent / absence.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the words see / seen / sight / seeth / saw. The New Testament definition, for the word see, is: 'the verb form of a physical sense which conveys information about the physical world to the brain. This word is also used, symbolically, to convey information about the spiritual reality'. The New Testament definition, for the words seen, and saw, are: 'the past-tense form of the verb see'. Although the word saw is also used for 'an instrument for cutting'. The New Testament definition, for the word sight, is: 'the noun form of the same verb'. The New Testament definition, for the word seeth, is: 'A life-style seeing. This is often used symbolically for life-style understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Colossians C2S8 about the word shew. 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 also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. The New Testament definition is: 'the state of being many; a great number'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:3 about the word cry. The New Testament 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 Claudis. Four years afterwards, Claudis 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. Claudis 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 thereverse 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident'. The important part of this definition is the ongoing effort which is required until the desired object is found. The Bible does not use this word for 'stumbling upon something'. The word found is the past-tense form of the word find.

Please see the note for Acts 5:41 about the word worthy. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Deserving; such as merits'.

Please see the note for Acts 25:12 about the word appealed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of appeal'. The New Testament definition, for the word appeal is: 'a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court'.

Please see the note for Acts 3:13 about the word determined. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word determine'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C2S2 about the word determine. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to end a matter; to make a conclusion. Having a firm or fixed purpose'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:22-24 about the word determinate. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'what has been settled and is no longer in question'.

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 Octavis 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 2Corinthians 1:13-14 about the word write. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make a lasting message. To form by a pen on paper or other material, or by a graver on wood or stone'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:5 about the word wrote. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of write'. Please also see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The New Testament definition, for the word written, is: 'the past-tense form of write'. The phrase it is written, within the word of God, always gives us a reference to the word of God. Please also see the note for Luke 6:3 about the phrases have ye not read and it is written'. Please see the note for Mark 10:5 about the word wrote. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the words wrote and written are both past-tense forms of the word write. The word wrote is the prior action and the word written is the result of that action'. Please see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The phrase it is written, within the word of God, always gives us a reference to the word of God. Please also see the note for Luke 6:3 about the phrases have ye not read and it is written'. The main Biblical purpose of writing something is so there is an accurate record to be used when disputes arise. Religion is the main source of wars and fighting's (James 4:1-2). That is why our Bible teaches us to search the scripture when we have a dispute.

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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 New Testament 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'to 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Having great power and able to accomplish things which most people cannot 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 New Testament 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. radis, 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 Philemon 1:1 about the word prisoner. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'One who is kept in a prison'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:12 about the word prison. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the place of detainment and confiment used by a government'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:3 about the word imprisonment.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:13 about the word withal. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. Withaul. with and all. 1. With therest; together with; likewise; at the same time. If you choose that, then I am yours withal. How modest in exception, and withal how terrible in constant resolution!'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 9:7-10 about the word signify. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'to make known something, either by signs or words'. The New Testament definition, the word signifieth is: 'an everlasting sign'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word sign.

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 themeeting 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: our current sentencer; 1Corinthians 14:34; 1Corinthians 16:7; Hebrews 6:3. The New Testament definition is: 'to allow; to grant leave or liberty to by express consent or by silent consent or by not prohibiting'.

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 New Testament definition, for this word is: 'to draw out to greater length; to extend in a line'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S12 about the word hand. That note has the definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary and also uses that definition to show why we can't use definitions from men's dictionaries when looking for the Biblical meaning of words. The New Testament 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. Spiritually, It is used as the symbol of human action'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The saved are commanded to lay up treasure in Heaven before they leave this world. Please also see the Doctrinal Study on Doctrine of God about the phrase hand of God and the phrase The right hand of God Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is: 'a female slave'. Please also see the note for Colossians C2-S11 about the word touch. We, generally, use our hand when we touch. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase isdefined as: 'it will happen very soon'. Please also see the note for Mark 13:11 for the word beforehand. The New Testament definition of this phrase is: 'In a state of anticipation or preoccupation'. Please see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Touched; treated; managed'. The word handwriting is: 'writing done with a personal hand'.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:4-6 about the word think. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to have the mind occupied on some subject; to have ideas, or to revolve ideas in the mind'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word thought. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Primarily the passive participle of think'. The th, of the word thinketh, makes it: 'Life-style thinking'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 3:14 about the word happy. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'People regularly claim that happiness comes from happenings'. That is: we get good feelings from circumstances of life'.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S11 about the word touch. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to come in contact with; to hit or strike against'. The word toucheth is: 'a life-style touching'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C12S12 about the word hand because we usually use our hand to touch.

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 New Testament 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 Mark 1:27 about the word question. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the act of asking; an interrogatory; as, to examine by question and answer'.

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 the ss.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. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Being in the first part of life; aged beyond a babe but not yet an adult'. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:8 about the word young. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Being in the first part of life; aged beyond a babe but not yet an adult'. Please also see the note for Romans 9:10-12 about the word younger. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Not so old as another'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:5 about the word nation. The New Testament definition is: 'A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same sovereign or government'.

Please see the notenote for know in 1John about the word know. The New Testament 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'. The th, in the word knoweth, makes it a 'life-style knowing'. Please see the note for Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Matthew 1:25 about the word knew. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Past tense form of know. Also used for intimate knowledge as Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived'. The New Testament definition, for the word knewest is: 'A life-style past tense form of know'. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'not known'. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is asking the question: 'How could you not know something that is so obvious?'. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. True Biblical knowledge includes the most intimate and personal type of knowledge which comes from personal experience.

Please see the note for John 1:1 about the word beginning. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word begin'. Please also see the note for Matthew 24:49 about the word begin. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to have an original or first existence'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:17 about the word began. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word begin'. Please also see the note for Mark 1:1 about the word beginnings. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word beginning'. The word beginnest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the Significant Gospel Events Study for the Minor Titles of the Son of God.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:3 about the word testify. The New Testament 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 1Corinthians C11S29 about the word testament. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Part of a legal document that has is called a last will and testament'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 9:15 about the phrase testament, new / new covenant. Please also see the note for Psalms 119 about the words testimony / testimonies. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:21 about the phrase testimonies of the LORD. Please also see the Study called The Testimony of God. The doctrines of many so-called Christian religions are based upon rejecting what God actually wrote in His word about this word.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:23-24 about the word strait. The New Testament 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. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '"A chosen manner of life," or a "a religious party,". It also came to be used in a bad sense, of those holding pernicious error, divergent forms of belief'.

Please see the note for James 1:26 about the words religious / religion. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in therevelation 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 see the note for John 3:1 about the word Pharisee. The New Testament definition, for his name, is: 'A sect of Jews at the time of Jesus. they kept the most strident religious laws but were condemned by Jesus for ignoring the moral law and their personal relationship with God'.

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 note for 1Corinthians C13S10 about the word hope. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'An action word based upon the person. It is similar to faith in that it requires action but where true faith is based upon a promise in The word of God, hope is based upon the character of God'. Please also see the note for Romans C4S18 which discusses how Abraham acted in hope with the Biblical links. The Bible teaches that our acting on hope brings a greater reward than our acting on faith. Many believe the doctrinal error that we are saved by faith. However, according to the word of God, we are only saved by grace or hope. The word of God says that we are saved through faith.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S15 about the word promise. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'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'. Please see the Doctrinal Study called Significant Gospel Events and the Doctrinal Study called Significant Events in the New Testament for links to promises made in the New Testament. All of these promises gave requirements which we must fulfill in order to receive the specific promise.

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

Please see the note for Luke 2:42 about the word twelve. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the sum of two and ten; twice six; a dozen'. That note also provides NUMBERS AS SYMBOLS according to the Morrish Bible Dictionary. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase twelve disciples / apostles. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the chosen disciples of which eleven became apostles and Judas Iscariot was condemned to hell. they are named in Mark 3:14-19'.

Please see the note for Matthew 24:29 about the word tribe. The New Testament 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 instant. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'quick, without any delay'.

Please see the note for Acts 20:19 for links to every place in the Bible where we find the word serving The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word serve'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:10 about the word serve. The New Testament 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 Luke 2:37 about the word served. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word serve'. Please also see the note for Romans 14:18 for links to every place in the Bible where we find the word serveth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word serve'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C7S27 about the word servant. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another. God uses devils but does not call them His servants. All true servants of God are saved'. The word servants is: 'the plural form of the word servant'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:29 about the word fellowservant. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'a servant with the same master as another servant. Used only for people in the ministry'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'in a general sense, labor of body or of body and mind, performed at the command of a superior, or the pursuance of duty, or for the benefit of another'. Please also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'. Please also see the note for John 15:20 about the phrase servant and lord / master.

Please see the note for John 11:10 about night. The New Testament definition is: 'the time of darkness within a day'. That note also lists various symbolic usages of this word. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. This was naturally the closing of the day, for God called the light 'day'. Please also see the note for John 20:19 about the word evening. Please also seeMark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Please also seeMark 11:11 about the word eventide. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Please see the note for John 20:19 about the phrase evening. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the period from sunset till night'. Please see the note for Mark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Today, the phrase The even, would be called 'sunset' and would be considered to be a particular part of evening. Please also see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Please also see the note for John 21:4 about the word morning.

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 note for 1Corinthians C9S16 about the word sake. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Final cause; the purpose of obtaining'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the word forsake. The New Testament definition, for the word forsake, is: forsaken as: 'To desert or abandone'. The words forsook and forsaken are the past-tense form of the word forsake. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:29-30 about the phrase for His sake.

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 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word thought. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Primarily the passive participle of think'. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:4-6 about the word think. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to have the mind occupied on some subject; to have ideas, or to revolve ideas in the mind'. The th, of the word thinketh, makes it: 'Life-style thinking'.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S7 about the word rise. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to move to pass upward in any manner; to ascend'. The word risest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for John 13:4 about the word riseth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word rise'. Please also see the note for Mark 1:35 about the word rising. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word rise'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C15S32 about the word raise. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to lift. In the word of God, it is most often used for resurrection'. Please also see the note for Matthew 11:11 about the word risen. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'In the New Testament this word is only used for someone who has risen from the dead and has had physical life restored'. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S32 about the word resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the 'resurrection of Christ' and about the 'resurrection of Jesus'. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:14 about the word arose. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word arise'. Please also see the note for Mark 2:9 about the word arise. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to ascend, mount up or move to a higher place'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:4 about the word ariseth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word arise'. The word arising is only found in the Old Testament.

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 many things 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 Matthew 16:28 about the word verily. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In truth; in fact; certainly. This has been verified but you personally need to also verify it because you will be judged by God for your belief of what is verified'. The phrase of: Verily, verily is only found in the Gospel of John. (See the note for John 1:51. When we see the word verily used twice in a row the sentence is fulfilling the legal requirement which is necessary to present something which everyone must believe. Thus, every place, where we see the phrase verily, verily, is a precept and is something which God will use as His law when He judges us.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:17 about the word contrary. The New Testament 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 New Testament 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 note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The New Testament definition is: 'How a person is identified including their power and authority'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase The name. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname. The New Testament definition is: 'In scripture this means an additional or added name, not a family name, as the word now implies'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the phrase name of Christ. Please also see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Lord Jesus Christ Overview for the doctrine of the names/roles of the Son of God.

Please see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about Nazareth. The New Testament definition is: 'A city in Galilee that was the home of Joseph, Mary, Jesus and the brethren of Jesus'.

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 else where 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler'.

Please see the note for Matthew 27:51-53 about the word saint. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A fully spiritually mature saved person'. Such people should be actively involved in the ministry of the church. Please also see the message called Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible in order to understand how the word of God uses different words for different levewls of spiritual maturity within saved people. Please also see the messages called: Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible and Called to be Saints for more details.

Please see the note for Matthew 25:10 about the word shut. The New Testament definition, for the word shut is: 'to close so as to hinder ingress or egress'. The New Testament definition, for the word shutteth is: 'A life-style closing'.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:12 about the word prison. The New Testament 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 Romans C14S1 about the word receive. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to take. In order to truly receive a person, we must receive their character as our own. In order to truly receive Jesus, we must take His character as our own. Couples who have truly received each other become like each other'. In addition, please also 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. The word receiveth is: 'A life-style receiving. That is, something which is received and never lost'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:8-9 about the word authority. The New Testament 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 New Testament 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' along with the word given. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about this words and the many forms of the word give.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. The New Testament 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. Significant 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to cause pain, loss or calamity for a crime or fault'. ; Please also see the note for Matthew 25:46 about the word punishment. The New Testament 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 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 New Testament definition, for this word is: 'A place used to worship. In the history of Jews, they appear to have arisen during the exile, in the abeyance of the temple-worship'.

Please see the note for Galatians 2:3 about the word compelled. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form life-style form of the word compel'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:41 about the word compel. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to drive or urge with force, either by physical or moral force'.

Please see the notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy. The New Testament 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. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This word is used to denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various causes'.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S11 about the word persecute. The New Testament definition is: 'to infliction of pain, punishment or death upon others unjustly, particularly for adhering to a religious creed or mode of worship, either by way of penalty or for compelling them to renounce their principles'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:9-10 about the word stranger. The New Testament definition, for the word strangers, is: 'Aliens, people who have a different citizenship, from us, in this physical world'. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:4 about the word strange. The New Testament definition, for the word strange, is: 'New; not before known, heard or seen'.

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 New Testament 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler'.

We find the word midday only in: 1Kings 18:29; Nehemiah 8:3 and our current sentence. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'noon'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the words see / seen / sight / seeth / saw. The New Testament definition, for the word see, is: 'the verb form of a physical sense which conveys information about the physical world to the brain. This word is also used, symbolically, to convey information about the spiritual reality'. The New Testament definition, for the words seen, and saw, are: 'the past-tense form of the verb see'. Although the word saw is also used for 'an instrument for cutting'. The New Testament definition, for the word sight, is: 'the noun form of the same verb'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Colossians C2S8 about the word shew. 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 also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'.

Please see the Doctrinal Study called Light And Darkness about the words Light, dark, lightning, darkness, and the phrase light and darkness. The New Testament definition, for the word Light, is: 'According to the science of physics, this physical reality is composed of matter and energy with most things being either matter or energy. Light is unique in that it is both matter and energy. Symbolically, that means that light represents this physical reality (matter), and the spiritual reality (energy). Both are affected by God's light'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:4 about the word enlightened. Please see the note for Psalms 119:16 about the word delight. True delight is one of the effects of God's light. Please also see the note for John 11:9-LJC about the phrase Jesus is our light.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. The New Testament definition is: '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" is the home of God (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24)'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase things in Heaven. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of heaven. Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from Heaven. Please also see the note for Revelation 21:4 about 'no tears in heaven is a lie'. Please also see the Message called Laying up Treasure in Heaven. Please also see the message called Laying up Treasure in 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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the major source of light on this physical Earth. Also used, symbolically, for the Son of God'.

Please see the note for Matthew 3:5 about the word round. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'cylindrical; circular; spherical or globular'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:16 about the word shine. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'to emit rays of light; to give light; to beam with steady radiance; to exhibit lightness or splendor'.

Please see the note for Titus 2:13 about the word journey. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '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)'.

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 readertruly 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 New Testament 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: 'to drop from a higher place. Rain falls from the clouds; a man falls from his horse. Apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven. Luke 10'. The word fell. is the past-tense form of the word fall.

Please see the note for John 5:2 about the word Hebrew. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Physical descendants of Abraham'. This also identifies the tongue of these people.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S8 about the word tongue. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'A human language. These people who claim to speak in an angel tongue are lying in order to get fools to be filled with pride and claim that they have some special revelation which is actually a perversion of the word of God'. The claim that someone is 'speaking in an angel tongue is a pure lie and doctrines of devils'. 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 New Testament definition for word hard 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'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word harden. The New Testament definition for word harden is: 'to make hard or more hard; to make firm or compact; to indurate'.

Please see the note for Acts 2:37 about the word prick. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Pierced with a sharp point; spurred; goaded; stung with pain'.

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 Matthew 4:5 about the word foot. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the end of the leg which people walk on. This word is often used symbolically for how the foot is used'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase trodden under foot. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:13 about the word footstool. Please also see the note for Luke 1:76 about the word feet. The word feet is: 'the end of the leg which people walk on. This word is often used symbolically for how the foot is used'.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:20 about the word appeared. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word appear'. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:13 about the word appeareth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word appear'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:14 about the word appearing. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word appear'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word appear. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to come or be in sight; to be in view; to be visible'. Please also see the Appearances of Jesus Christ After the resurrection.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:8 about the word purpose. The New Testament 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 note for 1Corinthians C3S5 about the word minister. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the persons and attitudes and actions of a servant'. Please also see the note for Ephesians C4S7 about the word ministry. Please also see the note for Proverbs Study for 'How to Build a Ministry'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C12S5 about the word administration. Please also see the note for Luke 1:23 about the word ministration.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:4 about the word witness. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Someone who is qualified to testify in court and is available to do so if the court requests. With the exception of an 'expert witness', the person must have first- person knowledge about what they testify'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 13:1 about the phrase two or three witnesses. This is a Biblical requirement for something to be a doctrine that all saved must believe. Please also see the note for John 5:1 about the phrase witnesses given by Jesus to show that He is God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:2 about the word eyewitness. Please also see the note for Matthew 15:19 about the phrase false witnesses. Please also see the note for Acts 7:44 about the phrase tabernacle of witness.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the words see / seen / sight / seeth / saw. The New Testament definition, for the word see, is: 'the verb form of a physical sense which conveys information about the physical world to the brain. This word is also used, symbolically, to convey information about the spiritual reality'. The New Testament definition, for the words seen, and saw, are: 'the past-tense form of the verb see'. Although the word saw is also used for 'an instrument for cutting'. The New Testament definition, for the word sight, is: 'the noun form of the same verb'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Colossians C2S8 about the word shew. 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 also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'.

Please see the note for Luke 21:12 about the word delivering. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word deliver'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:25 about the word deliver. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make free; to release; to pass from one to another'. Please also see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word deliver'. Please see the note for Matthew 25:20 about the word deliveredst. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of the life-style form of worddeliver'. Please also see the note for Luke 4:18 about the word the word deliverance. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'release from captivity, slavery, oppression, or any restraint; rescue from danger or any evil'. Please also see the note for Acts 7:53 about the word the word deliverer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'one who delivers; one who releases or rescues'. The word the word deliverest is only found in the Old Testament.

Please see the note for Revelation 5:9 about the word people. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the body of persons who compose a community, town, city or nation'. Please also see the note for Concordance about the word man. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S2 about the word woman. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S1 about the word child. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for Romans C10S13 about the phrase no difference in people. Please also see the note for Romans 2:11 about the phrase no respect of persons with God. Please also see the note for Romans C10S13 about no difference in people.

Please see the note for Romans C15S13 about the word Gentile. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'In the scriptures, a non-Jew'. Please see the note for Luke 2:32 for links to where The word of God prophesies that God would bring the Gospel to the Gentiles Please also see the Word Study on Gospel about the gospel to the Gentiles.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The New Testament definition, for the word open, is: 'Not shut. Unsealed; as an open letter'. The New Testament definition, for the word openly, is: 'Publicly; not in private; without secrecy; as, to avow our sins and follies openly'.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:29 about the word eyes. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C12S13 about the word eye. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the organ of sight or vision; properly, the globe or ball movable in the orbit'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word eye'. Please also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'. The New Testament for this phrase is: 'the ability to gather knowledge from sight. This phrase is used, in the Bible, for the spiritual application'. Please also see the note for Revelation 3:18 about the word eyesalve. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'a Phrygian powder mentioned by Galen, for which the medical school of Laodicea seems to have been famous. Used figuratively for the restoring of spiritual vision'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:2 about the word eyewitness. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'a person who personally saw an event which is reported. This type of person is required for certain legal judgments'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the words see / seen / sight / seeth / saw. The New Testament definition, for the word see, is: 'the verb form of a physical sense which conveys information about the physical world to the brain. This word is also used, symbolically, to convey information about the spiritual reality'.

Please see the Doctrinal Study called Light And Darkness about the words Light, dark, lightning, darkness, and the phrase light and darkness. The New Testament definition, of the word darkness, is: 'Absence of light. Used symbolically for lacking influence of God'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something. 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. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is: 'This is displayed when what is physically impossible is still done in this physical reality and causes men to praise the God of the universe. Devils can also do miracles, if God allows them to do so. However, the displays from devils do not cause men to praise the God of the universe'. Please also see the note for Romans 8:28-39 for links to where the Bible uses the word power to refer to spiritual powers.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about the word Satan. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Our primary spiritual enemy and the head of all devils. He started out as a high angel (possibly the highest) but was kicked out of heaven, by God, when he had pride in his heart'. there are other names associated with Him in the word of God. Please see the Section called Jesus and Devils in the Significant Gospel Events Study. Please also see the Word Study on Spirit for links to every place in the Bible where we find 'other Spirits', which are devils. Please note that there are no daemons' within the Bible. That word is doctrinal error deliberately taught by devil-motivated men to cause God's children to ignore or think less about the true danger that true devils are.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:7 about the word forgive. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'to pardon; to remit, as an offense or debt; to overlook an offense, and treat the offender as not guilty. there is doctrinal error taught about this word. We are to forgive trespasses and not required to forgive felonies. In addition, God does not forgive the person who refuses to truly repent nor does He require us to forgive such a person'. The word forgiven is: 'the past-tense form of the word forgive'.

Please see the note for Romans C7S26 about the word sin. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'A violation of Gods law'. Please especially see the note Sin in 1John, which explains a lot of the true Biblical doctrine of this word. Please also see the notes for 1John 5:16 and Romans 6:16 about the phrase sin unto death. We also see this doctrine dealt with in: Acts 5; Romans 5; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC; Galatians C3-S26 and James 1:15. Please note the distinction from iniquity, which has a New Testament definition of: 'A life-style sin'. (Please also see the note for James 3:6 about the word iniquity.) Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by life-style sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinner. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'All people until they are forgiven by our Lord Jesus Christ'.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S20 about the word inheritance. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'what the heirs receive'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 4:16 about the word heir. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'the person who succeeds, or is to succeed another in the possession of anything of value. Spiritually, the saved who receive rewards from God, in Heaven, are also called heirs'. Please also see the note for Luke 10:25 about the word inherit. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to take by descent from an ancestor; to take by succession, as therepresentative of the former possessor'. Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. the relatedtitle is heir. In Luke 10:25-37; Mark 10:17-25; and Luke 18:18-27 Jesus explained about inheriting eternal life.

Please see the note for Jude 1:1 about the word sanctified. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Saved and set aside for Gods use'. Please also see the note for note for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase salvation through sanctification about the phrase salvation through sanctification. The word sanctifieth means: 'Ongoing, continous sanctification'.

Please see the Word Study on Faith about the word faith. The New Testament 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 note for the Word Study on Faith about the word faithful. The New Testament 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. In heritance. 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 Luke 1:17 about the word disobedient. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'neglecting or refusing to obey; omitting to do what is commanded, or doing what is prohibited'. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the phrase disobedient to parents. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This is a sin which can result in an early death'. Please also see the note for Romans 5:19 about the word disobedience. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the word disobedient'. The word disobeyed is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:6 about the phrase children of disobedience. Many people believe the devil's lie that God's children of disobedience are lost people and not saved. Please see the note for Acts 6:7 about the word obedient. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the word obey. Submissive to authority'. Please also see the note for Romans 1:5 about the word obedience. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed and the abstaining from what is prohibited'. Please also see the note for Romans 6:16 about the word obey. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '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'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word obeyed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word obey'. Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obey unrighteousness.

Please see the note for Luke 1:22 about the word vision. The New Testament definition is: 'the sense of the eye but often used in the Bible for a spiritual meaning'.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S8 about the word shew. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'This word is usually taught to be: the Biblical spelling for the word 'show'. However, the true meaning is far more important. Every place where this word is used, there is a spiritual message, within the context of the word, and what is shewn is a physical sign of the spiritual message'. The New Testament definition, for the word sheweth is: 'A permanent spiritual change which has signs in this world . An example is true Biblical salvation'. The New Testament definition, for the word shewed is: 'the past-tense form of the word shew'. Please also see the note for Matthew 12:4 about the word shewbread.

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 John 7:3 about the words Jewry / Judaea / Judea / Judah. The New Testament definition is: 'the area of land generally associated with the Southe rn Kingdom and religious control by Jewish rulers but which varies in size from one reference to another'. Please also see the note for Revelation 2:9 about the word Jew.

Please see the note for Romans C11S32 about the word repentance. The New Testament 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 1Corinthians 3:14 about the word work. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to move, or to labor. Our everlasting rewards are according to the works which we do for God's kingdom while in this physical life'. The word worketh is: 'A luife-style work'. Please also see the note for Romans 8:1-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Matthew 16:27 about the phrase according to his works. Please also see the note for Romans 3:27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word workman. The New Testament definition, of this word is: 'Any man employed in labor, whether in tillage or manufactures'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:1 about the word workers. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please see the note for James 2:14 for links to every verse in the New Testament where the words faith and works contained within the same verse.

Please see the note for Romans 1:27 about the word meet. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'Men define meet as 'come together' but the Biblical meaning of the word is 'come together and match in every area'. We also find forms of this word, within this book, in: Acts 28:15.

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.

We find the word causes in: Exodus 18:19; Exodus 18:26; Deuteronomy 1:16; Jeremiah 3:8; Lamentations 2:14; Lamentations 3:58 and our current sentence The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural formn of the word cause'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 about the word caused. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word cause'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:22 about the word cause. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '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 2Corinthians 2:14 about the word causeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word cause'. Please also see the note for Acts 26:21 about the word causes. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word cause'. 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 Matthew 14:31 about the word caught. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word catch'. Please also see the note for Luke 5:10 about the word catch. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to seize or lay hold on with the hand; carrying the sense of pursuit, thrusting forward the hand, or rushing on'. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:19 about the word catcheth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word catch'.

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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'pp. Gained; procured; acquired'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S24 about the word help. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to aid; to assist, especially in spiritual matters'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 1:11 about the word helping. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word help'. Please see the note for Acts 18:27 about the word helped. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word help'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 16:16 about the word helpeth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word help'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:54-55 about the word holpen. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'an antique form of the word helped'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 8:23 about the word fellowhelper.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:32 about the word continue. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to remain in a state, or place; to abide for any time indefinitely'. Please also see the note for Luke 6:12 about the word continued. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word continue'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:46 about the word continuing. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word continue'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:3 about the word continueth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word continue'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:53 about the word continually. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the never ending form of the word continue'.

Please see the note for Romans C16S33 about the word prophet. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'One who prophesies'. Please note that the word of God does name true prophetesses in spite of what religion claims. In addition, anyone who claims to tell exactly how an unfulfilled prophecy will be fulfilled, or when, is proven to be a liar because God always hides critical details, and when, until after he fulfills a prophecy. further, please note that 1Corinthians 14:3 tells us: But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. This is what the word of God tells us is the true purpose of a true prophet of God. It is not 'foretelling the future'. Please also see the Study of Jude about false prophets. Please also see the note for Romans C12S5 about the words prophecy / prophesy. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and the prophets. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections of the Significant Gospel Events Study and the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections of the Significant New Testament Events Study for references to true Biblical prophecies.

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:1 about Moses. The New Testament 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 note for Romans C8S17 about the word suffer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked'. The th, int the word suffeteth, makes it a 'life-style suffering'. Please see the note for Romans 9:22 about the word longsuffering. Galatians 5:22 tells us that this is a fruit of the Spirit. Romans 2:4 tells us that it is a trait of God and associates it with forbearance. Please also see the notes in the Sections called Harmony, Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled, in the Study called Significant Gospel Events and for Mark 8:31-LJC about the phrase suffering of Jesus Christ. We are told to suffer with him (Christ). Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:12-13 which is a detailed sentence that explains how our suffering in this life is to be expected and is actually the basis of everlasting rewards.

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 New Testament definition, for this word, is:'be and side, by the side'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 14:24-25 about the words learn and unlearn. The New Testament definition, for the word learn, is: 'to gain knowledge of; to acquire knowledge or ideas of something before unknown'. The New Testament definition, for the word unlearn, is: 'Not learned; ignorant; not gained by study'. The Jews used the phrase having never learned to mean 'having never received a formal education'.

Please see the note for John 10:20 about the word mad. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This word is used to denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various causes'.

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 John 10:20 about the word mad. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This word is used to denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various causes'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:26 about the word noble. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Being above everything that can dishonor reputation'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2:4 about the word word. The New Testament definition, of this word is: 'the expression of a thought'. The Bible makes a major distinction between the words of men and the word of God. Please see the note for Romans C10S22 about the phrase word of God. The word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. In addition, the capitalized Word is a title for our Lord Jesus Christ. When Word is capitalized, it is The word of God and another formal name for the Son of God just like Jesus, Christ and other names. Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. Please 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 but are part of the word of God Every part of the word of the Lord is part of God's law. The Bible also tells us: man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live (Deuteronomy 8:3; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 4:4; Matthew 18:16; Luke 4:4). Further, the note for Colossians 3:16 explains the difference between word of the LORD and word of Christ.

Please see the note for Romans C12S3 about forms of the word sober. The New Testament definition, for the word sober, is: 'Having control of your emotion'. The New Testament definition, for the word soberly, is: 'Doing things with your emotion being under control'. The New Testament definition, for the word soberness, is: 'A condition of having control of your emotion'.

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 New Testament 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. The New Testament definition is: 'Influenced or drawn to an opinion or determination by argument, advice or reasons suggested; convinced; induced'. Many people mistake the definition of this word for the definition of the word prove. But they are two different words, two different procedures and prouce two different results.

Please see the note for Revelation 2:17 about the words hide / hidden. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the word hidden is a past- tense form of the word hide, which is: to conceal; to withhold or withdraw from sight'.

Please see the note for Mark 12:10-11 about the word corner. The New Testament 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 note for Romans C10S15 about the word believe. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'What you are convinced is true and that belief causes action. 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'. Please also see the note for John 3:16 about the word believeth. The word believeth is a 'lifestyle belief'. Please see the note for John 6:40 about the phrase believe on. Please also see the note for John 12:42 which also has links to every place, in this Gospel, where we find the phrase believe in and the difference in definitions between believe in and believe on. Please also see the note for Romans 3:26-LJC about the phrase believe in Jesus / Christ. Please also see the note for John 12:40 about the phrases believe on / believe in. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase belief, non-saving. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 2:13 about the word belief. 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 note for Romans C4S21 about the phrase belief (true) requires us to do. Please see the note for Romans C3S5 about the word unbelief. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'A failure to believe. What is called a head belief (a thought only in the head), is truly unbelief because it does not motivate the person to act upon truer belief'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 6:6 about the word unbeliever. Please also see the note for 2Corinthian 6:15 about the word infidel.

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 life-style 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 altogethersuch as I am,
except these bonds.

Notice that Paul does not just wish that they were saved by that they were altogethersuch 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 New Testament 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.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:22 about the word spoken. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:18 about the word spake. Please also see the note for Matthew 1:22 about the word spoken. The New Testament definition, for both words, is: 'the past-tense form of the word speak, although the gramaritical rules differ for each word'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speak. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts by words'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:15 about the word unspeakable. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'That which cannot be spoken'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 and the Concordance for all references to the word saith. Please see the note for Ephesians C4S15 about the phrase evil speaking. Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. 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). The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for Mark 10:50 about the word rose. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'As a verb, it is the past-tense of the word rise. As a noun, it is a class of flower'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:45 about the word rise. The word risest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for John 13:4 about the word riseth. Please also see the note for Mark 1:35 about the word rising. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to move to pass upward in any manner'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C15S32 about the word raise. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to lift from a low or reclining posture. In the word of God, it is most often used for resurrection'. The difference between the words rise and rise is that rise is done by self while raise is done by an external force. Please also see the note for Mark 2:9 about the word arise. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:14 about the word arose. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:21 about the word ariseth. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S32 about the word resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the 'resurrection of Christ' and about the 'resurrection of Jesus'.

Please see the note for Luke 2:2 about the word governor. Please see the note for Luke 2:2 about the word governor. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:'A ruler in his capacity of lawgiver and dispenser of justice. A ruler consider especially as having power over the property and persons of his subjects'.

Please see the note for Luke 9:10 about the word aside. The New Testament 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 New Testament definition, for this word is: 'to converse familiarly; to speak, as in familiar discourse, when two or more persons interchange thoughts'. Please also see the Concordancefor the related words of said and say. Please also see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The New Testament definition is: 'This phrase expressesa personal opinion, which usually follows the phrase'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the note for 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 note for Ephesians C4S15 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'. We find the word saith in: our current sentence and 6:17-18. Please also see the note for Revelation 1:8 and the Concordance for all references to the word saith.

Please see the note for Acts 5:41 about the word worthy. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Deserving; such as merits'.

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 New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Freedom from bondage and other things which restrict and bind. Biblical use includes spiritual freedom'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:12-14 about the word liberal.

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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Book theme is: How God Started the Church.

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:

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com. Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121. Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV. All rights reserved. Revised: 02/16/26.