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But he who trusts in Me shall possess the land and inherit My Holy Mountain" (Isaiah 57:13). |
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| Archived Manna: | |
Dear
Friend,
If you do not already have a habit of gathering daily manna the first thing in the morning (we can look at the example given to us in Exodus 16 and find the pattern for make it a habit. Establish your life and your schedule to allow you the necessary time to do your daily collection first thing every morning to give you the strength to make it through the day. And remember that today’s manna will not be sufficient for tomorrow; tomorrow’s manna must be collected tomorrow morning. Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Today's Passage : Today's Passage :Paul Demands an Appeal to Caesar Bible Verse:Acts 25:8-12 (ESV) "Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.” " Message:
The short description of Paul’s defense tells us, by implication, the general charges that had been brought against him. We also know from his first trial that the prosecutors have no evidence to support any of the claims. Clearly he has not committed any offense against Caesar — Festus would have found him guilty of any proven offense against Roman law, and the Jews’ complaints would have become a moot point.
Paul in Prison - Rembrandt
Paul in Prison
The Jews convince the inexperienced Festus that he should move trial to Jerusalem, a more appropriate venue for the charges of offences against Jewish law and the temple. But, as we know (and as Felix had realized), the Jews have no intention of allowing Paul another trial; they intend to murder him. They do not want to risk another outbreak of support for him from the Pharisees; and Festus, who is more honest than his predecessor, might easily release Paul once he saw the absence of evidence.
The trial against Paul has become a circus. Two years ago, he was tried before the Sanhedrin, which broke out into a riot between the Pharisees (who would have found him innocent) and the Sadducees. So the trial was moved to Caesarea, the Roman capital. It was heard by Felix, the governor.
But Felix, who was corrupt, did not reach a decision for two years, because Paul would not supply a bribe. Now Festus, Felix’s replacement, repeats the same charade in reverse.
But Paul is not about to be transported back to Jerusalem; he knows the Jews intend to assassinate him. So he throws a monkey wrench into the works. As a Roman citizen living in a colony, Paul has a right to demand appeal to the Emperor of Rome. He cannot be tried by a local court, such as the Sanhedrin, against his will. And Festus has no choice but to grant the appeal.
Meditation : Prayer : Walk with me, dear Lord, so that I may not be alone as I face this day, but always in your presence. Your joy is a lighthouse in a world often dark with sin, and I pray that I may reflect the light of your truth, to inspire others as I have been inspired. In the name of Christ, bless me this day, and all whom I may meet...........Amen |
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