Reading
SAA Notes
Paul remained in prison rather than pay a bribe. Many missionary organisations today maintain a similar policy with kidnapping or unlawful arrest. Paul no doubt often wondered if the Lord knew what he was doing as the years went by – and He did! Paul got to Rome!
SJA Notes
* Loving God, thank You for teaching us from Your word today. Please write Your word on our hearts.
“But this I confess to you, …”
Paul does not play games here. He does not try and slip quietly through the conversation with the governor.
Yes. He points out the foolishness of the arguments against him.
However, while not all of us are quick on our feet in arguments, Paul is an example for all of us believers.
“But this I confess to you, …”
Paul is clever, no doubt.
But the root of his return argument is a confession of his belief in God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The God of Israel. The God whose word is written down in the Law and the Prophets.
Paul hoped in God. Paul trusted His word that there will be a resurrection of the dead.
These are not small things.
We may not be able to recall all of this in a conversation, to bring it to mind when in a debate.
But we can confess our Lord Jesus, our God.
We can own Him before man, bearing His Name well, even if we are laughed at or mocked or worse.
Let us confess Jesus today, in thought, word and deed.
* God Above,
Thank You for saving us from our sin.
Thank You for rescuing us from darkness, bringing us into light.
Thank You Lord!
Amen.