Summary of Bible references on the Rapture

[ZNP]

Do not be deceived

Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: 2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. 4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. 6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. 7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

(Philip was one of the seven meaning he was with Stephen when seven men were chosen to wait tables)

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. 10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

This account makes it absolutely crystal clear that Paul knew what was going to happen when he went to Jerusalem but at the same time his face was set as a flint to go there. This reminds me of the gospel account of Jesus as people realized He had set his face as a flint to go to Jerusalem. It also reminds me of Thomas saying 'let us go with him that we may die there as well'.

15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. 16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. 17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. 19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

This chapter presents a tremendous contrast. We have heard of the things that took place with Paul, and with Peter up until this point. Never once did we hear anyone say that the Jews ought not to circumcise their children, nor did we ever hear anyone tell the Jews they are not to walk after their customs. Nor did we ever hear that the purpose of the gospel is that we should be zealous for the law. What James is saying here is "a different gospel". Now it is true that both Peter and Paul were telling gentiles that they did not need to be circumcised to receive the Lord or to be baptized into the triune God and receive the Holy Spirit. It is true that Peter and Paul were both saying there is no difference between Jew and Greek for the Lord is the same Lord over all of them. Peter did not tell Jews that they should stop eating kosher food, only that their eating tradition should not be used as a way to separate themselves from the Gentile believers or to cut off fellowship with them.

I get that "thousands of Jews who are zealous for the law" sounds good, but it is not the same as "thousands of Jews who are zealous for the Lord Jesus". After the spies came back and gave an evil report and the Israelites cried out about how they had been brought here to die God was angry and condemned them to all die in the wilderness. Then in rebellion they thought that they would "repent" by going ahead on their own to enter the land. This is what we are seeing here with the thousands who are zealous for the law. We are getting very close to 70AD, they can see the writing is on the wall, and they are going to rebel against the Romans and get killed.

Sadly we see the same thing today. Christians think it is a good testimony when 100,000 go to the Memorial of Charlie Kirk. It seemed at first to be a Christian memorial, but then it quickly turned into a political campaign with one politician after another getting up and talking about how important their "faith" is to them. It may be that one or two actually preached Jesus Christ as Lord, but for many who spoke it was clear that their "faith" was not the same as faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

Do not be deceived, you can miss the mark by pursuing fleshly things, by getting involved in sin, and debauchery and sorcery. But you can also miss the mark by things that seem to be good. The crystal clear goal that Paul presents in Galatians is that we get a revelation of Jesus Christ in us. Christ in you, the hope of glory is the goal of the gospel. Being delivered from drugs or being zealous for the law is not the goal. I am happy to hear that someone has been delivered from an addiction or healed from a sickness. But what I really want to hear as a testimony is that they have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer they that live but Christ that lives in them.

 

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James introduces the "Separate but Equal" doctrine

Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

This advice is terrible. Here is why. This keeping a vow according the Jewish law involved the sacrifice of a Bull. James was telling Paul to take part in this and pay for that bull that will be sacrificed. This is an insult to Jesus Christ who was sacrificed for us. This is why I think that it was Paul and James who worked together to write the book of Hebrews. They were both involved in this insult to the Lord and book of Hebrews was their explaining how they had come to understand this and to repent of this error. The sin offerings, the trespass offerings and the peace offerings of the Old Testament were all a picture, a shadow of Jesus Christ who is our offering. It is only by His blood that we can enter the Holy of Holies, not by the blood of animals.

25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

This is the equivalent of the "separate but equal" doctrine we used for schools in the US after slavery. You can't encourage Jews to keep all of their traditional teachings from Moses and yet be one with Gentiles. It is a violation of the Kosher laws to eat in a home where the kitchen is not kosher. If you accept the "separate but equal" doctrine then you have a split, Gentiles cannot invite Jews to their homes for fellowship. James is trying to have it both ways, yes we agreed to Gentiles being saved, but not to them actually having fellowship with the Jews.

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

This is a subject I have looked at for forty years. I have heard every attempt to justify what James did, I have heard people argue that just because he was reputed to be the leader of the judaizers doesn't mean he was. None of that washes. I do not believe that this should cause anyone to have an issue with the book of James. Peter's failing in denying the Lord led to his ministry, Paul's failure in consenting to the death of Stephen led to his ministry and James being the leader of the Judaizers was his failure which led to his ministry. To me the main issue is they repented. I believe that the book of James is the authoritative book on how to help someone who is in a cult to be delivered from that. I also believe he worked with Paul on the book of Hebrews as a way to set the record straight as to what their error is and why all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, do not sacrifice bulls and goats anymore.

27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.). 30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. 31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. 34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. 37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? 39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. 40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

I believe this was sovereign of the Lord. I believe it was sovereign of the Lord to prevent Paul from paying for that bull to be killed. I believe it was also sovereign that Paul was rescued and then given a chance to speak. I also believe it was sovereign that he was arrested and spent a great deal of time after this as a prisoner. Being locked up in a cell as a prisoner gave him a chance to study the word of God without any noise or distraction. The prison ministry of Paul is where we get the highest revelation concerning the New Testament. This revelation includes the fact that there is no Jew or Greek but Christ is all in all.

 

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False Prophets and the Antichrist

13 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Predicting the future is what people in the occult and in the world and in the Antichrist kingdom desire the most. Think of the Back to the Future movies. If Biff could get hold of a time machine he would use it to get rich at the expense of everyone else. That is an evil spirit. Prognosticators, simply another word for the world's version of a prophet. But the Lord allows this as a test. We are supposed to understand that first and foremost a prophet of God will be godly. They will be sanctified, they will be holy, they will express Jesus Christ. The purpose of prophecy is to edify you in Christ Jesus. It is to build you up in the faith and to lead you to pray concerning events.

Why do you think the Antichrist and his kingdom worships AI? They think it gives them an edge in predicting the future. This is true if they are competing against humans, but if they are competing against the Lord it is false. This will force those who trust in the Lord to put all their trust in the Lord and to not lean unto their own understanding.

 

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The context -- This is where we are today

Acts 22:1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

This account describes a very polarized world. To understand this we must see the big picture. Many years prior to this the Pharisees declared an official declaration that Jesus was not the Messiah and that they had determined that He was casting out demons by the prince of the demons. In response to them Jesus said they had committed the unforgivable sin. Forgiveness is only in Jesus, if you reject Jesus then there is no possibility of forgiveness. Jesus said this prior to the day of atonement in 30 AD because temple records show us from that year on the atoning sacrifice was not accepted. However this was before the crucifixion, many wrongly assumed the cruxifixion was in 30 AD because from that year the atoning sacrifice was no longer accepted. Now they asked for a sign and Jesus told them they would get the sign of Jonah. Sure enough Jesus rising from the dead after three days was the sign of Jonah but in addition to that Jonah preached for forty days for the people of Nineveh to repent. Likewise for forty years from Jesus making this proclamation His ministry and then the ministry of the apostles in Jerusalem and Israel was telling people to repent. The threat was that in forty days (for Jonah) or forty years (for Israel) the city and temple would be overthrown. We can guesstimate that this event with Paul being arrested is 57 AD, that is 27 years after Jesus told them they had committed the unforgivable sin. For example, consider the pandemic and the vaccine mandate. At the time everyone is certain they are right except for a few people who stand against it. But as time goes on more and more people die, get cancer, get heart trouble, and autopsies find that white stuff in their veins. Little by little the evidence comes out and five years later, ten years later, twenty years later it becomes clearer and clearer that they made a mistake and they were lied to. Now you can confess and repent, or you can harden your heart. What you will see is a polarization because those who harden their heart will be very hard, while those who repent will be zealous for the Lord. At first you were with the 99% who were following orders from your leaders, but year by year the numbers change to where now it is 50/50 and you can actually see that your religion, your city, your way of life is in danger of collapsing. Now you can blame yourself for listening to the leaders without thinking, or you can blame the "Christians" for "rocking the boat".

 

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Share your personal salvation experience

Acts 21:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

When we preach the gospel we should be all things to all people. Paul is letting them know he is a Jew, he is one with them in the worship of the Old Testament and following the leaders blindly. He is not better than them, it is just that he saw his sin, his hardness of heart, his being used as a useful idiot and he repented.

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

People cannot argue with your personal testimony.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. 6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

This is his salvation experience. Notice that they are listening attentively. Make your sharing personal, you are not condemning them for being blind, you are testifying that you were blind. Also a testimony should emphasize the change that took place in you prior to being saved to what you have become since being saved.

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

This is his calling. It is so common to hear a salvation testimony about being blind and now I see, and being a sinner and now I have been saved from my sins. But sometimes you also hear the calling aspect as well, that is special. It shows that salvation should be accompanied by a calling.

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Look at the analogy here. The blood of Jesus is like putting iodine on a wound. It kills the germs and results in forgiveness and healing. But then, once the wound is healed you need to wash away all that stuff. Suppose I was a sinner, I was blind, I got saved, I repented and I saw that I was listening to the TV, radio and music for 8 hours a day and that had been polluting my mind. Well, I need to wash all that stuff away. How? Immerse yourself into the word of God, and into fellowship with other believers, and into prayer and worship. Replace 8 hours of pollution with 8 hours of washing every day. I used to be immersed into that stuff and no wonder I was a sinner. Now I am immersed into the person and work of the Triune God and I will soon express the Triune God.

 

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Understanding the hatred

Acts 22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

By Paul's reckoning all these things should have given him credibility. But the Lord knows the hearts. He knows this is not about a logical debate. It is about where your treasure is. If your treasure is on earth in this world, then you will defend a lie if you think you are defending your treasure. Paul thought his treasure was in heaven, he thought he was serving the Lord by persecuting Christians. That is why the question "why persecutest thou me" had an impact. There are people who know they are persecuting the Lord and they are doing it to protect their little kingdom on earth. Recently many became alarmed because the elites said that their plan is that "you will own nothing and be happy". That should not alarm us if our calling is the gospel. People who own nothing on this earth have no treasure to defend, they are much more willing to hear the gospel and repent.

21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

This is what they are defending. The Jews are the "chosen people" they are "special" they are separated from the Gentiles. The Gentiles are "dogs" and are "unclean". Now the hypocrisy of all this is off the charts. Remember, those that crucified the Lord Jesus worked together with the Romans to do that. They made it clear in the gospels that they were doing this to protect their little kingdom on earth. Well all those who have swallowed their swill and embraced their lies, the idea that they are "special" is their treasure on earth. It has taken close to two thousand years of being scattered over the earth and treated like the tail and not the head for them to be humbled. What makes the Jews special is their faith in God, and that faith they have in God becomes a blessing to the nations. That is the secret. If their faith is a blessing to the nations then they are the chosen ones and they are special. If that faith makes them puffed up and arrogant, then they are despised and hated.

22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. 23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, 24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

As you have done it will be done unto you. They have judged that if you take the gospel to the nations you are not fit to live. Well what is antisemitism but the mirror image of that where the nations condemn the Jews of not being fit to live because they have been a curse to the nations. For example, suppose I have a farm that has a spring of water, all the clean water you could want. My neighbors don't have any water. Now if I share my water with them I will be a blessing to them, and they will bless me. However, if I hoard my water or try to make a killing with my water selling it at an exorbitant price they will hate me, despise me and kill me.

25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Please notice the difference here. Paul does not use his citizenship to debate public policy with the Romans. He does not spend time on social media condeming the Emperor or extolling the emperor. His focus is fully on the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, he is a citizen and he does use that citizenship. As a Roman he has certain rights and he exercises those rights for the sake of his gospel ministry. He is not caught up into politics, saying that this governor is bad or that one is good. He understands that the whole world lies in the evil one. Such a debate is foolish and useless as the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ, not by improving our policies.

26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. 27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. 28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. 29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. 30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

 

[ZNP]

Share your personal salvation experience

Acts 21:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

When we preach the gospel we should be all things to all people. Paul is letting them know he is a Jew, he is one with them in the worship of the Old Testament and following the leaders blindly. He is not better than them, it is just that he saw his sin, his hardness of heart, his being used as a useful idiot and he repented.

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

People cannot argue with your personal testimony.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. 6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

This is his salvation experience. Notice that they are listening attentively. Make your sharing personal, you are not condemning them for being blind, you are testifying that you were blind. Also a testimony should emphasize the change that took place in you prior to being saved to what you have become since being saved.

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

This is his calling. It is so common to hear a salvation testimony about being blind and now I see, and being a sinner and now I have been saved from my sins. But sometimes you also hear the calling aspect as well, that is special. It shows that salvation should be accompanied by a calling.

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Look at the analogy here. The blood of Jesus is like putting iodine on a wound. It kills the germs and results in forgiveness and healing. But then, once the wound is healed you need to wash away all that stuff. Suppose I was a sinner, I was blind, I got saved, I repented and I saw that I was listening to the TV, radio and music for 8 hours a day and that had been polluting my mind. Well, I need to wash all that stuff away. How? Immerse yourself into the word of God, and into fellowship with other believers, and into prayer and worship. Replace 8 hours of pollution with 8 hours of washing every day. I used to be immersed into that stuff and no wonder I was a sinner. Now I am immersed into the person and work of the Triune God and I will soon express the Triune God.

Correction: these verses are in Acts 22

 

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Israel withdrew its forces from the Gaza Strip on March 7–8, 1957.

26 minutes in on this video he says there is a prophecy in the dead sea scrolls that Israel will return to the land and then make an error with the covenant concerning the Land and concerning Gaza which lasts for 70 years and that this seventy years is linked to the final Jubilee which begins with the 7 year period of tribulation. This 70 year period would come to an end on March 7th, 2026.

Ken Johnson Returns! Dead Sea Scrolls and More!

 

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CONCERNING IRAN! Rom.11:25? Happening Now!

 

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In all good conscience

Acts 23:1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

This is a fascinating statement which he obviously had prayed about and prepared. A conscious functions the same way the brake in your car functions. Or the same way the oil light functions. This does not mean that he was sinless, we know he wasn't, nor was he making that claim. Read the book of Romans, chapter seven proves this is not what he is saying. If I say my brakes are functioning well, that means they work. It does not mean I have never had to use the brakes. Same thing with the oil light. If you are convicted of sin and confess and repent, then your conscience is functioning correctly. To live in all good conscience would mean that you heed your conscience, you respond to it, and you deal with sins and offenses.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

This response exposes them of having judged him prior to hearing him. The only reason for this action is the high priest is accusing him of lying.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

This statement by Paul confirms that he also sees this as proof of their bias. The law requires a trial before judgement and here they are judging before the trial.

4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? 5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

This response proves that Paul is functioning in a good conscience and it also demonstrates that for our conscience to function properly we must know the word of God. There are many people who "speak evil of the ruler of they people" and yet they claim they are Christians. Their conscience is not functioning properly, either because they do not know the word of God or because their conscience is seared.

The reason we do not speak evil of the ruler of the people is not because it isn't true. What Paul said was true, the ruler was judging him contrary to the word of God while pretending to oversee a trial according to the word of God. So arguing that in this case or that case it is OK to speak evil of the ruler because it is true is not a valid excuse. The reason we don't speak evil of a ruler of the people is we acknowledge that Jesus is Lord of all and that means this person has been made ruler of the people due to the sovereignty of Jesus. You acknowledge that this trial is under the Lord's sovereignty. He has a purpose and a goal for this trial. You believe that all things work together for good to those that love God and are called according to purpose. Therefore it is the Lord that put this high priest there. It is OK to point out that he has ordered you to be smitten contrary to the law while sitting to judge you according to the law. That is fine. What was not fine was calling him a whited wall and saying that the Lord was going to smite him. Christians are here as witnesses, not as judges. We are here witnessing of the Lord's salvation, not to condemn people to hell but to save them from hell. You cannot talk about the Lord saving people from hell without discussing hell. But at the same time we are not surprised that people are sinners or that their behavior is going to result in them going to hell. Instead we are fully aware of that and instead we are letting them know there is a savior and there is a path to salvation.

Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

The church is often called "the way". A reference to the narrow way that leads to life, the way that involves bearing your cross and following Jesus. But what many don't realize is that by the end of the age this way is a highway. It is a highway because there are many who have been lifted up to preach this way and make it a highway.

Isaiah 49:11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.

The Lord's highways are those who like Paul and Peter and John have walked the way, and their life is a testimony of the way that the rest of us can follow and also walk. So it is not just the fellowship of the apostles but also the biographies of men of God during the church age. In the gospel it was a narrow way, but by the end of the church age it is a highway that thousands, even millions have travelled.

 

[ZNP]

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

Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

One question I have had for so long is trying to understand why people in Satan's kingdom fight and kill one another? When I was in NYC growing up we were overrun with the Mafia. What you learn is that the police rarely do anything about the mafia, rather it is the mafia that kills other mafiosos. But here we find out why. Are they all serving the prince of darkness? Yes. So why do they kill each other and offer each other up? They will frame each other. From my point of view they are all part of the kingdom of darkness, but not from their point of view. Satan operates by getting people to believe in a lie. How many lies are there? Satan doesn't care, any and all lies other than believing in Jesus is fine with him. The problem is that Sadducees believe in one lie and Pharisees believe in another lie. As a result they will fight with each other. Everyone in Satan's kingdom despises those in the Lord's kingdom. They believe that they are strong. The fundamental cornerstone of Satan's kingdom is not that they have embraced evil, no the fundamental cornerstone is that they are seeking to be "super men". They seek wisdom and power that gives them an edge over other people. Paul did not think he was being evil in consenting to Stephen's death, rather he thought he was stamping out evil. This is why Tim Walz and Donald Trump can both be in darkness and yet fighting against each other.

Now this is a key lesson in spiritual warfare.

Judges 7:22 22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

The Midianites wound up killing each other.

2 Chronicles 20:22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

We see this also with Jehoshaphat fighting the children of Ammon and Moab.

Think of Epstein, those involved are terrified that this list will be made public. However, they will not destroy the evidence because it has been used for decades to blackmail powerful people. So they are terrified it will be made public and they are terrified of each other that one person will talk and rat out others. The great fear for any involved in organized crime is that someone will blow the whistle. That is why witness protection is such a powerful tool. why do you think there are a hundred close associates of the Clintons who have committed "suicide"? Why did all those Mafiosos get whacked in "Goodfellows"? Everyone is afraid someone will get caught and then to save their own skin they'll rat out the others.

7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. 9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. 10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

 

[ZNP]

Fractured into a thousand pieces

Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

I like this, it matches my experience. Before Paul learns that they have bound themselves with a curse to kill him the Lord visits him and gives him this promise. This way we as believers can see first hand how the Lord treats the enemy as a pawn to be moved around the chessboard as He pleases.

12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

This is what Paul says in Romans 8, all things work together for good to those that love God and are called according to purpose. This conspiracy works to get Paul on his way to Rome.

14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. 16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

So why would his sister's son hear this? Paul used to be Saul of Tarsus and was very high up in this group, so it should not be a surprise to us that his sister is also involved and even though this kid might only be ten, that is the time that they wind up going to these schools to be taught the Bible. Since it is his sister's son he has a different last name than Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. 18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. 19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? 20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. 21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. 22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

This is the beauty of the church. People who are the least, the ones who are despised are often ignored. No one paid attention this kid listening in on their plans. In the church we learn to appreciate everyone. We don't despise someone just because he is a kid.

23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

200 soldiers, 200 spearmen and seventy horsemen escort Paul to the Governor. From our point of view this is the Lord demonstrating how important Paul is, but from their point of view they are not going to be embarrassed by these forty Jews. So it is not just Pharisees fighting with Sadducees but also Jews fighting with Gentiles. The kingdom of darkness if fractured into a thousand pieces. Satan's kingdom is built on millions of grains of sand whereas the church is built on the rock, the revelation that Jesus Christ is Lord.

 

[ZNP]

Paul's prison ministry begins

Acts 23:25 And he wrote a letter after this manner: 26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. 27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. 28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: 29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. 30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

Not exactly how the book of Acts recounts this story but a version that will fly.

31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: 33 Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. 34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; 35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

 

[ZNP]

Lucifer Has Arrived to Rule the World Dream 1-29-26@6:39 AM Shared 1-30-26

 

[ZNP]

I heard an exhaustive analysis of why the current situation aligns with Ezekiel 38.

I think there is a much simpler way to look at this. Ever since Ezekiel gave this prophecy has there ever been a time in history where it looked like it was being fulfilled prior to today?

No.

Can this happen twice in history?

No. The result of this war is that the nations know that the Lord Jesus is God.

So then, can this simply be coincidence?

No. The odds of all these various prophecies being fulfilled at the same time is trillions and quadrillions to 1.

But if that is too simple for you, here is the exhaustive explanation

Israel's False Peace Has Begun—Ezekiel 38 is Moving into Place

 

[ZNP]

I heard an exhaustive analysis of why the current situation aligns with Ezekiel 38.

I think there is a much simpler way to look at this. Ever since Ezekiel gave this prophecy has there ever been a time in history where it looked like it was being fulfilled prior to today?

No.

Can this happen twice in history?

No. The result of this war is that the nations know that the Lord Jesus is God.

So then, can this simply be coincidence?

No. The odds of all these various prophecies being fulfilled at the same time is trillions and quadrillions to 1.

But if that is too simple for you, here is the exhaustive explanation

Israel's False Peace Has Begun—Ezekiel 38 is Moving into Place

I cannot stand listening to someone describe Israel as living in a relative period of calm, safety and peace. This is ridiculous. They were invaded in 2023, starting a war with seven fronts that lasted well into 2024, even into 2025. Now just recently Israelis are preparing to go into air raid bunkers in the event of a war with Iran. They are not living without walls, they are not living without bars on the windows and gates. The people in Israel are not at rest. How ridiculous, they are surrounded by enemies and outnumbered.

To make things worse it describes them as having much cattle and that the cattle was one of the motivations for the war.

Israel has 0.007% of the world's cattle. That is less than one one hudredth of a percent of the world's cattle. This is idiotic!

Meanwhile the US has 5.8% of the world's cattle. That is 828x as much cattle.

49% of the world's Jews live in Israel and 49% of the world's Jews live in the USA. The USA is at peace and safety and rest. They do dwell in cities without bars, or gates, or walls. And yes, they do have lots of cattle. India, Brazil, China and the US are the four countries with the greatest percent of the world's cattle. Israel would rank 122nd on that list, right behind Tunisia.

Ezekiel 38 is talking about a surprise attack on the US where 1/2 of the world's Jews live.

 

[ZNP]

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Lord Jesus we appeal to You according to the truth that You are Lord and that the fulness of the world is Yours and all they that dwell in as well.

Lord Jesus, Your word tells us

Joshua 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

I pray that you would give me every place that my digital footprints have walked on this digital highway in cyberspace. Lord I appeal that this word, this promise would apply to all of your children who have spoken on the internet whether through video, or written word, or spoken word. Lord I pray that I and all the other brothers and sisters ministering on the internet would be given the title deed to the websites we have started, the blogs we have posted, and our channels on Youtube, Rumble, or any other site known to God either in the past, present or future.

Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Lord Jesus Your word gives wisdom and knowledge and understanding. I pray that this would belong to us and that the enemy and Satan and Antichrist would have no claim over these sites or over our blogs or videos. I pray that anything he steals he will have to pay back five fold according to Your law.

I also challenge all claims to copyrights and patents as the wisdom, knowledge and understanding for all these things came from the Creator, the one in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge reside. Therefore Lord I make a claim on behalf of Jesus Christ, the incarnated word that all of these patents and copyrights should revert to Jesus Christ, Lord of all.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Lord Jesus these things were created by You and for You. Therefore I appeal that any use of the internet that is contrary to this word is in rebellion to the Lord of All and I call on You to judge them for attempting to usurp your headship.

John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Therefore full ownership of the internet and all things on the internet belong to Jesus Christ and God the Father, as You are both one. Therefore all the physical equipment used by the internet belongs to Jesus Christ as well as all the content on the internet, all the videos, all the podcasts, all the blogs. Lord I especially point out that my ministry has been consecrated and fully given to You as have many other ministries. So any attempt to damage, distort, steal, or misuse these ministries is not a robbery of my things but a robbery of the things that have been given to God and consecrated to You.

Therefore I stand here on the blood of Jesus and bring my petition into the Holy of Holies as a child of God, praying according to Your will, and according to the truth of the word of God and according to righteousness. I remind this court that all things have been put under the feet of Jesus Christ and that Jesus Christ has been made head over all things to the Church which is His Body. My prayer and appeal is that this headship and authority would apply to the internet and all things on the internet and any attempt by Satan, or the demons or the fallen angels or men who are servants of these dark lords to usurp that authority would be judged and dealt with and may they be required to pay back anything they have stolen five fold.

Psalm 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

Therefore I am disputing Satan's control over the internet, over 3d holographic images, and over all the many inventions, patents and copyrights knows to God in all of earth. I appeal that all control of these things be in the hands of Jesus Christ and be removed from the controlling hands of Lucifer and anyone that is serving Lucifer or who is still in the kingdom of darkness.

I have been instructed to "ask and it shall be given unto you". I also confirm that Jesus Christ is my advocate and is authorized as my Lord and head to speak on my behalf in these matters as I am not fully aware of all the ramifications and consequences of what is going on.

As a witness of how the internet has been used I testify to this court that they have used it to censor the truth, ridicule the believers, mock, and dox and cancel those that they oppose. There are many who slander and insult your children and the servants of Jesus Christ.

We have also been promised that where two or three agree concerning anything that it will be done for us. Therefore I will also provide a link to the prayer of my sister, Vicky Goforth Parnell to demonstrate that the two of us are in agreement on this matter.

A Righteous Appeal for Control of the Internet & Such Like 1-29-26 Shared 1-30-26

All these many things we ask and pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 

[ZNP]

We are not ignorant of Satan's devices

Acts 24:1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. 2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, 3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

It is important that we not be ignorant of Satan's devices. These are the accusations that will be brought against anyone speaking the gospel. So let's examine these.

First - a pestilent fellow. He is a pest, a plague. There is a temptation when you are first in the gospel to pester those that you think should be saved. Maybe the person is a "christian" or "a good person" or whatever. We need to learn a key lesson, if someone rejects the gospel or your message or your ministry, move on. Maybe the word you spoke will be a seed that will sprout later. Just because you are moving on does not mean you can't pray for the person. But we should not be those that harass others.

Second - a mover of sedition. This word for sedition means dissension, insurrection, uproar. A mover of sedition means you cause it to go, you excite, you set in motion, you throw into commotion. For example many believers are caught up into "election fraud". There are those who are investigating this, gathering the evidence, and bringing charges. That is fine, especially if this is your job. Investigating into a crime is not a mover of sedition. But then there were others that based on a video at one polling station, or based on an anecdotal story of one person have made claims that could be seen as causing an uproar. Look at what happened on January 6th. They were accused of sedition, and Trump was accused of being a mover of sedition. I was at the rally on January 6th, so I have a first hand perspective of what happened. After Trump's speech I did not go to the Congress building but instead went back to my hotel. I was planning on being there for a candlelight vigil in the evening. However, by the time I got back to the hotel they were already seeing the "seditious behavior". Now was that the "MAGA" protestors, or was it a false flag from FBI, Anarchists and Antifa? I don't know. I have an opinion, but it isn't fact. What we need are investigators to investigate. What we don't need is people confusing the gospel of Jesus Christ with being a mover of sedition.

Third - a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. You may not remember but the Mayor of Washington DC arrested the Proud Boys the night before the rally. These people provided security for the previous "Stop the Steal" rallies. I went to five rallies prior to January 6th. I realized these were historic and a sign of the times. I had already begun this blog concerning the rapture and saw my going to this along the lines of doing research for my blog. But I did not confuse being in the gospel and speaking the word of God with being a ringleader of the "Stop the Steal" rallies. Because I was more of an observer I was able to remain fair and unbiased in my assessment. The world is not white hats vs black hats as in the old cowboy westerns. Rather the world is like the black and white squares in a FreeMason temple. I like it to a sailboat tacking into the wind. In order for a boat to sail into the wind it must sail at an angle to the wind. Because of that if you are heading to a buoy directly into the wind you sail off to one angle for a while then tack and sail to the other angle back and forth until you can get to that buoy. That is what these Satanic groups do. Republicans and Democrats are not contrary to each other, rather they work together to move the entire country to this new place.

Suppose that the place they wanted to move you to was one that accepted the gestapo. First you flood the country with illegals and empty the prisons of criminals. You do this under the claim of being humanitarian. Perhaps to justify this you have the other party first be over zealous in locking up people for small offenses. Then as crime soars and chaos reigns you bring in a party that demands law and order. They round up the criminals and illegals. But the "humanitarians" protest, and riot and cause chaos. These two groups are working together to get the country to a place where they will accept the gestapo on the street. You will never get 100% to agree, but 80% is more than enough.

As Christians we are ambassadors of the kingdom of the heavens. We should not get entangled in the things of the world. On the contrary preach the gospel so that the "humanitarians" can see that their actions have helped move the world towards this end. For example, I have a son who is very much into computer software development. For years he was involved in these competitions to produce apps for the local government. During these protests in Minnesota he wanted ICE to leave the city (though he was not actually in the protests). It then came out that they were using apps to figure out everyone involved in the protests and arrest these people at home and at work. I pointed out to him that he had helped develop those apps during those competitions where he was helping local government. Likewise those in MAGA were very upset with the killing of Ashley Babbit. I point out to them that just as you wanted a full and transparent investigation of the person who shot her you should also want the same thing for the people shot in Minnesota.

 

[ZNP]

Become Imitators of Paul

Acts 24:7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. 9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. 10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered,

Can we see this? Paul didn't jump up and say "liar"! He waited politely for the judge to ask him to speak. Anyone involved in legal trials understands that the story told by the Prosecutor will be the ugliest and most condemning story that can be told based on the facts that can be corroborated. Notice how they have to cast some shade on the chief captain Lysias because they know that he is a key witness. They are laying out a case where this captain can be slandered as a co conspirator with Paul. At the moment they have not made that case, but you can see if the Captain's testimony goes directly against theirs that they can then leap to that conclusion.

Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

This is the right attitude. Don't claim that you are "righteously" answering, or that you are "indignant" or "insulted" or "slandered". These are things for the judge to determine. But cheerful is in contrast to the prosecutor trying to paint you as a miserable, depressed person who turned violent agitator.

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

This trial is not two years later. No one should have forgotten what took place. Everything should still be fresh in everyone's mind. He did not go to Jerusalem to protest, he went to worship.

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

Now if he was a "pestilent" fellow as they claim they would have found him disputing with many, but where are the witnesses making this claim?

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

Now there was a riot, the Captain of the guard can testify to that. But they can't prove Paul was guilty of this. They can't prove he started it, or he moved the crowd to riot.

This is the biggest error I have seen since the pandemic. Many wild claims have been made about the vaccine that those who make this claim cannot prove. Instead, my approach was simple, the vaccine is an experimental vaccine. It is not my job to prove that it is not safe and effective, it is the drug companies job to prove that it is, and they have not proved that it is. Satan wants to flip the script and if you refuse to take the experimental vaccine that is mandated demand that you prove it is not safe and effective. If you fall for that you will be exposed because you can't prove that. But it isn't your job, it isn't Paul's job to prove that he didn't start the riot, it is their job to prove that he did.

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

But the ultimate goal of Satan is to get you to deny Jesus Christ. If you look at the charges being a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes is one of them. Paul is an evangelist, but a "preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ" does not sound as bad as "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes". One sounds like you are doing a good work while the other sounds like you are a cult leader. So the lawyer is going to make it sound as bad as possible.

Now Paul's confession of being a Christian is quite brilliant.

"After the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers" - he doesn't want to confuse the judge. He doesn't agree that it is a heresy, but he does agree that he worships the Lord after the way which they call a heresy.

"believing all things which are written in the law and prophets" - again brilliant. The judge is not interested in what you believe, at least not at the moment. But to say that you believe in all things written in the law and prophets accurately describes a Christian and lays the ground work for many future discussions. This word has clearly changed this lawsuit from criminal (sedition), or from civil (harassment) to a debate about the interpretation of the Bible. Satan laid some traps for Paul, he wanted Paul to try and prove he was innocent, and he wanted Paul to deny he was a ringleader of the Nazarenes. Paul did not step into either trap, but now he has used the lawyers words to force him to debate him according to the Bible.

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men. 17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

This is turning the table on them. The only way that the Romans can maintain order and peace in their empire is if they allow the many different factions in this empire to worship God in peace. They don't care about Christian or Jew (at this moment in history). So as long as Paul was worshipping in peace and behaving charitably they will support his right to do that. Just as in the US we have the first amendment protection to worship God.

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

He is pointing out that they have not brought any from his involvement in worship to testify against him. He points out that is critical to his case.

20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Again, brilliant. When he stood before the council and said that he was being called into question concerning the resurrection of the dead that was the moving of sedition among the Jewish religious leaders. They saw him do that and assumed he had done the same prior to the riot. The problem with their case is that they didn't have anyone who would testify to that. The lawyer assumed he would be dealing with a naive Christian. So even though he knew he didn't have the witnesses to prove his case he thought he would sucker Paul into stepping into the traps he laid.

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

This is very fair. The one witness that they do have that the judge will trust is the Chief captain of the guard.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

Most of us do not get to preach the gospel to Governors and Kings. In order to do that you need to understand them. We don't need some hot head accusing them of being elites in the pocket of Satan. The truth is that like every other person on earth they are deceived and in darkness. Think of Pilate asking "what is truth".

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

This is the issue that kings and governors have, righteousness, temperance and judgment to come. They are under temptations like everyone else and it is very easy for them to fall to those temptations. But regardless of their wealth and power they also know that there is a judgment, they see it happen all the time to men around them that have done the same things they have done. So there is this paranoia that grips them, they know that they are surrounded by jealous, envious people who want their position and will do anything to destroy them. They know that the two things they attack on are righteousness, accusing them of corruption, and temperance, accusing them of being lascivious and fleshly.

26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

He wants a bribe, so we can see that corruption is his failing.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

They are politicians and this is how politicians behave, trading favors.

 

[ZNP]

Slang for "buried" varies by context, often referring to being overwhelmed ("swamped," "slammed"), hidden ("under wraps," "tucked away"), or deceased/imprisoned ("six feet under," "in the hole"). Other terms include "interred" for funerals, "buried alive" (proverbial), or in wrestling, to be intentionally ruined in popularity.

Common slang terms for being heavily covered or buried in snow include being snowed under, blanketed, or inundated

"snowed under" is an idiom that means to be overwhelmed with too much work or tasks. When someone is "snowed under," they have so much to do that they are struggling to keep up, similar to being buried under snow.

"buried in snow" can be used metaphorically to refer to being bankrupt or, more commonly, overwhelmed by debt.

USA Flag with Snow Vision 1-31-26@2:35 PM