Early Enemies of Christianity # 5
The Apostle Paul was left in Caesarea to face accusation of the Jews (Acts 241-2). They brought along an attorney named Tertullus to speak for them. In the customary polished manner, he began with eloquent words to the governor. "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your provision, most excellent Felix, reforms are introduced on behalf of this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him about everything of which we accuse him."
Following his remarks the Jews who came to accuse him assented to his words. Then the governor indicated for Paul to speak in his own defense. Somewhat like our system of justice, the Roman system demanded that a Roman citizen be faced by his accusers and that they detail the charges. After that he is allowed to speak in his own behalf.
There is a certain polite formality done in the courtroom. You will see above the Tertullus was highly respectful and almost flattering to the governor before he began his presentation. Now it was Paul's time to speak and he too used common sense in following the formal politeness. "Realizing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense." Paul then begins by telling the governor that it has been twelve days since he was arrested in Jerusalem. That he went into the temple but did not do anything wrong. He didn't stir up trouble but was minding his own business. Further, "Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me" (Acts 241-13).
Note that it is not enough for the accusers to accuse. They must PROVE their case. Paul did not have to prove that he didn't do the things he was accused of, they had to prove he did. So all Paul had to say was, in essence, "I didn't do it."
I have been in organizations of the past where when someone accused you, you had to prove that you were NOT guilty. In other words, you were considered guilty until proven innocent! This is the very opposite of just behavior. In the Law those in authority had to conduct diligent search to find the truth of the matter. This brings up another issue. Let's say someone makes a statement as, "There is life on Mars." You might say, "I don't believe it." They say, "You can't prove it's not true." Now you are stuck trying to prove something is NOT true. It is impossible to do. Thus, the rule of logic is that the one who makes the assertion has to prove it is so. In other words, he has to prove there IS life on Mars, you don't have to prove there is not!
Paul then makes his positive statements that though they call it a sect, he worships God believing all things written in the law and the prophets (2 major sections of the Old Testament); that he holds the same hope that they hold, that he does his best to live in good conscience before God and all people. He explained that they only thing they could accuse him of was that he said he was on trial for the resurrection of the dead. Felix , the governor, then decided he wanted to hear from the captain, Lysias, who originally intervened to save Paul. But, Felix was looking for a bribe and when Paul did not give it, he postponed the trial again. "But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison" (v. 27).
In Acts 25 we see that the Jews once again tried to persuade the new governor, Festus, to send Paul back to Jerusalem to be tried under the local Jewish authority and take this away from Roman interference. (Rome allowed the local areas to run themselves as long as there was peace in the area and that they didn't violate major Roman laws. The Jew were given exemption from emperor worship and allowed to us their own authority to settle problems within Judaism.)
" 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?" Paul was aware of their former plot to kill him and he knew he would not receive a fair trial under the Jewish authorities. So, he steadfastly refused.saying that if he had committed any crime or anything worthy of death, he was willing to be punished for it. But if not, he refused to be given up to them -- meaning the Jews. He then said, "I appeal to Caesar." (Acts 2511). Festus then had to comply with a citizen's request to appeal to Rome (Caesar). He told Paul that he would go to Caesar as he had requested.
Later on King Agrippa (grandson to Herod the Great) came down to visit Caesarea. Festus took the opportunity to discuss Paul's case with him. He told Agrippa "and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him" (Acts 2515-16 RSV). Festus went on to explain that he had examined Paul and found nothing worthy of death in him but it seemed to be a lot of dispute about their religion and a one named Jesus. King Agrippa, being Jewish, and having the cult of the Herodians adore him, was interested in hearing the matter. Festus explained to the king, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer" (Acts 2524). Festus was hoping to find some thing that he could write to Caesar when he sent Paul to Rome that would indicate the charges against him.
Paul was called in to speak to Agrippa. Paul began in the formally polite way, "I think myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews"(262). Paul went on to tell about his conversion, and about the resurrection of Jesus asking why it should be thought incredible that God should raise the dead. He then asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets but answered the question with, "I know you do."
Agrippa finally said, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!" Paul answered that whether in a short time or long time, he wished that all men would become like he was (a Christian) except for "these chains." (Acts 26)
After Paul's talk Agrippa said that he did not see any reason to have him put to death or even be in prison. Agrippa was willing to release Paul right then except that he had appealed to Caesar.
Acts 27 is about the trip to Rome and the troubles at sea. In Acts 28 we find Paul coming to Rome and talking with both Jews there. The Jews had not heard of all the controversies surrounding Paul. But when they began to argue over everything, Paul told them that since they thought themselves unworthy of this salvation then, "Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen"(Acts 28).
Persecution began to happen more and more to the Christians. One reason was that the Jews, who were exempt from Emperor worship, declared to the Roman government that the Christians were not a part of the Jewish religion and thus could have no exemption from Emperor worship. In the Roman empire everyone could have his own religion as long as he bowed to Caesar and called him Lord. He had to worship Caesar as a god. But Christians could not do that. For us there is only one Lord and that is Jesus Christ!
That began the martyrdom of saints -- Christians being thrown to the lions and the terrible persecution of those who believed in Christ whether Jew or Gentile.
The resentment became so strong between the Jews of Judaism and those who believed Jesus was the Messiah, that it was typical of going to extremes. The visible church resented everything "Jewish" to the point that they were repulsed even by solid Biblical things like the Sabbath and God's Laws. The Council at Nicea declared that "Christians should not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath." They forgot that Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man. They forgot that Jesus and the rest of the disciples knew that the 7th day was the Sabbath.
They rejected the Passover. And to show their contempt for anything Jewish it was customary to eat the "Easter ham" when they professed to celebrate the resurrection.
It is typical of humans to go from one extreme to another. At one point some Jewish Rabbis did not believe Gentiles could ever be saved no matter what they did. Later Gentile Christians took the position that Jews could not be saved and that they were "Christ killers" and that no matter what happened to them in persecutions -- somehow they deserved it!
Today, we can have the balance. There is no doubt that the early enemies of Christianity were the Jews of that time. But, the Apostles did not reject the Old Testament. In fact, Paul told Timothy that those Scriptures could make one wise to salvation. It is incredible today that professing Christians know nothing of the annual festivals which their own Lord Jesus Christ observed. They know nothing of the laws, statutes, and judgments in their own Bible.
Today, the Sabbath is, however, becoming more and more accepted by professing Christians than ever before. The honest study of the Bible makes it plain that the 7th day is God's Sabbath and that it was NEVER changed to the first day.
Let us thank God that we can understand the plain historical teachings of the New Testament without going to extremes like so many. The Bible is still our source of truth as we can view it without prejudice!
Following his remarks the Jews who came to accuse him assented to his words. Then the governor indicated for Paul to speak in his own defense. Somewhat like our system of justice, the Roman system demanded that a Roman citizen be faced by his accusers and that they detail the charges. After that he is allowed to speak in his own behalf.
There is a certain polite formality done in the courtroom. You will see above the Tertullus was highly respectful and almost flattering to the governor before he began his presentation. Now it was Paul's time to speak and he too used common sense in following the formal politeness. "Realizing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense." Paul then begins by telling the governor that it has been twelve days since he was arrested in Jerusalem. That he went into the temple but did not do anything wrong. He didn't stir up trouble but was minding his own business. Further, "Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me" (Acts 241-13).
Note that it is not enough for the accusers to accuse. They must PROVE their case. Paul did not have to prove that he didn't do the things he was accused of, they had to prove he did. So all Paul had to say was, in essence, "I didn't do it."
I have been in organizations of the past where when someone accused you, you had to prove that you were NOT guilty. In other words, you were considered guilty until proven innocent! This is the very opposite of just behavior. In the Law those in authority had to conduct diligent search to find the truth of the matter. This brings up another issue. Let's say someone makes a statement as, "There is life on Mars." You might say, "I don't believe it." They say, "You can't prove it's not true." Now you are stuck trying to prove something is NOT true. It is impossible to do. Thus, the rule of logic is that the one who makes the assertion has to prove it is so. In other words, he has to prove there IS life on Mars, you don't have to prove there is not!
Paul then makes his positive statements that though they call it a sect, he worships God believing all things written in the law and the prophets (2 major sections of the Old Testament); that he holds the same hope that they hold, that he does his best to live in good conscience before God and all people. He explained that they only thing they could accuse him of was that he said he was on trial for the resurrection of the dead. Felix , the governor, then decided he wanted to hear from the captain, Lysias, who originally intervened to save Paul. But, Felix was looking for a bribe and when Paul did not give it, he postponed the trial again. "But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison" (v. 27).
In Acts 25 we see that the Jews once again tried to persuade the new governor, Festus, to send Paul back to Jerusalem to be tried under the local Jewish authority and take this away from Roman interference. (Rome allowed the local areas to run themselves as long as there was peace in the area and that they didn't violate major Roman laws. The Jew were given exemption from emperor worship and allowed to us their own authority to settle problems within Judaism.)
" 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?" Paul was aware of their former plot to kill him and he knew he would not receive a fair trial under the Jewish authorities. So, he steadfastly refused.saying that if he had committed any crime or anything worthy of death, he was willing to be punished for it. But if not, he refused to be given up to them -- meaning the Jews. He then said, "I appeal to Caesar." (Acts 2511). Festus then had to comply with a citizen's request to appeal to Rome (Caesar). He told Paul that he would go to Caesar as he had requested.
Later on King Agrippa (grandson to Herod the Great) came down to visit Caesarea. Festus took the opportunity to discuss Paul's case with him. He told Agrippa "and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him" (Acts 2515-16 RSV). Festus went on to explain that he had examined Paul and found nothing worthy of death in him but it seemed to be a lot of dispute about their religion and a one named Jesus. King Agrippa, being Jewish, and having the cult of the Herodians adore him, was interested in hearing the matter. Festus explained to the king, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer" (Acts 2524). Festus was hoping to find some thing that he could write to Caesar when he sent Paul to Rome that would indicate the charges against him.
Paul was called in to speak to Agrippa. Paul began in the formally polite way, "I think myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews"(262). Paul went on to tell about his conversion, and about the resurrection of Jesus asking why it should be thought incredible that God should raise the dead. He then asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets but answered the question with, "I know you do."
Agrippa finally said, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!" Paul answered that whether in a short time or long time, he wished that all men would become like he was (a Christian) except for "these chains." (Acts 26)
After Paul's talk Agrippa said that he did not see any reason to have him put to death or even be in prison. Agrippa was willing to release Paul right then except that he had appealed to Caesar.
Acts 27 is about the trip to Rome and the troubles at sea. In Acts 28 we find Paul coming to Rome and talking with both Jews there. The Jews had not heard of all the controversies surrounding Paul. But when they began to argue over everything, Paul told them that since they thought themselves unworthy of this salvation then, "Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen"(Acts 28).
Persecution began to happen more and more to the Christians. One reason was that the Jews, who were exempt from Emperor worship, declared to the Roman government that the Christians were not a part of the Jewish religion and thus could have no exemption from Emperor worship. In the Roman empire everyone could have his own religion as long as he bowed to Caesar and called him Lord. He had to worship Caesar as a god. But Christians could not do that. For us there is only one Lord and that is Jesus Christ!
That began the martyrdom of saints -- Christians being thrown to the lions and the terrible persecution of those who believed in Christ whether Jew or Gentile.
The resentment became so strong between the Jews of Judaism and those who believed Jesus was the Messiah, that it was typical of going to extremes. The visible church resented everything "Jewish" to the point that they were repulsed even by solid Biblical things like the Sabbath and God's Laws. The Council at Nicea declared that "Christians should not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath." They forgot that Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man. They forgot that Jesus and the rest of the disciples knew that the 7th day was the Sabbath.
They rejected the Passover. And to show their contempt for anything Jewish it was customary to eat the "Easter ham" when they professed to celebrate the resurrection.
It is typical of humans to go from one extreme to another. At one point some Jewish Rabbis did not believe Gentiles could ever be saved no matter what they did. Later Gentile Christians took the position that Jews could not be saved and that they were "Christ killers" and that no matter what happened to them in persecutions -- somehow they deserved it!
Today, we can have the balance. There is no doubt that the early enemies of Christianity were the Jews of that time. But, the Apostles did not reject the Old Testament. In fact, Paul told Timothy that those Scriptures could make one wise to salvation. It is incredible today that professing Christians know nothing of the annual festivals which their own Lord Jesus Christ observed. They know nothing of the laws, statutes, and judgments in their own Bible.
Today, the Sabbath is, however, becoming more and more accepted by professing Christians than ever before. The honest study of the Bible makes it plain that the 7th day is God's Sabbath and that it was NEVER changed to the first day.
Let us thank God that we can understand the plain historical teachings of the New Testament without going to extremes like so many. The Bible is still our source of truth as we can view it without prejudice!
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