#BibleStudy Expressions of Faith. Acts Ch 24. Hope




14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
 Acts 24:14-15
After Paul’s arrest, the Sanhedrin’s lawyer makes his opening statement to Governor Felix condemning Paul.
  • Luke describes Felix as “well acquainted with the Way.” (V24a)

Felix listens to the lawyer then motions for Paul to begin his defense.
  • Paul begins by setting the stage, explaining the circumstances of his arrest and the way he’s now unlike his orthodox Jewish counterparts.

There are two key terms in verses14-15.
Sect.
  • Paul clarifies that the concept of Christianity as a faction of Judaism is the thinking of the Sanhedrin.
  • In verse 14 Paul confirms his belief system aligns with that of his accusers, debunking the sect concept.

Hope.
  • Verse 15 reads as almost an afterthought of Paul.
  • I don’t think that’s the case.
  • Paul had hoped for a combination Messiah-warrior as Jews condemning the Way still did.

Paul’s hope is in the resurrection of all humans because the Messiah God sent wasn’t a warrior in the vernacular sense.

God’s Messiah, the one prophesied in the Old Testament came to change humans spiritually.

Why?
That’s simple: 
everyone has an afterlife.

Here’s how the writer of Hebrews describes this situation in Hebrews 9:27 in the Berean Study Bible 
...man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,
That judgment is God’s.
  • Only the righteous have hope that their afterlife will be with God in heaven.
  • The wicked will die a spiritual death, too, and spend eternity separated from God in hell.

How’s your hope?
  • If you’re uncertain of your eternal resting place, stop. 
  • Now.

Ask God to forgive your sins and fill you with the hope Jesus, God’s Messiah offers.

SEO: Bible study, New Testament, thinking, knowing God

Follow me on 


Unconventional Bible Study Tools

Click here for details and purchase.


My website is: www.crdowning.com

My Blogs
Life as I see it. Topics rotate between those of general interest to lovers of life,  authors, teachers—probably you, too.  Posts on Tuesdays and some Mondays.  http://crdowning-author.blogspot.com/?alt=rss
My Christian Context.Posts M/W of discussion questions. Thursdays - Timeless Truths. Fridays - Expressions of Faith. https://mychristiancontext.blogspot.com/ 
I'd appreciate your feedback on Blogger!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts