Heralds Digest

“He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands,” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭24:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.24.6-7.nkjv A sincere protection of the temple against profanity is commendable, even as Jesus also defended the sanctity of the sanctuary with zeal. The temple of God is reserved for holy activities, including the offering of prayer, praise and worship unto the Lord. However, the accusation against Paul was not sincere. Actually, Paul was violently prevented from completing the mandatory purification, seized and planned to kill him contrary to the law. Now, they are here accusing commander Lysias, who prevented the possible destruction of lives and properties from the instigated uproar, of violent intervention. Obviously, an insincere defender of an external temple, institution and a religious culture leaves the real temple of God vulnerable to d...

“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭23:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.23.11.nkjv In the context of human consideration and especially the companions of Apostle Paul, he could be likened to a fading flower. A fading flower may not necessarily suggest a detachment from the source of nutrients, it does appear to have exceeded the period of its flourishing strength. Even the response of the Jews to Paul's last defense of his faith appeared consistent with the resolve and readiness not only to be bound but to suffer and die in Jerusalem. However, his encounter with the Lord here appeared as a spiritual manure, providing the combination of a companionship with the Saviour, the comfort of the Spirit, and a compass for new service. The provisions from this spiritual renewal represent indispensable necessities for daily refreshment from una...

“But when Paul perceived that 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; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭23:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.23.6.nkjv Distractions are always unproductive to a man of focus in life, especially when pursuits align perfectly with divine purpose. Since the glorious encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus, Paul's focus has been consistent with the heavenly calling. However, the test of good focus is the ability to keep pressing forward amidst stiff distractions. At the test room in the council of elders, he had just struggled to escape the distraction of provocation through the assault of the high priest. The wickedness of men does not always encourage a righteous relationship with God. But when Paul perceived the divergence of interest among his detractors, he subscribed to the strategy of desirable di...

“And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭22:25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.22.25.nkjv Absolute submission to the will of God sometimes creates windows of exploitation for the enemy to exercise his well-known franchise of intimidation. The experience of Paul in the hands of the Romans law enforcement officers appear to be one of such windows of exploitation. He would have suffered unnecessary torture in their hands, if not for the bold inquiry based on his rights as a roman citizen. Likewise, heavenly citizens have undeniable rights and privileges that enables consistent control of situations and circumstances around them, including the uncomfortable investigations of believers activities. In times of trials and negative tides of life, believers are tempted to giveaway their authority and control, feeling defeated, denied, and dejected. And the enemy often ab...

“...and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’...Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ ”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭22:18, 21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.22.18,21.nkjv The struggle for relevance in life introduces the unhealthy interplay between purpose and passion. A disciplined and devoted man must start the race of life with the passion. It is the secret behind excellence in career and the pursuit of professionalism. And there was no doubt Saul started his pursuit of religious relevance with an uncommon passion. But the pursuit of passion changes to a preservation for purpose, when he was encountered by Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus. Notwithstanding, passion for a righteous restoration of Jerusalem would prefer to keep him away from the mission to the gentile, safe the noted sharp criticism at home. And the strong relevance of Saul's ministry was based ...

“And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭21:30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.21.30.nkjv Paul consented to the idea of political purification in order to satisfy the concerns of the elders, in addition to his undisputed obligation to fulfilling all righteousness. However, the purification process was almost completed when the angry Jews stirred the mob action that led to Paul's arrest. Human intervention in all purification or sanctimonious dedications introduces serious complication in every effort to make peace among people of diverse political divides. Therefore, the seven-day cleansing ritual, coupled with a significant amount of discipline and dedication, was truncated; thereby denying Paul the privilege of a clearance to remain in the temple. What a painful take back for someone who previously held the right to drag believers out of the temple? However, ...

“So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭21:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.21.14.nkjv Situations with strong conflict often arise from the submission of divergence in the perceived view of divine guidance at home and in the family of God's people. Many often query "does God always have multiple wills at every point in time?". The revelation of the danger in the planned return of Paul to Jerusalem had been confirmed both in Tyre and Caesarea. But the interpretation became diverse from the submission of Paul's commitment and the disciples' conviction. In times of diverse submissions in resolving commitments and the challenges of life, the ability to determine when and how to cease pushing for admission of superior submission is vital. Continuous pushing creates tension and the opportunities for expression of unhealthy and unholy hostility. The devil is always at the vanguard of foreclosing the sensi...