Reading for August 20th

Read Acts 24.1-21. In 24.1-26.32: Paul's testimony before governors and kings. In verse 24.1: Tertullus presents a Roman legal argument (contrast Lk 10.25) on behalf of the high priest but may not have been a Jew himself (24.9). In verse 2: Even cruel Roman rulers like Pilate (Lk 13.1; 23.1-4) were held responsible for keeping the peace ("pax Romana"). In verses 3-4: Excessive gratitude did not disguise the unrest and insurrections surrounding Felix's administration or his reputation for abuse of office. In verse 5: The charge that Paul is an agitator echoes what was said against Jesus before Pilate (Lk 23.2, 5, 14), but now throughout the Roman world (Gk., "oikourmene"). This is the only instance in which the "Christians" Nazarenes, probably referring to followers of the messiah from Nazareth (Lk 18.32). In verse 6: Profaning temples, a serious charge in any part of the Roman realm (19.35-37), was the specific cause of Paul's arrest (23.28). In verse 10: Paul's cheerful defense signifies his appreciation for Felix's knowledge (24.22) and more critically expresses his "hope in God" because he is on trial for the resurrection (22.15; 26.6-7). In verse 12: Jesus did dispute publicly in the temple (Lk 19.47-21.38; 22.53). In verses 14-15: Paul defends the Way (see comment on 9.2) as a Jewish sect or party (23.6-9; 24.5) teaching of the resurrection from the law and the prophets (Lk 24.27, 44-48). In verse 16: A clear conscience is needed for the judgment (17.31; 24.5). In verses 18-21: See 21.17-22.10. Comments of Questions..