Dear Friends,
Greetings in Christ!
Before we get into Acts 28:8-14, let’s follow up on comments in the last post concerning AI and how certain techies said it will kill us all. It may be tempting to dismiss this issue as a political football, but it is much bigger than that. Out of all the major events unfolding along with the 4th Turning — the major shake up/ reset currently remaking society — I believe the massive AI data centers going up in the US and around the globe will prove to be the most consequential.
First, Anthropic’s Hubinger (and ex-associate Coxon) never explained how AI is going to kill us, but as I have been saying, AI is leading the mark of the beast. That is the big picture here, which the mainline pundits are missing. For example, Kit Knightly has an interesting take on the comments from Hubinger and Coxon last week. Like many others, Knightly sees their comments as a scheme for more censorship and control of the Internet, and exclusive rights (monopoly) for the big players. That means more thought control. That is part of it, to be sure, but the endgame described in Revelation 13 is much bigger than that.
Edward Snowden looked at the technocratic police state and saw what is coming 13 years ago, and he was not even necessarily considering the AI aspect:
“And because of that, a new leader will be elected; they’ll flip the switch; say that, because of the crisis, because of the dangers we face in the world, you know- some new and unprecedented threat. We need more authority. We need more power. And there will be nothing the people can do at that point to oppose it, and it will be turnkey tyranny.”
— Edward Snowden
If we did not have the benefit of Bible prophecy, this would all be very grim and forboding. For a very insightful commentary on how this game works, read (or reread) Orwell’s Animal Farm. Whether hi-tech or low-tech, it always works the same way.
For example, the pigs, who ran the farm, promised the other animals that if they worked hard and built a windmill, the resulting electricity would reduce their working hours. First, pigs Napoleon and Snowball fought over the project, and more importantly, who would control it. Napoleon won, and Snowball barely escaped with his life. But when the windmill was completed, Napoleon and the other pigs used it to mill corn, not generate electricity. The pigs used the profits to buy whiskey and other comforts, in cahoots with the two-legged creatures who the pigs said were the enemy. The other animals who were fooled into going along with the plan still had little to eat, and had to work harder than ever.
Fortunately, however, we do have the benefit of Bible prophecy. We see there is a way of escape. (John 14:1-6) And even though this road leads to Revelation 13 for those who are not ready, ultimately Jesus will return and fix everything. Even those who were not ready will get a second chance after the technocracy fully matures and technology deniers are getting beheaded for refusing to take the mark. (Rev 20:4)
Moving forward, Paul and Co are still on Malta. Paul has met the chief inhabitant of the island, Publius. We pick back up in verse 8. Father, fill us each with your Holy Spirit and give us understanding as we read thy word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Acts 28:8-14
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
In our last post, Paul was bitten by a viper, but felt no harm. Jesus said this would happen among his believers. Jesus also said they would lay hands on the sick and heal them. (Mark 16:18) Paul has done both now on Malta.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
Much like Jesus’ miracles, the apostles’ miracles are evangelical tools that established their authority and helped them spread the gospel.
Although Dr Luke does not mention Paul preaching on Malta, he surely did. That was Paul’s way. (I Cor 2:2) Dr Luke had to be selective about what he included, so his Letter could fit comfortably on a single scroll. (A standard Roman scroll was 9-10 meters long or 30-35 feet.)
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
This is Paul’s third ship since leaving Caesarea. Castor and Pollux were twin brothers, the sons of Zeus and Leda (or Nemesis in some traditions). Castor and Pollux were revered as the patrons of sailors, so many Roman ships bore their sign as an appeal for their protection.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
Acts 28:8-14
As our section closes. We have Paul and Co tarrying in Puteoli, before heading to Rome. Although it does not say so in so many words, Julius the centurion seems to be a member of Paul’s fellowship now, taking his cue from Paul to tarry in Puteoli. Jesus’ kingdom is built one soul at a time. Whether we are rich or poor, free or bond, every time we share the gospel we are building the kingdom of Christ. All are welcome. Christianity is about forgiveness, love, and new beginnings. It’s about leaving this world behind for a better one to come. All Jesus asks is that we repent, like Julius clearly has.
Father, thank You for your everlasting grace and your never-ending mercy. Thank You that your Son’s blood is more than sufficient to atone for all our sins. Thank You that all are welcome and that he who comes unto You will in no wise be cast out. We thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
