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.

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in our last post, Paul and Co were riding out the storm in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Dr Luke and the others thought all was lost (v 20), but Paul, cool as a cucumber, told them everything was going to be okay. I’m sure by now Paul knew about how Jesus stayed calm in the storm on the Sea of Galilee. (Luke 8) Plus, Paul has been in three shipwrecks by now. (II Cor 11:25) He’s an old pro and he knows Jesus can handle this. Paul told everyone that Jesus told him that not a single one of them is going to die. Not only so, but Jesus also told Paul that He was going to save each of their souls. (v 24)

This is a textbook example of Romans 8:28. They are caught in a horrible tempest that has been dragging on for two weeks (v 27). The inevitable seasickness has a hold of many of the passengers and maybe even some of the crew. I can almost smell the vomit. But again, as a result of this ordeal, all 276 of them will become believers in the gospel of grace. (v 24)

As we pick back up, they are still being driven towards Italy. They may have been blown off their intended course towards Phenice, but they are being driven straight to where God wants them.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit, Father, and give us understanding, as we read thy word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 27:27-44
27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria [1 ], about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
28 And sounded [ie, let down their sounding line, or plummet ], and found it twenty fathoms [120 feet ]: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms [90 feet ].
29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

The sailors are about to sneak away as deserters, when Paul intervenes.

31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

In Jonah 1, the sailors who were on their way to Tarshish were caught in a storm because Jonah was on their ship. They had to listen to Jonah and throw him overboard to be saved. This resulted in the salvation of that crew’s souls as well. (Jonah 1:16)

The sailors on Paul’s ship are in a storm because they did not listen to Paul, but they are probably only spared because Paul is on their ship. Yet, like in the case of Jonah, they had to listen to Paul to be saved.

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat [skiff], and let her fall off.

Now they are listening to Paul. They abandon their plans to jump ship. 

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

How ironic. These rough, tough sailors and soldiers are taking their orders from the old Jewish prisoner who was on his way to Rome to stand trial. Paul is the de facto captain now.

37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

40 And when they had taken up [ie cast off] the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

Incidentally, the anchors they cut off have been found in St Thomas Bay, Malta. 

41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
Acts 27:27-44

As Acts 27 ends, we see that Paul’s prophecies have come true. They have been through a perfect storm, but they are still alive.

Most of us will never be in a shipwreck, but ‘storms’ will come our way in life. According to Wiersbe:

Sometimes we get ourselves into storms for the same reasons [that this crew did]: impatience (Acts 27:9), accepting expert advice that is contrary to God’s will, following the majority, and trusting “ideal” conditions (Acts 27:13). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa 28:16). It pays to listen to God’s word. (2)

In The Odyssey, Odysseus’ servant, Eumaeus, tells him, “Meanwhile let us two, here in the hut, over our food and wine, regale ourselves with the unhappy memories that each can recall. For a man who has been through bitter experiences and travelled far can enjoy even his sufferings after a time.” (3)

I wonder if, just maybe, Paul was thinking about Homer when he wrote, I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Phil 4:11b)

In any case, I think we do well to consider both Paul and Homer when the storms of life come our way. If we remember that Jesus is with us in the midst of the storm (Matt 28:20), that He may have even sent us into the storm on purpose (Luke 8:22), that He can turn the curse into a blessing (Neh 13:2), and that He will use it to work together for good (Rom 8:28), we will see the reason in it and move on. If we murmur and complain, we might have to go through it again. In other words, don’t say, Get me out of this! Say, What am I supposed to get out of this?

In closing, my takeaway from Acts 27 is how Paul the prisoner took charge and kept everyone safe in the midst of the storm. Paul could have felt sorry for himself because he was a political prisoner. He could have been bitter because they did not listen to him when he told them to stay in port at The fair havens. But instead, he thought of the other passengers. He took charge and got everyone to safety with a servant’s heart.

In our next post, we will see what happens on the island of Melita (Malta).

Father, thank You not only for our mountaintop experiences, but our valleys. When storms come our way, help us to respond as Paul did, with faith in You, and a servant’s heart for others. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 According to Ellicott, the Adria, or Adriatic Sea, included the Ionian Sea, ie the area between Sicily and the Peloponnese.
2 The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 1, p 509.
3 Homer, The Odyssey, Book 15.

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

When we left off in our last post, Julius the centurion was in agreement with the sailors who wanted to leave The fair havens (today called Kali Limenes) on Crete and set sail for Phenice. Paul warned them against this, but what does Paul know? Paul is just a Christian — and a prisoner to boot.

As we pick back up in this post, they set sail, and it looks like smooth sailing ahead. 

Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and give us understanding as we read thy word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 27:13-26
13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

I can almost see the self-satisfied looks on the faces of the sailors who thought they were smarter than Paul. But in the next verse, we have a but.

14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

Euroclydon was a violent northeast wind. They are at the mercy of the elements now.

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, [today called Gavdos] we had much work to come by the boat:

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

It seems the only thing missing here is ‘battening down the hatches’. They are doing everything they can to weather the storm.

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

This is an all-hands-on-deck situation. Dr Luke uses another ‘we’ showing he was working alongside the sailors.

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
Acts 27:13-26

In the section before us, we have what may be the biggest problem throughout the entire Bible. People always think they are smarter than God. Whether they be God’s people, like the rebellious Israelites who stoned the prophets in the Old Testament, or the pagans who chose to worship other gods, the followers of Jesus who were always trying to tell Him what to do, or his enemies who had Him killed, people always seem to think they are smarter than God.

Paul could have gotten bitter over the trouble they were in because they didn’t listen, but he didn’t. Paul knows God is in control and He can handle this. Paul knows this is a Romans 8:28.

As Christians, we are like the poor lepers in II Kings 7 who were going to die but were saved. When their lives were saved, they found immeasurable riches, but they didn’t just keep it to themselves. They were wise and went and told everyone. We all have leprosy, so to speak: a disease called sin that desensitizes us and kills us. We also all have the cure available to us, with untold riches for all who want to come. Through faith in Christ, our sins are washed away, and we are given eternal life.

We cannot convince anyone with bitterness and anger over their unwitting agreement with the new world order, or their unbelief concerning the gospel. But we can be patient with them like Paul was, then try to win them over later when they see we are right.

Paul is winning over the soldiers and the crew of the ship. They are starting to see Paul for who he really is – God’s spokesman. In chains, yes, but patient and forgiving, trusting God, and spreading the gospel to all who will listen.

The certain island that they are heading for is Melita (Malta), but that will come in a later post. Paul’s prophecy about Melita will come to pass, just like everything else he has been telling them. They are starting to see that now.

Father, help us all to navigate our storms as patiently and prayerfully as Paul did. Help us to be as patient with those who doubt us as Paul was with those who doubted him. Direct our paths, give us the wisdom to make good decisions, and please account us worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before your Son, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

In this post, we come to Paul’s witness to king Herod Agrippa II and his sister, Bernice — Paul’s longest address on record. Agrippa was Rome’s client king over the Northern Territories, parts of Galilee, and Perea. He also had jurisdiction over the temple in Jerusalem.

Historians generally agree that Agrippa II and Bernice lived as husband and wife. At the time, it was a public scandal. Bernice married Polemon II, the king of Cilicia, ostensibly to quell the rumors circa 64 AD. However, she soon left him and returned to her brother. Like her sister Drusilla, Bernice was renowned for her beauty. Officially known as Bernice of Cilicia or Julia Bernice, Bernice was the Jezebel of her day. She acquired power in Rome through her support of Vespasian and her on-again, off-again relationship with his son, Titus. However, the Romans resented the power and influence that Bernice garnered through her relationship with Titus. This led to Bernice being expelled from Rome — the first time circa 75 AD and the second in 79 AD.

Paul, the chief of sinners, does not judge Agrippa and Bernice. He shares the gospel with them. This should be our attitude as well. Christians are not supposed to judge. (Matt 7:1)

In Acts 9, Jesus said Paul is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Paul is fulfilling his destiny. His hearing is a high-society gala event. Paul is a celebrity in chains, on trial with Roman fanfare, pomp, and ceremony.

When we left off in our last post, Festus had just finished calling the court to order. The purpose of the hearing is to find something to charge Paul with. Fill each of us with your Holy Spirit, Father, and give us understanding as we read thy word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 26:1-32
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Although Agrippa was a student of Scripture, faith in Christ is a matter of the heart, not head knowledge. Paul wisely begins by asking Agrippa to be patient and hear him out.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Paul is using the same witnessing technique on Agrippa, the Edomite and Jewish proselyte, that I have often used on Jewish people. The crux of the issue is the promise made from the beginning. (Gen 3:15)

7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

It always comes down to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. [cattle prods]
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Verse 18 is a concise encapsulation of the gospel. Through faith alone in Christ alone, we are brought out of darkness into light, saved from Satan and accepted by God, who forgives our sins and gives us an inheritance. We then begin the process of sanctification.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Paul wrote about the importance of faith in Hebrews 11. (Feel free to disagree, but if you want to be right, Paul was the author.) Hebrews 11 says over and over, by faith, by faith, by faith, by faith… But then after Hebrews, we have James. (Faith without works is dead.) Like James, Paul does not leave off with faith when presenting the gospel. We are saved by faith alone, but faith that saves is not alone. Faith that saves is faith that works.

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. [Isa 49:6]

Again, Paul is emphasizing that the hope of the Scriptures has been fulfilled in Christ.

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

I think the reason for Festus’ accusation against Paul is that Paul is hitting the mark. Festus listened patiently while Paul talked about putting the Jews in prison, putting them to death (v 10), and punishing them in their own synagogues (v 11). But when Paul said he was sent to the Gentiles (that means you, Festus), he accused Paul of being mad. (Mention of the Gentiles is the same thing that got Paul in trouble in the first place at the temple in Jerusalem.) It’s been said that if you throw a brick over a fence into a lot full of dogs, the one that yelps is the one you hit. Paul’s testimony is hitting home with Festus.

25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Everyone knows what Paul is talking about. The death and resurrection of Jesus is being talked about everywhere. That is why Paul’s trial is such a big event.

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. [Jam 2:19]
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

I have been at such an impasse myself. I remember one coworker in Southern California whom I used to work on all the time. He drove a classic 59 Corvette. He was a funny guy and liked by everyone. One day I could see that he was right on the edge, considering the gospel, but like Agrippa, he was only almost there, not altogether.

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

Rather than give careful consideration to what Paul was saying, Agrippa ended the hearing. Like a child who plugs his ears and starts singing when he hears something he does not want to listen to, Agrippa does not like the uncomfortable feeling he has. So he calls it quits.

31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Just as Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, Agrippa knows Paul is innocent.

32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cæsar.
Acts 26:1-32

Whether Festus was right about Paul possibly being set at liberty, I do not know. What I do know is that Agrippa does not understand the real reason for his meeting with Paul.

I used to believe that the struggle between Jacob and Esau ended with Jesus standing before Herod Antipas, the uncle of Agrippa. (The Herods were Edomites, descendants of Esau.) However, after meditating on Acts 26, I now see that the struggle between Jacob and Esau ended with Paul standing before Agrippa II, the last of the Herods to rule. God’s grace is truly amazing. Just as Jesus gave Judas every opportunity to repent, his grace and mercy extend to the descendants of Esau until the very end.

The same is true for us. God’s grace is extended to us to the end. Our purpose in life is not to garner power and influence like Agrippa and Bernice. It is not to collect toys or trophy women like Jerome of Southern California. We all have to decide what we are going to do with Jesus Christ. Receiving Him is all that really matters in this life. Otherwise, the apostles would not have been willing to suffer and be martyred the way they were. They understood the riddle of life. Do you?

In closing, Paul is on his way to Rome, which is what he prayed for. (Rom 1:10)

When you pray for something, expect it to come to pass.