Snoopy Approaches Acts

[paradox3]

Acts 25

Bible Gateway passage: Acts 25 - New English Translation

Paul Appeals to Caesar - Now three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. So the chief priests and the most prominent men of the Jews brought formal charges against Paul to him. Requesting him to do them a favor against Paul, they urged Festus to summon...

www.biblegateway.com

The Jews plot another ambush against Paul but are unable to carry it out. Paul appears before Festus who finds no fault with him.

Again, the difference of opinion is seen as an internal squabble. Paul appeals to Caesar for a hearing

Festus asks King Agrippa for advice. Paul appears before Agrippa and Beatrice.

 

[paradox3]

Anyone else finding this story just a little tedious?

The most interesting thing I learned today is that Beatrice is a biblical name.

 

[unsafe]

So we see that Felix is replaced as governor by Festus ---So this governor arrives on the scene and the chief priest and the leading men of the Jews bring their charges to him against Paul -----they plead with this governor to have Paul brought to Jerusalem and their plan was to ambush him on his travel there ----

I say -----You have to gives these Jews credit for staying their devious course of trying to kill Paul ---they just don't give up =====

So Festus says “let those who are in a position of authority among you go there with me, and if there is anything criminal about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

I say -------If you do some research on Festus apparently he was basically a good man and did a good job at being governor better than Felix did ----

So after Festus spent time with them he went to Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on the tribunal (the judicial bench), and ordered Paul to be brought [before him].

Paul gets in front of Festus and the Jews accusing him are there as well who have no proof of the charges they have brought against him ----So Paul states his case to Festus telling him he has doing nothing wrong to offend the laws of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.

Festus who is just newly appointed tries to do a favour for the Jews and keep a good relationship going so he ask Paul if he would go to Jerusalem and Paul makes his case as to why he should be tried where he is ----I appeal to Caesar (Emperor Nero).”and Festus after talking to his council states “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.”

I think------ Paul knew what these evil Jews were Planing if he went to Jerusalem ---so this was a smart move on Paul's part -----Maybe the Holy Spirit revealed this plan to Paul ????

I say ------Paul didn't mind dying but he didn't see the point of putting his head in the snake's mouth to be ambushed and killed either-----

So several days later
Agrippa the king and Bernice [his sister] arrived at Caesarea----they meet the governor and he tells them about Paul and the charges brought against him ----He says it seems that these Charges are a religious issue ----about a certain Jesus and about him dying but is alive ------

I say ------So it seems that Festus had not heard about Jesus at all ----as he is clueless about him when speaking to the King

The King ask to have Paul brought to him to hear what he had to say ----So Festus has Paul brought to the King and announces ---
verse 24 ----the Jewish people appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly insisting that he ought not to live any longer.

25 But I found that he had done nothing worthy of death;

So Festus is bringing Paul in front of the King and the men so he can put something in writing about these charges to bring to Caesar ----as it would not look good for him nor would it be appropriate to send a prisoner to trail with no charges to present to the court -----

So True Christians when faced with adversary need to be Spiritually mature and build a strong character and be Prayer warriors to be able to withstand whatever comes against them -and whoever bring False accusations against them----by having Christ's Faith deeply rooted and grounded in Jesus ----totally trusting in God to be there through every step of the process ----not wavering or doubting that God is not involved ----remaining steadfast in courage and strength to the end ----

Paul is such a great roll model for all Believers to emulate in my view in these dire situations ----

 

[GordW]

Anyone else finding this story just a little tedious?

The most interesting thing I learned today is that Beatrice is a biblical name.

There is a theory about history that when we see repeated or very similar stories told we are seeing not a repeat of the same events but a retelling of the same single incident. Generally speaking I don't hold with this theory (and IIRC it is very much a minority opinion) but given that we know this to happen in Genesis (we see multiple accounts from different primary sources) and possibly in the Gospels (in one there are two accounts of the feeding of multitudes) there is a possibility that that Luke, writing well after the events and probably relying on oral history, is making that error. Either that or the people are very persistent.

 

[unsafe]

there is a possibility that that Luke, writing well after the events and probably relying on oral history, is making that error.

Well we can think That ---but again this goes against what the Word says -----

Luke was inspired by the Holy Spirit in what to write down ---not himself ---IF you believe Scripture

and there are definitely many people who do not believe 2 Timothy -----




but us not believing that doesn't change what the scripture says ---- --

now the person translating may make an Error --but the Author of the Scripture -----very iffy in my opinion ----

 

[paradox3]

Was just perusing the large print collection at the library. And what did I find but Zealot by Reza Aslan????

@BetteTheRed mentioned it on this thread.

So I checked it out. It is very readable.

 

[GordW]

Well we can think That ---but again this goes against what the Word says -----

Luke was inspired by the Holy Spirit in what to write down ---not himself ---IF you believe Scripture

and there are definitely many people who do not believe 2 Timothy -----


View attachment 11803

but us not believing that doesn't change what the scripture says ---- --

now the person translating may make an Error --but the Author of the Scripture -----very iffy in my opinion ----

Just a reminder that the author of 2 Timothy was not talking about any of the Christian writings we now call Scripture.

 

[unsafe]

Just a reminder that the author of 2 Timothy was not talking about any of the Christian writings we now call Scripture.

So what is the Author of 2 Tim who is Paul referring to in your mind ---and what are the Christian writings you say we now call scripture ? not heard of this so confused ?

So I found this --so is this what your referring to


AI Overview

The assertion that 2 Timothy 3:16 does not refer to Christian scriptures is historically accurate, as the New Testament was not yet compiled when this text was written; therefore, the "Scripture" being referenced was the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament) and possibly some early Christian writings, but not the Bible as a whole.

Furthermore, scholarly consensus indicates that 2 Timothy is a pseudepigraphal text, not written by Paul, and the Greek term "theopneustos" (God-breathed) was not consistently interpreted as "inspired" until later, initially meaning "life-giving".

Historical Context

• Pseudepigraphy:
  The consensus among scholars is that 2 Timothy was written by someone other than Paul, likely in the late first or early second century CE, long after Paul's death.

 

[unsafe]

I think this refutes that theory ----so again ---it is all in what you want to believe ------

-if God inspired the Old Testament ---He inspired the New Testament ----It Says ALL SCRIPTURE GordW ---Not some scripture --

This says the ALL Books are God inspired ---Strong's Concordance ---and that only makes Common sense -----

Greek Word For SCRIPTURE

Lexical Summary

graphé: Scripture, writing​

a document, i.e. holy Writ

1124 graphḗ – properly, writing. 1124 (graphḗ) is used 51 times in the NT – always of holy Scripture,
i.e. the inspired, inerrant writings of the Bible (the 66 books of Scripture, 39 in Hebrew, 27 in Greek).

The singular (anarthrous) use of 3956 /pás ("all") underlines that each part of speech (every inflected word-form, "reflex") used in the Bible is God-breathed, i.e. inscripturated (written) under divine inspiration.

Summary

θεόπνευστος in 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms that all Scripture proceeds from the very breath of God. This single occurrence encapsulates the Bible’s authority, trustworthiness, and sufficiency for salvation and godliness.


From the prophets and apostles to the contemporary church, believers have staked their faith, worship, and mission on the conviction that the written Word is nothing less than the voice of the living God.

 

[GordW]

So what is the Author of 2 Tim who is Paul referring to in your mind ---and what are the Christian writings you say we now call scripture ? not heard of this so confused ?

So I found this --so is this what your referring to


AI Overview

The assertion that 2 Timothy 3:16 does not refer to Christian scriptures is historically accurate, as the New Testament was not yet compiled when this text was written; therefore, the "Scripture" being referenced was the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament) and possibly some early Christian writings, but not the Bible as a whole.

Furthermore, scholarly consensus indicates that 2 Timothy is a pseudepigraphal text, not written by Paul, and the Greek term "theopneustos" (God-breathed) was not consistently interpreted as "inspired" until later, initially meaning "life-giving".

Historical Context

• Pseudepigraphy:
  The consensus among scholars is that 2 Timothy was written by someone other than Paul, likely in the late first or early second century CE, long after Paul's death.

You do realize that what you have cited here totally destroys your argument about the passage from 2 Timothy and what you claim it says about Scripture...right?

• not written by Paul
• not referring to Christian Scripture (not actually sure the Jewish canon was closed by then so we may not really know what all the writer meant)
• not originally understood at inspired but a that which is life-giving

ANd all of that is the consensus of people who have spent their careers looking at these things.

 

[GordW]

From the prophets and apostles to the contemporary church, believers have staked their faith, worship, and mission on the conviction that the written Word is nothing less than the voice of the living God.

Not all people would have said that over the centuries. ANd not all would mean the same thing if they did say it. Again there is more than one understanding of Scripture in the Christian world. That is simply history.

 

[BetteTheRed]

And the problem is "which written word"? There are the apocryphal texts, there are non-canonical texts. Why do we use the Hebrew scriptures without the Talmud, the first Coles Notes of scripture reading?

 

[unsafe]

You do realize that what you have cited here totally destroys your argument about the passage from 2 Timothy and what you claim it says about Scripture...right?

• not written by Paul
• not referring to Christian Scripture (not actually sure the Jewish canon was closed by then so we may not really know what all the writer meant)
• not originally understood at inspired but a that which is life-giving

ANd all of that is the consensus of people who have spent their careers looking at these things.

Well ----I quoted what I thought you might be meaning by your Post -----which I certainly do not agree with what I posted -----to me it is a bunch of Hogwash ---People trying to discredit Scripture which comes not From God but from Satan -----

Strong's Concordance clears up any Notion that what 2 Timothy says about ALL scripture being God inspired means ALL BOOKS OF THE BIBLE and even says every word is God Inspired ----
Also I can quote from Got Questions that say Paul is the definitely the author of 2 Timothy ---so again ---for every article against the Scripture ----there is one for the Scripture --

As far as what I posted saying Paul isn't the author of 2 Timothy ----

Here again -------I can quote from Got Questions that says Paul is definitely the author of 2 Timothy -----and gives the reason in scripture to back that up -------

So it comes down to what and who you want to believe and entertain as far as scripture goes -----

You seem to gravitate towards people who downplay the Scripture and it's authenticity and you believe what they are saying ---and so that is your opinion -------

I definitely gravitate toward believing that the Bible --all of it---- is God inspired and believe it is authentic ----- and I believe that cause I DO what the word says to do to live in this wicked world and I love my love and have been very blessed by Following the Way and putting Christ's faith into action ---so for me the word does what it says it does -----it is alive and active and authentic as it says it is -----

 

[chansen]

This is where I poke my head in and point out that unsafe is on your team, not mine.

 

[paradox3]

Acts 26

Bible Gateway passage: Acts 26 - New English Translation

Paul Offers His Defense - So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul held out his hand and began his defense: “Regarding all the things I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you...

www.biblegateway.com

Paul offers his defense to King Agrippa and describes his experience on the road to Damascus.

Festus thinks Paul might have lost his mind.

Agrippa wonders if Paul seeks to convert him to Christianity.

Agrippa and those with him conclude that Paul is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment. Agrippa remarks that they could have released Paul if he hadn't appealed to Caesar.

 

[paradox3]

The story continues with the same theme.

 

[unsafe]

So we see that Paul is given permission to speak on his behalf --Paul stretched out his hand [as an orator] and made his defense [as follows]:AMP B

Now this stretching out of the hand was a delectation juster -----he wanted to capture attention ----

From Bible Hub ----
Then Paul stretched out his hand
The gesture of stretching out one's hand was a common rhetorical practice in ancient oratory, used to capture attention and signal the beginning of a formal speech. This act demonstrates Paul's education and familiarity with Greco-Roman rhetorical techniques, which he uses to effectively communicate his message. It also symbolizes his readiness and confidence in presenting his defense and the gospel.

So Paul presents everything from start to finish of his journey to serve God ------Paul says
to the strictest sect of our religion, I have lived as a Pharisee.

He witnesses to the King about His Conversion and how Jesus came to him and told how he was to serve God ----This witnessing is fulfilling a prophecy made by Jesus in Acts 9 if you do your research -----

Acts 9:15 AMP
Amplified Bible
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;

I say -----Witnessing to others about ones Conversion and how they came to be converted is a very powerful Tool to bring people to Christ ----especially people that know you personally and see the change that has come upon the person -----

Paul says because of what I was preaching the Jews seized him and were going to kill him ---

I say -----This shows Paul's unwavering Faith and Passion to Preach God's word no matter what comes against him ----no matter if preaching the Truth fills the streets or empties them --Followers of the WAY should always be prepared to Preach the truth of the Gospel even in the face of danger ----

Paul states that God had helped him through it all ------

I say ----so here Paul gives the Glory to God for him even standing there to testify in his defense in front of the King -----as he could have been already dead -

So while Paul is making his defense -----Good Old Felix shouts out -----Festus said loudly, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great education is turning you toward madness.

Paul responds to his statement and says he is not out of his mind -----and says he is of a sound mind ----which echoes -----and is speaking truth -----



Paul says in verse 27 that he knows this King believes in the words of the Prophets ----

Verse 28 gives the King's answer ------

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a Christian.”

I say ------Now that true effective Preaching ----Plant the seed ---what people do with the seed is their choice ------

These last verses Speak for themselves -----

30 Then the king stood up, and [with him] the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them;

31 and after they had gone out, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or [even] of imprisonment.”

32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Emperor Nero).”

I wonder how OLD Felix felt about this being said to him ------as he could have set him free himself when he was before him but he was a morally corrupt governor wanting Paul to give him money ----a bribe to set him free ------

Very Sad

--

 

[unsafe]

Again there is more than one understanding of Scripture in the Christian world. That is simply history.

I agree with there being more than One understanding of Scripture when viewing it through Human Faith and Intellect --as we rely on human logic ---human observation and human reasoning and is limited to this Physical world ---

When we speak of this Christian world ------I think this word is used very loosely ---People use this word because it sounds good in my opinion ---it really has lost it's True meaning the way it was meant to used ---

So here is an example ---many Catholics still believe it is Mary who kills the serpent and protects them from evil ------human Faith with human understanding --of the scripture in Genesis 3 which clearly states that it is the woman's seed that crushes the serpents head not the woman ----taking scripture out of context ----

Some Catholic have now revised their thinking on that but many still hold Mary as the one -----

Mary is our Shield: She Guards our Faith and Protects us from Evil - Living Faith - Home & Family - News - Catholic Online

At Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary Major Sunday, Pope Francis said that when we go through difficult times or have problems or worries, Mary is our shield, guarding our faith and protecting us ...

www.catholic.org

Pope Francis said that when we go through difficult times or have problems or worries, Mary is our shield, guarding our faith and protecting us from evil.----

Definitely false Doctrine ----- nothing in scripture about Mary being the one to protect us ---Folks ---so Many Catholics being misled by the Pope of all people -----Crazy ---and these people don't care that they are sending their Flock to their Doom -----


I say ------No one with the Holy Spirit indwelling in them would entertain this type of thinking at all ----this goes against the Inspired Scripture---only human intellect would have this understanding ----





Now in the Spiritual understanding there is but One True Spiritual understanding of what the scripture is really saying and you need to look at the Context of the Scripture and with the guidance of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ---the Spiritual meaning will be revealed ----

Now that being said all True Christians are not on the same level of their Spiritual understanding of Scripture ---some are on the milk of the scripture and some have graduated to the meat of the scripture ----so their spiritual understanding and Knowledge that they can handle will be given to them by the Holy Spirit on their level of where their spiritual understanding and knowledge is----

 

[chansen]

Definitely not a cult.

I do like the idea that Jesus would hate people crediting his mother for things he did.

"I did that mom! It was me who killed the serpent! You can't give me credit for anything, can you?!?"

We know Jesus was like us because he, too, resented his mother.

 

[unsafe]

chansen's comments are not to be Judge by True Christians as chansen is commenting under the influence of the god of this world and in his Natural man state so what he says here reflects worldly standard thinking about God and His word ----

Perfect example of ----------what is in your heart the mouth speaks ------