Paul's arrest in Jerusalem
Paul arrived in Jerusalem in the year 56, leaving the result of missionary work in Ephesus the center of magic and Artemis worship.The journey from Jerusalem to Rome which arose from the religious trial of Paul gave him opportunities for the testimony in front of the rulers.
After entering Jerusalem Paul met Jacob and brothers gathering there and reported the activities among the gentile nations to them, and the brothers began praising the glory of God.
However, the Jews here have heard rumors that Paul was spreading the teachings that neglected the Law. In order to avoid unjustified accusation from Jews who were enthusiastic about the law, the brothers of Jerusalem asked Paul to perform a cleansing ceremony in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Paul did a purification ceremony according to the advice of the brothers. And on the seventh day the ceremony was completed, the Jews who came from Asia saw Paul in the temple and misunderstood the situation, imaging that Paul put the Gentiles into the temple, and make a noise.
Ac 21:27-40
27 Now when the seven days were about to be concluded, the Jews from Asia on beholding him in the temple began to throw all the crowd into confusion, and they laid their hands upon him, 28 crying out: "Men of Israel, help! This is the man that teaches everybody everywhere against the people and the Law and this place and, what is more, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." 29 For they had previously seen Troph′i·mus the E·phe′sian in the city with him, but they were imagining Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 And the whole city was set in an uproar, and a running together of the people occurred; and they laid hold of Paul and dragged him outside the temple. And immediately the doors were closed. 31 And while they were seeking to kill him, information came up to the commander of the band that all Jerusalem was in confusion; 32 and he at once took soldiers and army officers and ran down to them. When they caught sight of the military commander and the soldiers, they quit beating Paul.
33 Then the military commander came near and took hold of him and gave command for him to be bound with two chains; and he proceeded to inquire who he might be and what he had done. 34 But some in the crowd began shouting out one thing, and others another. So, being unable himself to learn anything certain because of the tumult, he commanded him to be brought to the soldiers' quarters. 35 But when he got upon the stairs, the situation became such that he was being carried along by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd; 36 for the multitude of the people kept following, crying out: "Take him away!"
37 And as he was about to be led into the soldiers' quarters, Paul said to the military commander: "Am I allowed to say something to you?" He said: "Can you speak Greek? 38 Are you not really the Egyptian who before these days stirred up a sedition and led the four thousand dagger men out into the wilderness?" 39 Then Paul said: "I am, in fact, a Jew, of Tarsus in Ci·li′cia, a citizen of no obscure city. So I beg you, permit me to speak to the people." 40 After he gave permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned with his hand to the people. When a great silence fell, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
If Paul was the same age as Jesus and his 12 Apostles, Paul was in his 50's at that time.
Paul's Missionary Trip
1st 47-49 CE
2nd 49-52 CE
3rd 52-56 CE
Paul had traveled for 10 years for Christian missionary work in his 40s and 50s, encountering many tribulations, and now he was beaten from crazy angry people at Jerusalem and was rescued by Roman soldiers.
Paul's experiences as Jesus' chosen vessel came true as told by resurrected Jesus.
Ac 9:15-16
15 But the Lord said to him: "Be on your way, because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel. 16 For I shall show him plainly how many things he must suffer for my name."
I think that his age was also around 30 in the year 33 CE when Saul of Tarsus, the spearhead of the persecutor of Jesus' disciples heard the word of resurrected Christ.
Paul is speaking to Jews in Hebrew.
20 some years later from that time, the apostle Paul in the mid-50s speaks to the uprising crowd in Hebrew.This fact is a circumstantial evidence that supports the fact that the Gospel of Matthew written for Jews was originally written in Hebrew and later translated into Aramaic and Greek.
And in Hebrew there is no word for "presence."
The Greek word "Parousia" translated as presence is used only in the Gospel of Matthew among 4 Gospels.
The word "Parusia" is not used in the Gospel of Mark, Luke, and John.
It is reasonable to say that in the Gospel of Matthew written in Hebrew there was no word for "presence" initially.
The Greek word "Parousia" was used when it was translated into Greek language at a later times.
So, for the Christ's future coming back, the term "arrival" much harmonizes with the truth of the whole Bible, rather than "presence" used in the the Watchtower's Bible.
➡ questionable scriptures
What did Paul tell the crowd?
Ac 22:1-26
1 "Men, brothers and fathers, hear my defense to YOU now." 2 (Well, when they heard he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent, and he said:) 3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Ci·li′cia, but educated in this city at the feet of Ga·ma′li·el, instructed according to the strictness of the ancestral Law, being zealous for God just as all of YOU are this day. 4 And I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and handing over to prisons both men and women, 5 as both the high priest and all the assembly of older men can bear me witness. From them I also procured letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to bring also those who were there bound to Jerusalem to be punished.
I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus the Naz·a·rene′, whom you are persecuting.' 9 Now the men that were with me beheld, indeed, the light but did not hear the voice of the one speaking to me. 10 At that I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Rise, go your way into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything it is appointed for you to do.' 11 But as I could not see anything for the glory of that light, I arrived in Damascus, being led by the hand of those who were with me.
12 "Now An·a·ni′as, a certain man reverent according to the Law, well reported on by all the Jews dwelling there, 13 came to me and, standing by me, he said to me, 'Saul, brother, have your sight again!' And I looked up at him that very hour. 14 He said, 'The God of our forefathers has chosen you to come to know his will and to see the righteous One and to hear the voice of his mouth, 15 because you are to be a witness for him to all men of things you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you delaying? Rise, get baptized and wash your sins away by your calling upon his name.'
17 "But when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, 'Hurry up and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not agree to your witness concerning me.' 19 And I said, 'Lord, they themselves well know that I used to imprison and flog in one synagogue after another those believing upon you; 20 and when the blood of Stephen your witness was being spilled, I myself was also standing by and approving and guarding the outer garments of those doing away with him.' 21 And yet he said to me, 'Get on your way, because I shall send you out to nations far off.'"
22 Now they kept listening to him down to this word, and they raised their voices, saying: "Take such a [man] away from the earth, for he was not fit to live!" 23 And because they were crying out and throwing their outer garments about and tossing dust into the air, 24 the military commander ordered him to be brought into the soldiers' quarters and said he should be examined under scourging, that he might know fully for what cause they were shouting against him this way. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whipping, Paul said to the army officer standing there: "Is it lawful for YOU men to scourge a man that is a Roman and uncondemned?" 26 Well, when the army officer heard this, he went to the military commander and made report, saying: "What are you intending to do? Why, this man is a Roman."
Jews don't believe in the Trinity, and neither do Christians.
Notice, Paul calls Jews brothers. Why? Because they worship the same true God YHWH.What does it mean?
It means that the concept of God is the same in both Judaism and Christianity. Jews believe that YHWH is the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and the source of life. Christians likewise believe in YHWH God (Yahuwah, IEHOUAH, Yahweh) as such.
Judaism does not have the concept of a triune God as Christendom claims. The doctrine of the Trinity comes from Greek philosophy, and the pagan gods in ancient Babylon and Egypt.
There are no incomprehensible and inexplicable pagan philosophical concepts in either Christianity or Judaism.
The difference between Judaism and Christianity is whether or not to accept Jesus as God's Messiah (Christ in Greek).
The Jews did not recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah of God, but impaled him to death on a pole at the instigation of the religious leaders.
The motive of the Jewish religious leaders was to maintain their position and control. That is why they killed the Messiah of God, who had performed undeniable miracles, by the authority of the Roman Empire.
Jesus' sinless death and Paul's testimony
Christ's sinless death was the will of God, thereby the atonement to save all mankind from inherited sin and death has been provided.Christ became a victor by his faithfulness until his sinless death, therefore he was resurrected.
Jesus was God's Messiah (Christ), and Paul became one of the direct witnesses of Jesus' resurrection.
Paul who encountered the resurrected Jesus had faith and willingness to testify about Jesus' resurrection and spoke about the resurrection of God's Messiah toward the Jewish crowd.
The reaction of the crowd of the Jews who killed Jesus in the first place was obviously terrible.
They intentionally killed Jesus and also now wanted to remove the witnesses of his resurrection.
Against God's will, the Jews rejected God's Messiah, even though they had the correct concept of God.
Paul rescued by the Roman soldiers avoided the torturous Roman military investigation by claiming his Roman citizenship.
Afterwards, the military commander convened the Jewish Sanhedrin and brought Paul to the place of Jewish religious trial.
Sanhedrin (religious court) was confused over the resurrection when Paul made it an issue.
Ac 23:1-10
1 Looking intently at the San′he·drin Paul said: "Men, brothers, I have behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience down to this day." 2 At this the high priest An·a·ni′as ordered those standing by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him: "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall. Do you at one and the same time sit to judge me in accord with the Law and, transgressing the Law, command me to be struck?" 4 Those standing by said: "Are you reviling the high priest of God?" 5 And Paul said: "Brothers, I did not know he was high priest. For it is written, 'You must not speak injuriously of a ruler of your people.'"
6 Now when Paul took note that the one part was of Sadducees but the other of Pharisees, he proceeded to cry out in the San′he·drin: "Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of resurrection of the dead I am being judged." 7 Because he said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the multitude was split. 8 For Sadducees say there is neither resurrection nor angel nor spirit, but the Pharisees publicly declare them all. 9 So there broke out a loud screaming, and some of the scribes of the party of the Pharisees rose and began contending fiercely, saying: "We find nothing wrong in this man; but if a spirit or an angel spoke to him,-." 10 Now when the dissension grew great, the military commander became afraid that Paul would be pulled to pieces by them, and he commanded the force of soldiers to go down and snatch him from their midst and bring him into the soldiers' quarters.
The Sadducees, a political faction, supporters of the Maccabean family's rule, believe neither angel nor spirit nor resurrection. On the other hand, the Pharisees, a strict religious group as to Mosaic Law, believe angel, spirit, and resurrection.
There arose a controversy over "resurrection" between them since Paul made it an issue.
The issue of Paul's religious trial became the resurrection of Jesus.
And it was also desirable for Paul, who was chosen as a witness to Christ's resurrection.
■ The resurrection of Christ is the good news of the kingdom that the sons of the kingdom should preach.
It is the evidence of the triumph of righteousness, and the guarantee of the end of evil.
It also gives the assured expectation of future life and God's favor to all humankind suffering and groaning.
Therefore, Christians will gladly speak about the resurrection of Christ, not the end time prophecies nor the incomprehensible pagan doctrine of Trinity.
Paul did not tell to the Jewish crowd about Jerusalem's destruction, nor the signs for that event, nor it's timing. These prophecies were not the heart of the good news of the kingdom.
The Watchtower, Mormons, Unification Church, Scientology, and any other religious group that tries to persuade people through prophecy are all fakes.
Jehovah's Witnesses or Witnesses to Christ's resurrection?
And the Watchtower society has a religious title "Jehovah's Witnesses," but that title is for the ancient Israelites rescued from the red sea, not for the Christian saved through Christ.Jehovah's Witnesses are native Israelites and their times ended when Christ terminated the Law covenant.
After Christ's resurrection, God's people became witnesses of Christ's resurrection.
Therefore, Christians are witnesses of Christ's resurrection. Of course, this is not a religious title, so it is not a matter of creating a religious group called "Witnesses to Christ."
Ac 1:8
8 but YOU will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon YOU, and YOU will be witnesses of me (Christ Jesus) both in Jerusalem and in all Ju·de′a and Sa·mar′i·a and to the most distant part of the earth."
Ac 2:32
32 This Jesus God resurrected, of which fact we are all witnesses.
Christ's direction
Christ, who is leading what is going on, encourages Paul and tells him of his plan for the future.Ac 23:11
11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said: "Be of good courage! For as you have been giving a thorough witness on the things about me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome."
The next morning the Jews conspired with the chief priests and elders to kill Paul. They requested the Roman army commander to summon Paul for further investigation in the reopened Sanhedrin. And more than 40 people were fixing to get rid of Paul by ambushing him with an oath of not taking a meal until accomplishing it.
That conspiracy was revealed by Paul's sister's son and was reported to the military commander.
As a result, the military commander sent Paul to the governor Felix who was in Caesarea.
Ac 23:26-30
26 Claudius Lys′i·as to his excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings! 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be done away with by them, but I came suddenly with a force of soldiers and rescued him, because I learned he was a Roman. 2 And wishing to ascertain the cause for which they were accusing him, I brought him down into their San′he·drin. 29 I found him to be accused about questions of their Law, but not charged with a single thing deserving of death or bonds. 30 But because a plot that is to be laid against the man has been disclosed to me, I am at once sending him to you, and commanding the accusers to speak against him before you."
Felix, a Roman governor became the relative of King Herod of the time by his wife.
Felix have Paul kept watch on in Herod's palace for the interrogation.
Because the oath-bound conspiracy failed, the high priest Ananias and the elders visited Roman governor Felix and sued Paul.
Ac 24:1-8
1 Five days later the high priest An·a·ni′as came down with some older men and a public speaker, a certain Ter·tul′lus, and they gave information to the governor against Paul. 2 When he was called, Ter·tul′lus started accusing him, saying:
"Seeing that we enjoy great peace through you and that reforms are taking place in this nation through your forethought, 3 at all times and also in all places we receive it, Your Excellency Felix, with the greatest thankfulness. 4 But that I may not hinder you any further, I beseech you to hear us briefly in your kindliness. 5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow and stirring up seditions among all the Jews throughout the inhabited earth and a spearhead of the sect of the Naz·a·renes′, 6 one who also tried to profane the temple and whom we seized. 7 -- 8 From him you yourself can by examination find out about all these things of which we are accusing him."
Jews' appeal against Paul is like that Paul caused a riot among the Jews of all over the places, and even he tried to pollute the temple.
In addition, they say that Paul was a pioneer of the Nazarene faction, and he was like a plague. The Watchtower also uses such a malicious phrase for those who left their organization.
In front of Roman governor Felix
Felix gives Paul the opportunity to speak.Ac 24:9-21
9 With that the Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so. 10 And Paul, when the governor nodded to him to speak, answered:
Notice what Paul is saying for his defense.
Paul and Jews have the same religious background worshiping the same God.
And the issue is not criminal offenses, but religious belief of resurrection and the faith in Christ.
It shows that the faith in God and the hope that they hold are the same for both Paul and the Jews. (Neither Paul nor the Jews worship the mysterious Trinity God like pagan such as Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks.)
Also, the Jews can not prove that Paul caused a riot. What was said about the resurrection of Christ during the religious trial in Sanhedrin is not a offense being judged in a criminal case.
Felix also uses common sense and relaxes Paul's confinement for a while until the decision.
Ac 24:22-23
22 However, Felix, knowing quite accurately the matters concerning this Way, began to put the [men] off and said: "Whenever Lys′i·as the military commander comes down, I shall decide upon these matters involving YOU." 23 And he ordered the army officer that the man be kept and have some relaxation [of custody], and that he forbid no one of his people to wait upon him.
And we also notice in the following scriptures that Felix's way to treat Paul shows the rulers' curiosity of the Christianity, and the desire for bribe and the popularity of the people.
Ac 24:24-27
24 Some days later Felix arrived with Dru·sil′la his wife, who was a Jewess, and he sent for Paul and listened to him on the belief in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he talked about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered: "For the present go your way, but when I get an opportune time I shall send for you again." 26 At the same time, though, he was hoping for money to be given him by Paul. On that account he sent for him even more frequently and would converse with him. 27 But, when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and because Felix desired to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul bound.
Felix 's wife, Drusilla, is the daughter of Herod Agrippa I and is a sister of Agrippa II.
Since the resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of future judgment, the good news of Christianity includes the messages of "justice and self-control and coming judgment." It is unpleasant messages for those who enjoy the world like the rulers of the world.
Hearing about justice, self-control and coming judgment, Felix felt scared.
However, the messages of "righteousness, self-control and coming judgment" will be a good news and the hope of rescue for those who love the truth and justice and who have been exploited and damaged.
The messages of Christianity has two aspects.
For those who love the darkness, it is the scent of death, and at the same time it is a good aroma of life for those who love light.
2Co 2:14-16
14 But thanks be to God who always leads us in a triumphal procession in company with the Christ and makes the odor of the knowledge of him perceptible through us in every place! 15 For to God we are a sweet odor of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the latter ones an odor issuing from death to death, to the former ones an odor issuing from life to life. And who is adequately qualified for these things?
So the sons of the kingdom will not dilute the standards of righteousness of the Bible according to the world's popular trends. There is no future for those who practice murder, steal, sexual immorality including homosexuality, lies, spiritism, idolatry.
Felix did not want to hear such a message.
Joh 3:19-21
19 Now this is the basis for judgment, that the light has come into the world but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. 20 For he that practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved. 21 But he that does what is true comes to the light, in order that his works may be made manifest as having been worked in harmony with God.”
In front of King Agrippa II
➡ kings and rulers in Satan's worldTwo years later at around the 58 CE, Roman governor Felix was replaced with Festus. So the Jews asked the Festus to summon Paul to Sanhedrin. However, Festus did not consent.
Ac 25:1-7
1 Therefore Festus, after entering upon the [government of the] province, went up three days later to Jerusalem from Caes·a·re′a; 2 and the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews gave him information against Paul. So they began to entreat him, 3 asking for themselves as a favor against the [man] that he would send for him to come to Jerusalem, as they were laying an ambush to do away with him along the road. 4 However, Festus answered that Paul was to be kept in Caes·a·re′a and that he himself was about to depart shortly for there. 5 "Hence let those who are in power among YOU," he said, "come down with me and accuse him, if there is anything out of the way about the man."
6 So when he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caes·a·re′a, and the next day he sat down on the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought in. 7 When he arrived, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, leveling against him many and serious charges for which they were unable to show evidence.
Then in Festus' court Paul defends his innocence and appeals to Caesar.
Caesar of that times (Emperor of Rome) is Nero.
A few days later, when Herod Agrippa II who is a king appointed by the Roman Empire visited Roman Governor Festus in courtesy, Paul's testimonies were made to the king.
Festus tells to the King Agrippa about Paul's trial as follows.
Ac 25:18-23
18 Taking the stand, the accusers produced no charge of the wicked things I had supposed concerning him. 19 They simply had certain disputes with him concerning their own worship of the deity and concerning a certain Jesus who was dead but who Paul kept asserting was alive. 20 So, being perplexed as to the dispute over these matters, I proceeded to ask if he would like to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be kept for the decision by the August One, I commanded him to be kept until I should send him on up to Caesar."
22 Here A·grip′pa [said] to Festus: "I myself would also like to hear the man." "Tomorrow," he said, "you shall hear him." 23 Therefore, on the next day, A·grip′pa and Ber·ni′ce came with much pompous show and entered into the audience chamber together with military commanders as well as men of eminence in the city, and when Festus gave the command, Paul was brought in.
Agrippa II and his wife Bernice are both real children of Agrippa I so they are real brother and sister. When his father Agrippa I died in 44 AD, he was 17 years old, so he was 31 years old in 58 CE and Paul was around the mid-50s.
In front of the ➡ king Agrippa II
4 "Indeed, as to the manner of life from youth up that I led from [the] beginning among my nation and in Jerusalem, all the Jews 5 that have been previously acquainted with me from the first know, if they but wish to bear witness, that according to the strictest sect of our form of worship I lived a Pharisee. 6 And yet now for the hope of the promise that was made by God to our forefathers I stand called to judgment; 7 whereas our twelve tribes are hoping to attain to the fulfillment of this promise by intensely rendering him sacred service night and day. Concerning this hope I am accused by Jews, O king.
8 "Why is it judged unbelievable among YOU men that God raises up the dead? 9 I, for one, really thought within myself I ought to commit many acts of opposition against the name of Jesus the Naz·a·rene′; 10 which, in fact, I did in Jerusalem, and many of the holy ones I locked up in prisons, as I had received authority from the chief priests; and when they were to be executed, I cast my vote against them. 11 And by punishing them many times in all the synagogues I tried to force them to make a recantation; and since I was extremely mad against them, I went so far as to persecuting them even in outside cities.
Notice the following points.
Paul worshiped the god of the Jewish ancestors that is YHWH God according to the method of worship of the Pharisee. His trial has nothing to do with civil lawsuit or criminal offenses. It is about religious faith and hope.
What is at issue is the promises made to the fathers.
That hope relates to the resurrection of the dead.
Paul worships the same God as the Jews worship, and there is no issue in this.
Paul doesn't suddenly begin saying that God is the Trinity of "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" nor God is now called Jesus. Such assertions do not exist in Paul's testimony nor in the rest of the Bible.
Therefore, the assertion that God is the mysterious Trinity and God is now called Jesus is not in the good news of Christ in the first place.
It is the teaching of Satan's deception to mislead people from the good news of God's Christ.
The issue of Paul's religious trial is about the Savior promised to the forefathers. Paul's trial is about on the resurrection of Messiah (Christ).
The Jews did not recognize Jesus the Nazarene as a Messiah from the beginning despite the testimony accompanied by miracles from God. They refused God's Messiah and executed Jesus by Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.
But God resurrected Jesus, and his resurrection is the guarantee of the realization of the Messianic hope in the future.
And Paul became a witness to the resurrection of that Messiah.
Initially, Paul, a Pharisee did not believe the resurrection of Jesus. Rather, he persecuted Jesus' disciples like other Jews. He did not believe in Jesus the Nazarene as Christ.
But, later Paul encountered the resurrected Jesus on the way to Damascus for the persecution of Christians.
Ac 26:12-18
12 "Amid these efforts as I was journeying to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests, 13 I saw at midday on the road, O king, a light beyond the brilliance of the sun flash from heaven about me and about those journeying with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground I heard a voice say to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? To keep kicking against the goads makes it hard for you.' 15 But I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 Nevertheless, rise and stand on your feet. For to this end I have made myself visible to you, in order to choose you as an attendant and a witness both of things you have seen and things I shall make you see respecting me; 17 while I deliver you from [this] people and from the nations, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, in order for them to receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by [their] faith in me.'
Notice the following points.
Here, Jesus is speaking to Paul in Hebrew.
So, it can be said that the New Testament was written in Hebrew first, then was translated into Aramaic and Greek in later.
And, the resurrection of Christ is the good news not for the Jews only, but for the nations also.
Ac 26:19-23
19 "Wherefore, King A·grip′pa, I did not become disobedient to the heavenly sight, 20 but both to those in Damascus first and to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Ju·de′a, and to the nations I went bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance. 21 On account of these things Jews seized me in the temple and attempted to slay me. 22 However, because I have obtained the help that is from God I continue to this day bearing witness to both small and great, but saying nothing except things the Prophets as well as Moses stated were going to take place, 23 that the Christ was to suffer and, as the first to be resurrected from the dead, he was going to publish light both to this people and to the nations."
What is the good news of Christ?
Judging from the testimony of Paul and other apostles, it indicates that it is a good news about the resurrection of Christ.
Jews, as well as people from other nations, can become heirs of the promise with Christ by believing in Him. It is not the end times prophecy nor a mystery of God Trinity.
The Christendom and the Watchtower fail to preach this good news of Christ and his kingdom. They are counterfeit Christians.
Mt 7:15-23
15 "Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep's covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; 18 a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men].
21 "Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?' 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness.
The rulers of the world will also be able to hear the good news of Christ in the same manner as other people.
Ac 26:24-29
24 Now as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice: "You are going mad, Paul! Great learning is driving you into madness!" 25 But Paul said: "I am not going mad, Your Excellency Festus, but I am uttering sayings of truth and of soundness of mind. 26 In reality, the king to whom I am speaking with freeness of speech well knows about these things; for I am persuaded that not one of these things escapes his notice, for this thing has not been done in a corner. 27 Do you, King A·grip′pa, believe the Prophets? I know you believe." 28 But A·grip′pa said to Paul: "In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian." 29 At this Paul said: "I could wish to God that whether in a short time or in a long time not only you but also all those who hear me today would become men such as I also am, with the exception of these bonds.""
Notice the following points.
The works and resurrection of Christ carried out under the gaze of the Roman Empire, not in a corner of the world. It was an undeniable witness with powerful miracle in the presence of the public.
Christians are witnesses to the resurrection of Christ.
Paul wants all people who are listening to the testimony of him, including King Agrippa II to believe in Christ.
We too as Christians hope others to believe in resurrected Christ so as to become the heirs of the promise.
Listening to Paul's testimony, kings did not consider him the criminals of the Roman Empire.
Ac 26:30-32
30 And the king rose and so did the governor and Ber·ni′ce and the men seated with them. 31 But as they withdrew they began talking with one another, saying: "This man practices nothing deserving death or bonds." 32 Moreover, A·grip′pa said to Festus: "This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar."
The difference between Paul's trial and Watchtower's trial
What can we learn from Paul's trialPaul's court case is not civil or criminal proceedings like the Watchtower Society is in it now. The recent trial of the Watchtower Society is not due to the religious persecution like the first-century Christians including Paul experienced, no matter how you look at it.
The Watchtower Society has been sued from believers for many mishandling of the sexual abuse victims in their organizations due to their erroneous application of scriptures.
➡ hidden sin
➡ Two witnesses rule
The lawsuit against Watchtower Society is nothing but the reward of the evil as written in the following verses.
Ro 13:1-4
1 Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. 2 Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves. 3 For those ruling are an object of fear, not to the good deed, but to the bad. Do you, then, want to have no fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it; 4 for it is God's minister to you for your good. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is God's minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad.
1Pe 2:20
20 For what merit is there in it if, when YOU are sinning and being slapped, YOU endure it?
The governing body of the Watchtower Society is not faithful nor discreet, and their teachings are deceptive.
Jeffrey Jackson's remarks at the Royal Commission hearings in Australia show that despite decades of Bible study, the governing body lacked a basic understanding of Scripture.
They do not know the Bible, and their unique teachings are bogus, it is the result of their arrogance that does not accept the correction and advice of improvement from others.
Jehovah's Witnesses in Australia:
testimony of Geoffrey Jackson (summary)
testimony of Geoffrey Jackson (summary)
Australia investigation Jehovah's Witnesses Leader Jackson 2015 8-14 PART 1
[Day 8; Part 2]Governing Body, Geoffrey Jackson - Jehovah's Witnesses Child Sexual Abuse: 2015-08-14
Along the way up to Rome
The hostility of the Jews gave Paul the opportunity to testify before kings and rulers. Paul is sent to Rome to stand before Caesar.Paul was escorted by an officer named Julius to Italy by ship.
Julius showed Paul human kindness by giving him freedom of action.
It is written that the time has been past the fasting of the Day of Atonement, so it would have occurred at the end of September or at the beginning of October in 58 CE.
Paul predicted the voyage to become dangerous judging from the situation because he had already experienced three times of the shipwreck. So, Paul proposed them to stay at "Fair Havens" for the winter without sailing any further.
But, shipowner and many others were hoping to spend the winter at Phoenix a little more westward than "Fair Havens."
Opportunely, the south wind has started blowing gently, so they view it as a sign of good to go, then sail to the Phoenix.
Soon a tempest called Euroaquilo started tossing their boat up and down, and they were at the mercy of the storm for many days.
Situation became critical.
Ac 27:20-44
20 When, now, neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no little tempest was lying upon us, all hope of our being saved finally began to be cut off. 21 And when there had been a long abstinence from food, then Paul stood up in the midst of them and said: "Men, YOU certainly ought to have taken my advice and not have put out to sea from Crete and have sustained this damage and loss. 22 Still, now I recommend to YOU to be of good cheer, for not a soul of YOU will be lost, only the boat will. 23 For this night there stood near me an angel of the God to whom I belong and to whom I render sacred service, 24 saying, 'Have no fear, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and, look! God has freely given you all those sailing with you.' 25 Therefore be of good cheer, men; for I believe God that it will be exactly as it has been told me. 26 However, we must be cast ashore on a certain island."
27 Now as the fourteenth (14th) night fell and we were being tossed to and fro on the [sea of] A′dri·a, at midnight the sailors began to suspect they were drawing near to some land. 28 And they sounded the depth and found it twenty fathoms; so they proceeded a short distance and again made a sounding and found it fifteen fathoms. 29 And because of fearing we might be cast somewhere upon the rocks, they cast out four anchors from the stern and began wishing for it to become day. 30 But when the sailors began seeking to escape from the boat and lowered the skiff into the sea under the pretense of intending to let down anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the army officer and the soldiers: "Unless these men remain in the boat, YOU cannot be saved." 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33 Now close to the approach of day Paul began to encourage one and all to take some food, saying: "Today is the fourteenth (14th) day YOU have been on the watch and YOU are continuing without food, having taken nothing for yourselves. 34 Therefore I encourage YOU to take some food, for this is in the interest of YOUR safety; for not a hair of the head of one of YOU will perish." 35 After he said this, he also took a loaf, gave thanks to God before them all and broke it and started eating. 36 So they all became cheerful and themselves began taking some food. 37 Now, all together, we souls in the boat were two hundred and seventy-six (276). 38 When they had been satisfied with food, they proceeded to lighten the boat by throwing the wheat overboard into the sea.
39 Finally when it became day, they could not recognize the land but they were observing a certain bay with a beach, and on this they were determined, if they could, to beach the boat. 40 So, cutting away the anchors, they let them fall into the sea, at the same time loosing the lashings of the rudder oars and, after hoisting the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. 41 When they lighted upon a shoal washed on each side by the sea, they ran the ship aground and the prow got stuck and stayed immovable, but the stern began to be violently broken to pieces. 42 At this it became the determination of the soldiers to kill the prisoners, that no one might swim away and escape. 43 But the army officer desired to bring Paul safely through and restrained them from their purpose. And he commanded those able to swim to cast themselves into the sea and make it to land first, 44 and the rest to do so, some upon planks and some upon certain things from the boat. And thus it came about that all were brought safely to land.
All the goods and the ship were lost except life of 276 passengers as Paul predicted.
The voyage from Jerusalem was difficult due to the strong headwinds from the beginning, but the owner of the ship and others did not listen to the advice of Paul who had experiences of the shipwreck.
What lesson can we draw from this incident?
We can learn that we shouldn't look lightly the circumstantial evidence that indicates the problem and should consider seriously the warning of an experienced person.
Let's apply the lessons to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has excited people with bogus prophecies until today from the Russell era. And they have raised their authority up above other believers as the sole channel of the Bible understanding.
Their history is that of prevarication of failed prophecies. In addition to that, recently they have gained negative publicity for the exposure of the disgraceful cover-up attempt of pedophiles.
The course of the Jehovah's Witnesses has loosed momentum by a strong headwind.
Advice of many brothers and sisters who experienced shipwreck in the organizations is "get out of this bogus organization."
You will lose everything other than your own life if you continue the voyage with this bogus organization.
276 passengers of the shipwrecked vessel who landed on Malta island received human kindness from the islanders.
Because of the rain when the landing happened it was cold, so the islanders of Malta provided the survivors of the shipwreck with a bonfire on the beach.
When Paul put the brushwood to the bonfire, a viper coiled around his hand. The islanders have seen the viper winding around the hands of Paul, and reasoned that this man is a murderer, because even if being saved from the sea, he was punished by justice.
Paul shook off the entangled viper into the fire. He was also not harmed. So the islanders watching Paul for a long time changed their mind and began to say "this man is a God."
Then Paul healed the principal man named Pubilius' father's fever and dysentery. Because of this the islanders brought many sick people to the place of Paul. And all were cured.
276 survivors and the islanders of Malta saw the works of God through Paul.
We don't know if the storm and the viper are coincidence, or there was a work of evil spirits behind.
But it is for sure that Christ was with Paul and there was the manifestation of God's power in those difficulties.
Then people were helped to see God's power and have faith in God and Christ from these experiences.
Paul must have learned through the experiences that difficulties would provide an opportunity of convincing witness about God and his power.
Endurance for the right thing never fail to be rewarded.
God is paying attention to the righteous person, and he can end the adversity, and can also reverse the situation for good if necessary.
Even the righteous person's death will become the glory of God.
The party sets sail with an Alexandrian ship after spending the winter in three months in Malta island. They move ahead on to Syracuse, then to Rhegium, then to Puteoli.
They met the brothers in Puteoli, and stayed there in 7 days, then they left for Rome.
Paul in Rome
Roman brothers who have heard the news about Paul's party came to meet them as far as the Marketplace of Ap′pi·us and Three Taverns.Paul was allowed to stay alone in a rented house with soldier's watch in Rome.
Paul talks about the reason of his coming to Rome and about the Christ also to those who are prominent Jews in Rome.
Ac 28:17-23
17 However, three days later he called together those who were the principal men of the Jews. When they had assembled, he proceeded to say to them: "Men, brothers, although I had done nothing contrary to the people or the customs of our forefathers, I was delivered over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 And these, after making an examination, were desirous of releasing me, as there was no cause for death in me. 19 But when the Jews kept speaking against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, but not as though I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 Really on this account I entreated to see and speak to YOU, for because of the hope of Israel this chain I have around me." 21 They said to him: "Neither have we received letters concerning you from Ju·de′a, nor has anyone of the brothers that has arrived reported or spoken anything wicked about you. 22 But we think it proper to hear from you what your thoughts are, for truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."
23 They now arranged for a day with him, and they came in greater numbers to him in his lodging place. And he explained the matter to them by bearing thorough witness concerning the kingdom of God and by using persuasion with them concerning Jesus from both the law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
What can be noted here is, Christianity is a sect of Judaism.
Paul used to be the Pharisees of Judaism, and he has worshiped the same God as other Jews. He encountered the resurrected Jesus (Messiah), thus he became a witness of Jesus' resurrection. He became believing in Jesus the Nazarene as God's Messiah.
The only difference between Jews and Christian is whether they accept Jesus as God's Messiah or not.
Christian is a person who becomes a witness of the Christ's resurrection. They believe Jesus as God's Messiah
Jews believe in the same God as Christians, but do not believe in Jesus as God's Messiah.
So, Paul teaches from morning till night to prove from the Bible that Jesus the Nazarene is the God's Messiah to the Jewish people. Paul doesn't talk about the chronological calculation of the prophecies of the last days which no one can know, nor the Trinity doctrine which is incomprehensible and unexplainable.
Teaching of bogus trinity is not Christian origin, but pagan origin.
Paul is claiming that "Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) of God."
He is not claiming that "Jesus is the God."
Jews who listen to this well aware that God and the God's Messiah are different beings.
As to the God's nature in Judaism, there is no such an idea of Trinity common in pagan Babylonians and Egyptians. Paul is also a Jew, even most religious one, and there is no discrepancy between Jews and Paul in understanding of God's nature.
Both of them, Paul and Jews believe in the true God YHWH, the God of their forefathers. YHWH God is the most high, the creator of everything, the souse of life and every good thing. He is not a part of incomprehensible, unexplainable Trinity designed by Satan to mislead people form the true God and his means of saving that is His Christ.
Religious leaders and believers of the Christendom can not understand the Trinity nor can explain it in a manner that everybody can understand directly. Why? Because it is lie.
The Christendom transformed the true God in the Bible into the alien God of Trinity. Since it can't be explainable, they call it mystery and make it untouchable and continue deceiving sitting ducks.
What can not be understood by the human intellect who has the image of God can't be true.
Lie is complicated and impossible to explain directly.
It confuses clear understanding.
So, they call it an esoteric point.
On the other hand the truth is straightforward and can understood directly and can be explained easily. No one miss the point, when it comes to the truth.
Only those who love the lie reject the truth according to their desire and sophistic reasoning.
Paul's arguments with Jews were not of Trinity, nor of chronological calculation of the end time prophecy. It was the resurrection of Jesus the Nazarene, Messiah.
Then, what was the result of his witness to the Jews?
Ac 28:24-31
24 And some began to believe the things said; others would not believe. 25 So, because they were at disagreement with one another, they began to depart, while Paul made this one comment:
"The holy spirit aptly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to YOUR forefathers, 26 saying, 'Go to this people and say: "By hearing, YOU will hear but by no means understand; and, looking, YOU will look but by no means see. 27 For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes; that they should never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn back, and I should heal them."' 28 Therefore let it be known to YOU that this, the means by which God saves, has been sent out to the nations; they will certainly listen to it." 29--
Although Jews believe in the same God the majority of them did not believe God's Messiah, due to wrong expectation of Messiah according to their wish. So the good news of Christ is now to be sent out to the nations.
Paul welcomed visitors to the rented house in Rome and taught them about God's Messiah for 2 years in 59-61CE.
Also he wrote following inspired books there.
A letter to Ephesians 60-61CE
Philippians 60-61CE
Colossians 60-61CE
Philemon 60-61CE
Hebrews 61CE
There is no mention of the Trinity nor the chronological calculation of the end time prophecy in these Paul's writings.
Then Paul is tried in Roman court, and Emperor Nero acquits him and releases him.
Paul who was released resumes missionary work with Timothy and Titus. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete, and he wrote the letter to both of them perhaps from Macedonia. (1Ti 1:3, Titus 1:5)
1Timothy 61-64 CE
Titus 61-64 CE
Whether Paul could go to Spain is unknown.
In 64 CE a disastrous fire devouring a quarter of city of Rome occurred and Nero blamed Christian for the disaster in order to protect himself. As a result, a wave of intense persecution arose.
In 65 CE Paul once again became a prisoner in Rome. A second letter of Timothy was written around that time. In that letter Paul mentioned the closeness of the end of his life.
2 Ti 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the due time for my releasing is imminent. 7 I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. 8 From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his manifestation.
Paul's life
33 CE conversion of Saul of Tarsus from Pharisees to Christian apostle Paul
47-48 CE 1st missionary tour (Cyprus, Pisidia's Antioch, Iconium, Lystra)
48-49 CE Circumcision issue (Jerusalem)
49-52 CE 2nd missionary tour (harvest in Macedonia)
52-56 CE 3rd missionary tour (harvest in Ephesus)
56-59 CE to Rome (shipwreck and Malta Island)
59-65 CE the final missionary work
Paul's other letters
1Thessalonians (in Corinth, 2nd missionary tour in 50 CE)
2Thessalonians (in Corinth, 2nd missionary tour in 51CE)
Galatians (in Corinth or Syrian Antioch in 2 nd missionary tour in 50-52 CE)
1Corinthians (in Ephesus 3rd missionary tour in 55 CE)
2Corinthians (in Macedonia 3rd missionary tour in 55 CE)
Romans (Corinth in 3rd missionary tour in 56 CE)
In these Paul's writings there is also no argument of the Trinity nor the chronological calculation of the end time prophecy, and there is nor such an bogus ideas in the rest of the Christian Greek Scriptures.
A former persecutor a zealous Pharisee Saul of Tarsus was a Christ's chosen vessel for the nations. His hardship was foretold.
Ac 9:15-16
15 But the Lord said to him: "Be on your way, because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel. 16 For I shall show him plainly how many things he must suffer for my name."
2 Co 11:23-29 (written in Macedonia during the 3rd missionary tour)
23 Are they ministers of Christ? I reply like a madman, I am more outstandingly one: in labors more plentifully, in prisons more plentifully, in blows to an excess, in near-deaths often. 24 By Jews I five times received forty strokes less one, 25 three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I experienced shipwreck, a night and a day I have spent in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from highwaymen, in dangers from [my own] race, in dangers from the nations, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brothers, 27 in labor and toil, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, in abstinence from food many times, in cold and nakedness.
28 Besides those things of an external kind, there is what rushes in on me from day to day, the anxiety for all the congregations. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is stumbled, and I am not incensed?
Paul worked hard out of appreciation of the excessive kindness of Christ.
1 Ti 1:12-16
12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, 13 although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith. 14 But the undeserved kindness of our Lord abounded exceedingly along with faith and love that is in connection with Christ Jesus. 15 Faithful and deserving of full acceptance is the saying that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am foremost. 16 Nevertheless, the reason why I was shown mercy was that by means of me as the foremost case Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his long-suffering for a sample of those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life.
All the sons of the kingdom have the same attitudes and spirit as Paul demonstrated.
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