New Testament Bible Meditation- April 30 - Text & Audio

Romans Chapter 3 verses 19 to 31

Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God. Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what manner of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.


Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn't he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.

Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.

Insight- Both the circumcised and uncircumcised, meaning both Jew and Gentile, are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. This is apart from works. The price has already been paid for the sins of humanity by Jesus Christ on the cross. No one can add to that work or say that it is incomplete. When Jesus cried out “It’s finished” on the cross, his work was complete according to the Father’s requirements. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith, it is the gift of God, it is not by works, so that no one can boast.

Question- Are you one who believes that works are required to achieve salvation or do you believe that salvation is a gift from God to all who believe in Jesus Christ? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, let your grace be sufficient for me this day and always as I have put my trust in Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 29 - Text & Audio

Romans Chapter 3 verses 1 to 18 

Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?
Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, "That you might be justified in your words, And might prevail when you come into judgment."
But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
May it never be! For then how will God judge the world?
For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may come?" Those who say so are justly condemned.
What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.
As it is written, "There is no one righteous. No, not one.
There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, No, not, so much as one."
"Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit." "The poison of vipers is under their lips;"
"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."
"Their feet are swift to shed blood.
Destruction and misery are in their ways.
The way of peace, they haven't known."
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Those were verses 1 to 18 from Romans Chapter 3

Insight- Our lack of faith does not nullify the faithfulness of God. Mankind has rebelled against God and his authority under the influence of the devil and thus are in peril of eternal damnation, but the blessing of eternal life remains for all who through faith accept the sacrificial sin atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
but are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Question- Do you believe that salvation and eternal life are gifts from God for all who believe in the sin atoning work of Jesus Christ?

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, grant me grace to forsake all wickedness and live a life pleasing to you at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 28 - Text & Audio

Romans Chapter 2 verses 17 to 29 

Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,
and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.
You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? You who preach that a man shouldn't steal, do you steal? You who say a man shouldn't commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God?
For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it is written.
For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?
Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

Those were verses 17 to 29  from Romans Chapter 2

Insight- Paul the Apostle exhorts the believers in Rome that a true Jew is not one who is circumcised outwardly, but one whose heart or spirit is circumcised, meaning one who truly obeys God's word and is faithful to him. The Jews in those days gloried in their being circumcised but did not have a true relationship with God and Paul tells them that such faith is worthless. Those who have a true relationship with God are commended by God and don't have to search for praise from men.

Question- How's your relationship with God? Are you circumcised in your spirit? Are you seeking praise from men? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, grant me grace to truly love you and obey your word at all times.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 27 - Text & Audio

Romans Chapter 2 verses 1 to 16 

Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.
We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:" to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruptibility, eternal life; but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation, oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, on the Jew first, and also on the Greek.
But glory and honor and peace to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.
For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

Those were verses 1 to 16 from Romans Chapter 2

Insight- Paul here affirms that there is no partiality with God and he will pay back to everyone according to their works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruptibility, eternal life; but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and indignation, oppression and anguish. It's not those who merely hear the word of God that are considered righteous before God but those who hear and obey.

Question- Are you one who merely hears the word of God or are you one who hears and obeys it too? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, grant me grace to not only hear your word but also obey it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 26 - Text & Audio

Romans Chapter 1 verses 16 to 32 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.
Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

Those were verses 16 to 32 from Romans Chapter 1

Insight- The Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for he was convinced that it was the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes in the sin atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Men and women have become worshipers of creation rather than the Creator and are involved in all kinds of sins and unrighteousness thereby bringing God's wrath and eternal punishment on themselves.

Question- Do you believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation for all mankind? Are you ashamed of the gospel? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, grant me grace not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ and worship the Creator and be thankful to him at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 25 - Text & Audio

Romans Chapter 1 verses 1 to 15

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake; among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.
For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.
Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.
So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Those were verses 1 to 15 from Romans Chapter 1

Insight- Paul thanks God for the believers in Rome for their faith that is widely known. He tells them that he always prays for them and longs to visit them so that they may be spiritually enriched and that he and the Roman believers may be encouraged by each other's faith. The church at Rome was not one that was founded by Apostle Paul, yet he desired to visit them to fellowship with them and encourage them with the divine knowledge that he had received from God regarding the Gospel.

Question- Do you fellowship with other believers and encourage them with your words and actions or do you worry about your own self mostly? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, help me to care for my fellow believers and encourage them with my words to strengthen their spiritual life. In Jesus'

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 24 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 28 verses 11 to 31 

After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."
Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.
From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli, where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.
From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.
When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.
But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
They said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.
But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."
When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.
Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers,
saying, 'Go to this people, and say, In hearing, you will hear, But will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, But will in no way perceive.
For this people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their heart, And would turn again, And I would heal them.'
"Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles. They will also listen."
When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,
preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

Those were Acts Chapter 28 verses 11 to 31

Insight- When Paul entered Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
He stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,
preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance. God had a ministry for Paul, the prisoner and he did it gladly for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Question- Do you believe that God can remove every hindrance that Satan places in your path and give you boldness to testify regarding Jesus even in the midst of difficulties?

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, grant me boldness in the midst of trials to be a faithful witness of my Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 23 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 28 verses 1 to 10 

When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."
However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed.
But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.
It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.
They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

Those were verses 1 to 10 from Acts Chapter 28

Insight- Very unexpectedly, but all according to God's divine plan, Paul arrived on the island of Malta. The chief man of the island, Publius received Paul and his friends and was kind and generous to them. Publius' father lay sick of fever and dysentery and Paul prayed, laying his hands on him, healed him. When this was done, all who had diseases in the island came, and were cured. The people of the island honored Paul and his friends and they stayed there for three months. This was an unexpected ministry for Paul in the midst of a dangerous journey to Rome, yet God was watching over him at all times.

Question- Do you think this part of Paul's life was ordained by God or did it happen by chance? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, be with me in all my journey's, go before me when I travel and be my guide and protector at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 22 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 27 verses 21 to 44 

When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.
Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve,
saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'
Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.
But we must run aground on a certain island."
But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land.
They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.
As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these stay in the ship, you can't be saved."
Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.
While the day was coming on, Paul begged them all to take some food, saying, "This day is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing.
Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads."
When he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it, and began to eat.
Then they all cheered up, and they also took food.
In all, we were two hundred seventy six souls on the ship.
When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
When it was day, they didn't recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.
Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.
The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape.
But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land; and the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So it happened that they all escaped safely to the land.

Those were verses 21 to 44 from Acts Chapter 27

Insight- God had spoken clearly to Paul about things that were going to happen. There would be no loss of life, but the ship that the two hundred and seventy six people were traveling in would be destroyed. For fourteen days, none of them had eaten any food. Paul assured them that none of them would die. He took bread, gave thanks to God in the presence of all, broke it, and began to eat. Then they all cheered up, and also had food. As Paul had prophesied, they all escaped safely to land, though the ship was destroyed when they ran the vessel aground.

Question- Do you give heed to godly counsel that others give you? Do you despise prophecies? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in heaven, grant me grace to hear your voice and be obedient to it and also accept godly counsel given by other believers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 19 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 25 verses 1 to 27  

Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

Then the high priest and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they begged him,

asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way.

However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly.

"Let them therefore," said he, "that are in power among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."

When he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat, and commanded Paul to be brought.

When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove, while he said in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all."

But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and be judged by me there concerning these things?"

But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well.

For if I have done wrong, and have committed anything worthy of death, I don't refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!"

Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go."

Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the King and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus.

As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix; about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him.

To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.

When therefore they had come together here, I didn't delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought.

Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed;

but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

Being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters.

But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar."

Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," he said, "you shall hear him."

So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him.

Of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination, I may have something to write.

For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him."

Those were verses 1 to 27 from Acts Chapter 25

Insight- The chief priests and the elders of the Jews wanted to kill Paul and asked Festus to send him back from Caesarea to Jerusalem, but Festus did not agree to that. When questioned by Festus in Caesarea, Paul spoke about himself being innocent and Festus also did not find any wrong doing concerning Paul worthy of punishment. Festus asked Paul whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem to be judged, but he declined and asked for his case to be decided by Caesar and Festus agreed to that. Later on Paul was brought before King Agrippa, because Festus was not able to write any accusation about Paul to Caesar; he asked for King Agrippa to review Paul’s case.

Question- Do you believe God was in control of all things regarding Paul’s life, considering the way he was being harassed by his enemies? Think about it. 

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, help me to believe that you are in control of all things concerning my life at all times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 18 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 24 verses 1 to 27  

After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.

When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation, we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.

For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him.

But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands,

By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him."

The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.

When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense, seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.

In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.

Nor can they prove to you the things whereof they now accuse me.

But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.

Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;

amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.

They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.

Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,

unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!'"

But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."

He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.

But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.

As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you."

Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.

But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Those were verses 1 to 27 from Acts Chapter 24

Insight- Tertullus called Paul a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. The Jews also joined in the verbal attack, affirming what he said. Paul in his defense, told Felix that he was innocent of any wrong doing and followed the Way and served God Almighty faithfully. He spoke about the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Felix gave orders that Paul be kept in custody and gave him a few privileges. Later Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you." Meanwhile, he also hoped that Paul would give him money so that he might release him.

Question- Do you believe God gives enough opportunities to all people so that they know about salvation through Jesus Christ and about judgment on unrepentant sinners?

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, have mercy on my friends and family who are yet to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Let your Holy Spirit lead them in the paths of righteousness and eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 17 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 23 verses 12 to 35  

When it was day, some of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

There were more than forty people who had made this conspiracy.

They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.

Now therefore, you with the council inform the commanding officer that he should bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge his case more exactly. We are ready to kill him before he comes near."

But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul.

Paul summoned one of the centurions, and said, "Bring this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to tell him."

So he took him, and brought him to the commanding officer, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."

The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

He said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

Therefore don't yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you."

So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me."

He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen, and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night."

He asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

He wrote a letter like this:

"Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

"This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them, when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell."

So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

But on the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the barracks.

When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.

When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,

"I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive." He commanded that he be kept in Herod's palace.

Those were verses 12 to 35 from Acts Chapter 23    

Insight- 40 men put themselves under an oath neither to eat or drink till having killed Paul, but God thwarted their plans and Paul was sent away to Caesarea by the commanding officer. Some people fast for the wrong reasons, here, to murder a man who was preaching salvation through Jesus Christ. God will keep his servants safe till it is their time to enter in to glory. It was not yet time for Paul to die. He had still to do a lot for the kingdom of God and God kept him safe.

Question- Do you believe it is God alone who keeps you safe? Do you believe he can do it each and every day of your earthly life?

Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven, keep me and my family safe from evil people. Do not let their evil plans against me succeed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 16 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 22 verses 22 to 30, Acts Chapter 23 verses 1 to 11 

They listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice, and said, "Rid the earth of this fellow, for he isn't fit to live!"

As they cried out, and threw off their cloaks, and threw dust into the air, the commanding officer commanded him to be brought into the barracks, ordering him to be examined by scourging, that he might know for what crime they shouted against him like that.

When they had tied him up with thongs, Paul asked the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and not found guilty?"

When the centurion heard it, he went to the commanding officer and told him, "Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman!"

The commanding officer came and asked him, "Tell me, are you a Roman?" He said, "Yes."

The commanding officer answered, "I bought my citizenship for a great price." Paul said, "But I was born a Roman."

Immediately those who were about to examine him departed from him, and the commanding officer also was afraid when he realized that he was a Roman, because he had bound him.

But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from the bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day."

The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

Those who stood by said, "Do you malign God's high priest?"

Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these.

A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees part stood up, and contended, saying, "We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let's not fight against God!"

When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.

The following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, "Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."

Those were verses 22 to 30 from Acts Chapter 22 & verses 1 to 11 from Acts Chapter 23

Insight- When Paul was in the barracks, God spoke to him and said, "Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."

It was in God’s plan that Paul should testify about Jesus Christ in Rome and in the fullness of God’s time, we read in the last Chapter of the book of Acts that Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who went in to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

Question- Has God spoken to you about his plans for you in the coming years? Do you seek his face in prayer regarding what he wants you to do for his kingdom? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in heaven, speak to me specifically what you want me to do for your kingdom in the coming times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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New Testament Bible Meditation- April 15 - Text & Audio

Acts Chapter 21 verses 31 to 40 & Acts Chapter 22 verses 1 to 21 

As they were trying to kill Paul, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Immediately he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Paul.

Then the commanding officer came near, arrested him, commanded him to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done.

Some shouted one thing, and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn't find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.

When he came to the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd; for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!"

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, "May I speak to you?" He said, "Do you know Greek?

Aren't you then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?"

But Paul said, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people."

When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

"Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you."

When they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet. He said,

"I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are this day.

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

As also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and traveled to Damascus to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.

It happened that, as I made my journey, and came close to Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from the sky a great light around me.

I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'

I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.'

"Those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they didn't understand the voice of him who spoke to me.

I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.'

When I couldn't see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,

came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' In that very hour I looked up at him.

He said, 'The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth.

For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard.

Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

"It happened that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance, and saw him saying to me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.'

I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed in you.

When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting to his death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed him.'

"He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.'"

Those were verses 31 to 40 from Acts Chapter 21 & verses 1 to 21 from Acts Chapter 22

Insight- Paul never shied away from giving his testimony to anyone, be it his friends or detractors. He spoke to them about how God saved his life more than once and how God had appointed him to be a minister to the Gentiles. God spoke to Paul specifically on many occasions when his life was in danger and told him what course of action to take.

He was persecuted many times for being a witness for Jesus Christ, but he kept his faith. At the end of his life, he could boldly say, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.”

Question- Do you shy away from giving your testimony regarding Jesus Christ? Does God speak to you about coming dangers and show you the way out? If God spoke to Paul, should he not be speaking to you too? Think about it.

Prayer- Dear Father in heaven, grant me boldness to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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