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Monday, September 29, 2014

Virtue; Gaining Glory & Virtue; Martyrs of the First Century Churches on Repeat; Ignatius Hopes for Martyrdom

The first century believers seem to have had a strong message of virtue. Clement and Ignatius continually reminded people to put off envy which causes a lot of trouble, but instead to walk in humility. That virtue is still relatively foreign to our world. Living virtuous in a world that celebrates immorality, this is our quest. Movies today tend to celebrate bank heists, illicit lovers, and evil empires overcoming the good. While it may be normal for humans to think about conniving their way to the top, we are called to something greater, we are called to glory and virtue. Our life on earth is a testing of our character and a revealing of our heart. If we are to make sense of our world we have to understand virtue. Sometimes people are made to feel ashamed of living virtuously, instead of the opposite which is shaming those who do not live virtuously. Virtue is something the world could use more of and that is what people will see when they see us. The first century believers repeated this message and went a step further, they wanted to be martyred for Christ. One such man, Ignatius, writes the churches asking people to pray that the beasts would tear him apart. What a strange concept for us, however there will come a time when there will be many martyred for Christ after the called out are called up. There is no other way to Jesus during the tribulation. Nevertheless, virtue is the character trait that we need to walk in today.

The word virtue is used in two different applications. It is used in place of the word “power”, dunamis in the Greek, with regards to Jesus when people would touch him, he had virtue or miraculous power leave him. Those usages should have been translated power or miraculous power rather than virtue. However, as we will see, virtue does exude from us. And Jesus’ virtue made his blood so pure it was able to tear the temple veil so that we all could enter into the Holy of Holies. Virtue is part of our character and should be understood as an important way to live.

NT:703 aretee, aretees, hee  any excellence of a person (in body or mind) or of a thing, an eminent endowment, property or quality
1. a virtuous course of thought, feeling and action; virtue, moral goodness 2 Peter 1:5
2. any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity Phil 4:8
(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:703 arete (ar-et'-ay); from the same as NT:730; properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed):KJV - praise, virtue.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Paul tells us to think on certain things, things that are good and honest and just. This means that it is possible to direct our minds to think the way we know we should, rather than letting our mind run wild or plan and scheme immorally.

Phil 4:7-9 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue [703] and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. AMP

If we focus on thinking on virtuous things we will have peace and tranquility. Think of how wonderful it is to simply live in peace. If we practice this we will have peace. Who knew that directing our thoughts to virtue could bring us perfect peace?  Peter elaborates on virtue but for some reason the translators used the word praises for virtue, but let’s read this as virtue and see what it means.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises [703 virtue] of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: KJV

We, you and I, are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people that show the virtue of Jesus who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Jesus had virtue and we are to have virtue. Peter also tells us that His divine power gives us life and godliness because of the knowledge of Him who called us to glory and virtue. We are called to glory and virtue just as we show the world His virtue.

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine [2304] power [1411] hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge [1922] of him that hath called us [2564] to glory [1391] and virtue: KJV

NT:2304 theios (thi'-os); from NT:2316; godlike (neuter as noun, divinity):KJV - divine, godhead. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1411 dunamis (doo'-nam-is); from NT:1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):KJV - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1922 epignosis (ep-ig'-no-sis); from NT:1921; recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement:KJV - (ac-) knowledge (-ing, -ment). (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2564 kaleo (kal-eh'-o); akin to the base of NT:2753; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, dir. or otherwise):KJV - bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-) name (was [called]). (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1391 doxa (dox'-ah); from the base of NT:1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):KJV - dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

How does Jesus call us? Do we hear an audible voice or does he call us in our heart? If we are to help others we have to think this through. Jesus calls many but not everyone chooses to take his offer. Some silence his voice, some harden their hearts to his voice, but he does call us to glory and virtue. Let’s look at this. It is Jesus’ God-like miraculous power, bestowed gratuitously for life and holiness through the recognition and full discernment of Jesus who called us to His own glory and virtue. By fully recognizing who He is, we have his God-like, miraculous power, giving us all the things we need for life and holiness. Let’s read the Amplified here.  

2 Peter 1:3-9 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue [703] (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [703] [develop] knowledge (intelligence), 6 And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), 7 And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love. 8 For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).9 For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [spiritually] shortsighted, seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins. AMP

Whoever lacks these qualities is blind. We can escape the moral decay of the world because we were called to His glory and virtue. Solomon writes that pride doesn’t profit us, but also that we were born without virtue. This tells us we have to endeavor to develop virtue. We all start out without virtue, but the Lord’s calling draws us to pursue virtue.

Wisdom 5:8 & 13 What hath pride profited us? or what good hath riches with our vaunting brought us?.... 13 Even so we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to draw to our end, and had no sign of virtue to shew; but were consumed in our own wickedness KJV

Remembering a previous study on Jacob, we saw that Jacob was not an underhanded trickster, but a very dedicated man of God. So much so that Jacob spent 32 years with Shem and Eber in Jerusalem at Shem’s school. Thirty two years is a long time to dedicate one’s life in service to God and here we see Isaiah saying that Jacob won’t be ashamed and disappointed because his children are walking as degenerates now. Instead Jacob will see them in the future having piety or devotion, and virtue.

Isa 29:22-24 Therefore thus says the Lord, Who redeemed Abraham [out of Ur and idolatry], concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not then be ashamed; not then shall his face become pale [with fear and disappointment because of his children's degeneracy]. 23 For when he sees his children [walking in the way of piety and virtue], the work of My hands in his midst, they will revere My name; they will revere the Holy One of Jacob and reverently fear the God of Israel. 24 Those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur [discontentedly] will accept instruction. AMP

There will come a time when Jacob’s descendants will become teachable and they will receive instruction regarding the Lord. They will know Yahweh Alph Tav, verse 22. They will also know the Alph Tav Holy one of Jacob, the Alph Tav Elohim of Israel, verse 23. We literally see from the text who it is they will come to know, this knowledge will change their behavior from degeneracy to devotion and virtue. Just as our knowledge of Jesus changes us, see 2 Peter 1:3. This is a key point, today we look backward and gain knowledge of Jesus as Messiah and we are then redeemed. But prior to Jesus coming to earth, the Old Testament saints were redeemed by knowing Yahweh, Alph Tav, the Elohim, and that he would come as Messiah. They had faith that he was coming to earth, while we have faith that he came to earth. And this knowledge of Him helps people change and put on the character of virtue.

One of the things Jesus did while he was on earth was point out the way people skewed the law to take advantage of others and pretend to be righteous. Jesus was always mentioning how the spiritual leaders were intentionally misleading, and wrongly teaching, the way the law was to be observed. Jesus explains it very well, they tried to use technicalities to absolve themselves much like people do today. The root of the problem is that even if they technically didn’t do something wrong, they were not preserving their virtue because their hearts were corrupted with lust. This is important for us to note today. Let’s read this from the Message.

Matt 5:27-32 "You know the next commandment pretty well, too: 'Don't go to bed with another's spouse.' 28 But don't think you've preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices — they also corrupt.
29 "Let's not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here's what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. 30 And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump.
31 "Remember the Scripture that says, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him do it legally, giving her divorce papers and her legal rights'? 32 Too many of you are using that as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are 'legal.' Please, no more pretending. If you divorce your wife, you're responsible for making her an adulteress (unless she has already made herself that by sexual promiscuity). And if you marry such a divorced adulteress, you're automatically an adulterer yourself. You can't use legal cover to mask a moral failure. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Our hearts can be corrupted by lust and that impedes our virtue. Too many people were using the law as a cover for selfishness. This happens all the time today. The Rabbi who decided that men can have multiple wives did that because he had a lust he wanted to pursue, he uses his teaching as a cover for his selfishness. The Messianic teacher who taught people that it is alright for men to have mistresses had an unclean past to atone for, and thought this was a good way to be absolved. This was his selfish way to cover for his past. The Pastor who had an affair and left his family for his new friend behaved selfishly. The person who desires to manipulate a child, wallows in selfishness as well, even if that person gets caught before manifesting that lust. That is what Jesus is telling us. Selfishness and acting on a whim hinders our abilities to become virtuous. When a marriage is in trouble either one or both people are being selfish. This is why Jesus is saying we don’t’ preserve our virtue if our heart is corrupt and selfish. Instead, Jesus tells us to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect.  

Matt 5:44-48 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov 25:21,22.] 45 To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? 47 And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Lev 19:2,18.] AMP

Similar to Leviticus 20:7 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, be perfect, be holy, because the knowledge of Jesus Messiah helps us be virtuous. Jesus is pointing out here that we should behave better than our enemies, or the non-believers from the nations. One way Jesus tells us to do this, is to be careful with what we hear and think on.

Mark 4:22-24 [Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known. 23 If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend. 24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you — and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. AMP

Just as Paul told the Philippians, Jesus says the amount of time you give to the things you hear will be the measuring stick. If we spend a lot of time studying and listening to the true knowledge of Jesus, and the revelation of God, we will have a greater measure of virtue and we will be blessed for it. But if we spend our time listening to other things that do not increase our true knowledge of Jesus, then we will not have the virtue and knowledge and consequently the blessings of increased virtue and knowledge. Here is another way to look at it: if we spend our time pursuing the true knowledge of Jesus, we will gain more virtue and knowledge. Hebrews testifies of the Father speaking to Jesus of his virtue.

Heb 1:8-9 But as to the Son, He says to Him, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (to the ages of the ages), and the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of absolute righteousness (of justice and straightforwardness). 9 You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions. [Ps 45:6,7.] AMP

We should remember that the word God is not a name but a title. With this in mind, the Father calls his son God because Jesus’ actions and behavior a pleasing to the Father. If Jesus was a lazy indulgent son, the Father would not honor him with his proper title, but instead the Father might call him a good for nothing fool. Yet Jesus’ title stands, and Jesus’ kingdom is a scepter of absolute righteousness because Jesus loved righteousness, integrity, virtue, and uprightness. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for us, there is complete remission of sin. No more temple sacrifices are needed to atone for sin, which is a good thing as there is no temple; no one can atone for sin in that way.

Heb 10:18-20 Now where there is absolute remission (forgiveness and cancellation of the penalty) of these [sins and lawbreaking], there is no longer any offering made to atone for sin. 19 Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, 20 By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, AMP

Jesus’ blood was filled with power and virtue. We can now enter the Holy of Holies. Who are we but people who were lost and somehow heard Him call us and then followed Him. But we can enter the most holy place on earth, the Holy of Holies, because of his blood. He had so much virtue that it tore the veil of the temple, opening the way for us to enter. Imagine if there were a temple on earth, we could legally and rightfully enter into the Holy of Holies. Today, we are the temple and the Holy of Holies is within us, the very place we need to go to meet with our God.

In the tribulation, those who refuse the mark of the beast, but instead testify of Jesus, will be martyred. They will become rulers with Christ for 1000 years because they will be holy, with spiritual wholeness, innocence, and proven virtue.   

Rev 20:6 Blessed (happy, to be envied) and holy (spiritually whole, of unimpaired innocence and proved virtue) is the person who takes part (shares) in the first resurrection! Over them the second death exerts no power or authority, but they shall be ministers of God and of Christ (the Messiah), and they shall rule along with Him a thousand years. AMP

It is easier to live for Jesus today than it will be during the tribulation. While there is always adversity for the believer, there will be harsher times for those who become believers in Christ during the tribulation. At this time on earth there are people who are martyred for Jesus, but during the tribulation almost all Jesus followers will be martyred. Today, we have the ability to use time to our advantage, to develop virtue, a good, strong, moral character. Once the harpazo occurs people who did not know Jesus will recognize that Jesus was in fact the Messiah, and many, many people will become believers in Jesus as Lord and Christ. The short time that they will have left on earth will be tested by giving their lives for Jesus as martyrs.

The first century believers were almost all martyred. It seems that they wanted to be martyred and they looked forward to martyrdom. They didn’t fight their death, but seemed to walk to it. Paul went back to Rome after traveling west, knowing his friend Seneca was martyred by his employer Nero. Paul even told us ‘for him to live is for the work of Christ, but to die would be for his own gain’. He looked forward to death, and Ignatius did as well. Ignatius wrote several letters to the churches encouraging unity, but also explaining his desire to die for Jesus as a martyr.  

Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians 1:4 For hearing that I came bound from Syria, for the common name and hope, trusting through your prayers to fight with beasts at Rome; so that by suffering I may become indeed the disciple of him who gave himself to God, an offering and sacrifice for us; (ye hastened to see me). I received, therefore, in the name of God, your whole multitude in Onesimus. http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/lbob/lbob18.htm

He felt the need to die fighting beasts, and we will see why in another letter. Most people would probably prefer a quicker way to die. Ignatius reminds us about being careful for what we hear.

Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians 2:10 Stop your ears therefore, as often as any one shall speak contrary to Jesus Christ; who was of the race of David, of the Virgin Mary.11 Who was truly born and did eat and drink; was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate; was truly crucified and dead; both those in heaven and on earth, being spectators of it.12 Who was also truly raised from the dead by his Father after the same manner as he will also raise up us who believe in him by Christ Jesus; without whom we have no true life.13 But if, as some who are Atheists, that is to say infidels, pretend, that he only seemed to suffer: (they themselves only seeming to exist) why then am I bound?—Why do I desire to fight with beasts?—Therefore do I die in vain: therefore I will not speak falsely against the Lord. http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/lbob/lbob20.htm

Ignatius had a sense of humor as verse 13 indicates. Next he really tells the believers not to pray for his safety but for him to be food to wild beasts. Here he tells us why.

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans 2:1 I WRITE to the churches, and signify to them all, that am willing to die for God, unless hinder me.2 I beseech you that you  shew not an unseasonable good will towards me. Suffer me to be food to the wild beasts; by whom I shall attain unto God.3 For I am the wheat of God; and I shall be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.4 Rather encourage the beasts, that they may become my sepulchre; and may leave nothing of my body; that being dead I mazy not be troublesome to any.5 Then shall I be truly the disciple of Jesus Christ, when the world shall not see so much as my body, Pray therefore unto Christ for me, that by these instruments I may be made the sacrifice of God.6 I do not, as Peter and Paul, command you. They were Apostles, I a condemned man; they were free, but I am even to this day a servant: 7 But if I shall suffer, I shall then become the freeman of Jesus Christ, and shall rise free. And now, being in bonds, I learn, not to desire anything.8 From Syria even unto Rome, I fight with beasts both by sea and land; both night and day: being bound to ten leopards, that is to say, to such a band of soldiers; who, though treated with all manner of kindness, are the worse for it.9 But I am the more instructed by their injuries; yet am I not therefore justified.10 May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; which also I wish may exercise all their fierceness upon me.11 And whom for that end I will encourage, that they may be sure to devour me, and not serve me as they have done some, whom out of fear they have not touched. But, and if they will not do it willingly, I will provoke them to it.12 Pardon me in this matter; I know what is profitable for me. Now I begin to be a disciple. Nor shall anything move me, whether visible or invisible, that I may attain to Jesus Christ.13 Let fire, and the cross; let the companies of wild beasts; let breakings of bones and tearing of members; let the shattering in pieces of the whole body, and all the wicked torments of the devil come upon me; only let me enjoy Jesus Christ.14 All the ends of the world, and the kingdoms of it, will profit me nothing: I would rather die for Jesus Christ, than rule to the utmost ends of the earth. Him I seek who died for us; him I desire, that rose again for us. This is the gain that is laid up for me.15 Pardon me, my brethren, ye shall not hinder me from living. Nor seeing I desire to go to God, may you separate me from him, for the sake of this world; nor reduce me by any of the desires of it. Suffer me to enter into pure light: Where being come, I shall be indeed the servant of God.16 Permit me to imitate the passion of my God. If any one has him within himself, let him consider what I desire; and let him have compassion on me, as knowing how I am straightened. http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/lbob/lbob21.htm

Ignatius was a condemned man, which probably means he had done something wrong, such as being a Christian, and he had been jailed. His sentence was to be a servant and he was chained to soldiers, or indentured to ten soldiers while on his way to Rome for execution. Ignatius wrote several letters on the road. Just like Paul who did not waiver in going to Jerusalem which he knew would lead to his imprisonment, nothing moved Ignatius. This concept of martyrdom is strange to us today because we think of a group of religious people who want to kill themselves and others by various means. Instead these men and women lived quiet, virtuous lives. They only told people about Jesus; they did not do anything disruptive, they didn’t harm others or destroy anything. One could say all those things happened, figuratively, because they spoke about Jesus, but truly they did not hurt anyone. So why would our society, during that time as well as today, be so venomous toward virtuous people? Simply, put the devil is the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air.


Virtue is a deep character trait of all believers in Christ. It is not a fruit of the Spirit, it is a soul issue. That means that while we have the Holy Spirit on the inside of us, we have to make the effort to control our thoughts, and pursue after the truth of Jesus. We gain more virtue by living virtuously and that is what puts us at odds with the devil. Jesus controlled his soul to live a life of virtue and we show His virtue when we live like he did. That means those who truly are believers in Christ have a big mark on them, a target, which is the glory of God. Life is a character assessment for eternity. That means virtue should be pursued via the true knowledge of Jesus the Christ and Messiah, and then we will have more virtue and knowledge and glory.   

Monday, September 22, 2014

Glowing in the Dark; Light Beams Radiating from Our Eyes; Phosphorus Humans

We are to glow in the dark. There is more to this than phosphorescent paint. We are to radiate light from our eyes. That sounds very science fiction, but the reality is we cannot truly see due to our limited visual spectrum. We are limited to seeing a range of colors and visible light, but other creatures can see more than we can. What do we really look like? Can we really see our true selves? We have some clues and glimpses from the Bible concerning our emanation of light. This is not in regards to what we can see as compared to being blind, but it is in regards to what Jesus sees when he looks at us. Something proceeds out from us which is truly visible and perceivable. Daniel records this regarding people in the future. 

Dan 12:3 "'Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.  (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

But what about today? Do we shine or glow now? How do we manifest light? Jesus says this:

Matt 5:14-16 Ye are the light [5457] of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light [2545] a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light [2989] unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light [5457] so shine [2989] before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. KJV

NT:5457 phos (foce); from an obsolete phao (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare NT:5316, NT:5346); luminousness (in the widest application, nat. or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative): KJV - fire, light. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2545 kaio (kah'-yo); apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. kindle or (by implication) consume: KJV - burn, light. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2989 lampo (lam'-po); a primary verb; to beam, i.e. radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively): KJV - give light, shine. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus tells us to manifest luminously. His comparison is that a person doesn’t put a lamp or candle under a basket, but on top of a stand to illuminate the home. Jesus then says that we are to let our manifest luminosity radiate so that humans will see our good works and glorify the Father in Heaven. What Jesus tells us is that we are illuminated, and he wants others to notice light rays coming out of us. Jesus tells us where this light, phos, comes from.

Matt 6:22-23 The light [3088] of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light [5460].23 But if thine eye be evil [4190], thy whole body shall be full of darkness [4655]. If therefore the light [5457] that is in thee be darkness [4655], how great is that darkness [4655]! KJV

NT:3088 luchnos (lookh'-nos); from the base of NT:3022; a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively): KJV - candle, light. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:3022 leukos (lyoo-kos'); from luke ("light"); white: KJV - white.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:5460 photeinos (fo-ti-nos'); from NT:5457; lustrous, i.e. transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively): KJV - bright, full of light. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4190 poneros (pon-ay-ros'); from a derivative of NT:4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from NT:2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from NT:4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners: KJV - bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness). See also NT:4191. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4655 skotos (skot'-os); from the base of NT:4639; shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively): KJV - darkness. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Here we have a contrast that if our eyes are single, meaning we are looking for one thing with our heart and mind, unified, our entire body will be illuminated. The contrast is between eyes that are single or eyes that are evil. If our eyes be evil then our body will be dark and our light will be darkness and our entire body will be shady. That seems weird, how can a luminous body be dark? Can a light shine dark beams?

An Aramaic translation reads as follows: Matt 6:22 The beacon of the body is the eye; if your eye is thus pure your whole body is bright 23 but if your eye is wicked, your whole body is in darkness. If your light is thus murky, how much more your darkness! (Aramaic New Testament, Victor Alexander, pg 18)

Most translations of these verses are rough as they seem to imply that the eyes have a mind of their own. Instead the eyes are windows into a person’s character, dark or light, and that character emanates out. If I look into the eyes of a human, I should be able to see something more than corneas and pupils. I should be able to see either life or death, light or darkness. Your eyes tell people who you really are. The manifestation of the beams that come forth from one’s eyes can be light or dark, if they are light the whole body is light. But if those beams are dark the whole body is murky or shady. This is not a matter of an individual who sees objects and can be blinded by not understanding, but truly we can see into people’s hearts through the beams that proceed out of their eyes.

It is not that the beams of light proceeding forth from one’s eyes are only light, some beams can proceed forth from one’s eyes that are dark if the person is pursuing evil. In our limited dimensionality we only understand light dispelling darkness, not darkness that radiates into a lightened place. In other words we don’t have lights that darken a room, as if by turning on the switch the room goes dark, instead we turn off the switch and the absence of light makes the room dark. However, as an illustration, we have black lights. Black lights illuminate different things we cannot see because they are ultraviolet wave lengths. If one desires to see germs or bodily fluids on surfaces, by turning on a black light in a dark room, we see things illuminated that are not normally seen with our eyes. Humans can see wavelengths from 390 to 700 nm, birds can see ultraviolet light, and dogs and cats can see in ranges that are darker than humans can see. Truly, human eyesight is limited, but how do we see the beams, beacons, or wavelengths, which are emitted from a person’s eyes.

If we look at the Old Testament, we see something called the evil eye. Moses’ instruction to the Israelites is to give freely to the brethren in need. They were not to think ahead that the seventh year, when all debts are forgiven, is almost here and therefore the needy brethren won’t have to pay back the debt. The people would not give to the needy close to the seventh year because then debts would be forgiven; instead, they would give right after a seventh year so that the people they gave to would pay back what was given. God is warning the Israelites not to harden their hearts or close up their hands. God equates a wicked heart and an evil eye (as in this case) with sin.

Deut 15:7-9 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee. KJV

Jesus equates an evil eye with all sorts of sin. He says that whatever comes out of the heart defiles a man.

Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. KJV

This tells us that what is on the inside of us, the thoughts and intents of our hearts, comes out of us through the eyes. Proverbs uses the same idea.

Prov 15:30 The light [3974] of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. KJV

OT:3974 ma'owr (maw-ore'); or ma'or (maw-ore'); also (in plural) feminine me'owrah (meh-o-raw'); or meorah (meh-o-raw'); from OT:215; properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e. (abstractly) light (as an element): figuratively, brightness, i.e.cheerfulness; specifically, a chandelier: KJV - bright, light.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Moses wrote a psalm that tells us this light comes out of our Lord’s countenance.

Ps 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light [3974] of thy countenance. KJV

Going back to our original idea that Jesus said we are the lights of this world, what we see is that something springs out of us through our eyes that reveals whether we are pure or evil. That wavelength, either light or dark, then proceeds throughout our entire body, making our body white and bright, or dark and shady. While we physically can’t see the beams of light or dark coming out of one’s eyes because they are probably out of our visual spectrum, birds and animals may see what radiates from people’s eyes, as well as angels and demons.

We can say a person is blind, either literally or figuratively, but that is in regards to what goes into the person, not what comes out of a person. The question becomes how do we change what comes out of our eyes from darkness to light. Mark 7 told us that what comes out of a person makes that person defiled, but let’s look at that section again in the context. The leaders were always fighting over the laws and putting people into bondage to do certain things to be clean, Jesus was explaining that that is not actually true. In fact Jesus himself shreds the notion that people can only eat certain foods.

Mark 7:14-19 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? KJV

Therefore if one were to eat something from an unclean animal, let’s say bacon, it would not make a person unclean because it does not enter into his heart, but into the belly and goes out in the sewer. Foods go in and out of a person, which does not make one clean or unclean. Jesus was abolishing the law by teaching that eating something or drinking something does not make a person clean or unclean. We read this in the Letter of Aresteas. The law was not about animals, but the character of the animals that people were to observe and either avoid or imitate. That letter was written three hundred years before Christ came, so understand that from that time, 300 B.C. to the time of Christ, the spiritual leaders changed procedures and observances. If the people in 300 B.C. knew that certain foods did not defile a person, something had to change during that time period to make people think food did make people clean or unclean. If we look at the history of that time period, we see the various groups rising up, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and they are the ones who changed the practice of the law, not the Levitical priests. Let’s see this in the Amplified. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/05/ancient-understanding-of-law-abraham.html

Mark 7:19 Since it does not reach and enter his heart but [only his] digestive tract, and so passes on [into the place designed to receive waste]? Thus He was making and declaring all foods [ceremonially] clean [that is, abolishing the ceremonial distinctions of the Levitical Law]. AMP

Now if we understand that being clean from within is not derived from eating certain foods but instead from something else, we have to determine what it is that causes us to beam light out from our eyes.  Our heart has eyes. We studied this a while back, the TR translates this word in Ephesians 1 as eyes of your understanding, while the NA27 translates this word as eyes of your heart.

Eph 1:18-19 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, KJV

Eph 1:18-19 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), 19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, AMP

We know that the heart has thoughts and intents, and that it has eyes to perceive. That seems to align with what Jesus said about foods not defiling a man because it does not reach his heart, instead what defiles a person is thought up, perceived, and intentional, and that comes from the heart. So if your heart is pure, white luminance radiates out of your eyes. But if your heart is hurtful or evil, dark luminance radiates out of your eyes. While we cannot see either the dark or light luminance, Jesus can. Daniel saw an angel with eyes like lamps of fire. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/08/seeing-invisible-enochs-divided-time.html

Dan 10:4-6 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. KJV

Jesus also had eyes like flames, which John recorded. 

Rev 1:13-15 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. KJV

Rev 19:11-12 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. KJV

From Daniel and Revelation it is safe to say that there is a spiritual dynamic of angels and Jesus having eyes that exude flames. What about humans? Jesus said we are lights in this world, but who are our examples? Moses seems to be a human example of someone whose appearance was changed after being in the presence of God.

Ex 34:29-35 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of the Testimony in his hand, he did not know that the skin of his face shone and sent forth beams by reason of his speaking with the Lord.  30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they feared to come near him.  31 But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and [he] talked with them.  32 Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all the Lord had said to him in Mount Sinai.  33 And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.  34 But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he took the veil off until he came out. And he came out and told the Israelites what he was commanded.  35 The Israelites saw the face of Moses, how the skin of it shone; and Moses put the veil on his face again until he went in to speak with God.  AMP

Moses did not know that he radiated beams of light. The people couldn’t look at Moses and so became afraid of him. Paul reiterates this, but gives us further information. Paul compares Moses receiving the old dispensation of the law to the new dispensation of the Holy Spirit and grace. Again, as Jesus told us, the law was being mishandled and today we are in the administration of the Holy Spirit.

2 Cor 3:7-8 Now if the dispensation of death engraved in letters on stone [the ministration of the Law], was inaugurated with such glory and splendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its brilliance, [a glory] that was to fade and pass away, [Ex 34:29-35.] 8 Why should not the dispensation of the Spirit [this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit] be attended with much greater and more splendid glory? AMP

The Israelites could not look at Moses, but now the Israelites have hardened hearts and cannot understand both the law and the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus explained when he was on earth, and made his disciples to understand, that what the spiritual leaders were doing was keeping parts of the law and nullifying other parts of the law, or twisting the law to their benefit. So that now, even today, two thousand years after Paul wrote this, the law is still veiled to people, but when they repent and turn to Jesus the Lord and Christ, the veil is stripped off and taken away.

2 Cor 3:13-16 Nor [do we act] like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze upon the finish of the vanishing [splendor which had been upon it]. 14 In fact, their minds were grown hard and calloused [they had become dull and had lost the power of understanding]; for until this present day, when the Old Testament (the old covenant) is being read, that same veil still lies [on their hearts], not being lifted [to reveal] that in Christ it is made void and done away. 15 Yes, down to this [very] day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their minds and hearts. 16 But whenever a person turns [in repentance] to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away. AMP

The law does not change the countenance of humankind, but the knowledge of Jesus as Messiah and Christ does. Look at what happened to Stephen. Stephen was doing great miracles among the people and for the people, and some Jews stirred up the crowds to falsely accuse Stephen.

Acts 6:3 Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty. AMP

Acts 6:5 And the suggestion pleased the whole assembly, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith (a strong and welcome belief that Jesus is the Messiah) and full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte (convert) from Antioch. AMP

Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, full of grace (divine blessing and favor) and power (strength and ability) worked great wonders and signs (miracles) among the people. AMP

Acts 6:15 Then all who sat in the council (Sanhedrin), as they gazed intently at Stephen, saw that his face had the appearance of the face of an angel. AMP

Acts 7:55-56 But he, full of the Holy Spirit and controlled by Him, gazed into heaven and saw the glory (the splendor and majesty) of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand; 56 And he said, Look! I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at God's right hand! AMP


Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, not the law. Stephen was full of wisdom, faith, grace, power, strength, miracles, and controlled by the Holy Spirit. This is why he looked like an angel. I don’t know how one can explain the face of Stephen looking like an angel apart from the Holy Spirit. That must be a clue as to what we cannot see with our natural eyes. Hollywood uses digital imagery to show beams of light coming out of people in certain movies, but according to what Jesus has told us, this really is what we look like all of the time if our heart is pure. If we are united to Jesus as Messiah, light radiates out from our eyes and our whole body is light. In this earthy life we are not able to “see” the beams of light or darkness that proceed from each other, but we can perceive it. We are radiating and manifesting light for Jesus and if we are aware of this we can learn to grow our glow on earth. 

Monday, September 15, 2014

Paul the Apostle Beheaded; Christian History on Repeat; The Lost Chapter of Acts

There are days I marvel at the small mindedness of Christians. Sometimes, Christians are the biggest hindrance to people receiving Jesus as Lord. Now that I have sufficiently offended everyone, I’ll explain. The first century church behaved and acted the same way we do today, except today with social media we are on hyper drive. Everyone has an opinion or a comment. I think people only stir controversies to make a name for themselves on the backs of others. Twice the Book of Revelation tells us that Jesus will wipe away every tear. That tells us there will be regret in heaven. Paul tells us “to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers”, and that is good advice. Jesus is not surprised that there are differences in opinions, or denominations, or religious practices in the world; and Paul wanted people to address the bigger issues. Take note of those who would shipwreck the faith of people, and deal with those issues, not the petty ones. The first century church was full of controversies and contentions, and that is where we find ourselves today, and too many of us are willing to jump on a bandwagon without seriously considering what God might think of our actions. Vain babblings spread like cancer.

Just before the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. the Apostle Paul was beheaded by Nero, probably in the year 67 A.D. or thereabouts. The events leading up to this time are quite disturbing. While the Jews were actively persecuting Christianity, the Romans were also persecuting Christianity. But what we see during the latter years of Paul’s apostolic ministry, is the church itself fragmented. Christians persecuting Christians, Christians trying to negate the things Paul taught, Christians more interested in riches than Christ, and Christians compromising out of fear. Not only were the Jews out to kill Paul, the Christians also turned their backs on Paul, attempting to do away with him as he caused so much controversy. While the Christians closed their eyes to the Jews accusing Paul, Paul was laying down his life for them. Paul was more than happy to lay down his life as he saw death as being freed. Through all the trials that Paul endured he stayed faithful until the end. After Paul’s first imprisonment, he journeyed to Spain and the British Isles bringing the message of Jesus as Lord. He did not rest in his elderly years but instead kept moving for Christ.

There were people who traveled with Paul wherever he went and Paul mentions them by name. Some people left Paul during a journey, and some tried to cause divisions with false doctrines, and Paul names names. These people have been in our Bibles for almost 2,000 years. This is not the way most people want to be remembered for all future generations. There were those who supported Paul and he gladly names them as well. Onesiphorus and his household refreshed Paul, and Onesiphorus even sought Paul out during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome. There were also those who tried to tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem. They were correct in prophesying that Paul should not go to Jerusalem because that is what the Lord was telling them to say to Paul. Paul was being given an “out” by their warnings, but Paul had a different opinion, death was not something he feared.

Acts 21:7-32 A short run from Tyre to Ptolemais completed the voyage. We greeted our Christian friends there and stayed with them a day. 8 In the morning we went on to Caesarea and stayed with Philip the Evangelist, one of "the Seven." 9 Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 After several days of visiting, a prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus came down to see us. 11 He went right up to Paul, took Paul's belt, and, in a dramatic gesture, tied himself up, hands and feet. He said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers." 12 When we heard that, we and everyone there that day begged Paul not to be stubborn and persist in going to Jerusalem. 13 But Paul wouldn't budge: "Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You're looking at this backwards. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can't you see that?" 14 We saw that we weren't making even a dent in his resolve, and gave up. "It's in God's hands now," we said. "Master, you handle it."

Look at Paul’s words here, everyone was telling him not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul pointed out that it was not about Paul living or dying at Jerusalem, but that God would do something because of Paul’s obedience. And God did, the word went out everywhere.

Acts 21:15 It wasn't long before we had our luggage together and were on our way to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and took us to the home of Mnason, who received us warmly as his guests. A native of Cyprus, he had been among the earliest disciples. 17 In Jerusalem, our friends, glad to see us, received us with open arms. 18 The first thing next morning, we took Paul to see James. All the church leaders were there. 19 After a time of greeting and small talk, Paul told the story, detail by detail, of what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 They listened with delight and gave God the glory. They had a story to tell, too: "And just look at what's been happening here — thousands upon thousands of God-fearing Jews have become believers in Jesus! But there's also a problem because they are more zealous than ever in observing the laws of Moses. 21 They've been told that you advise believing Jews who live surrounded by Gentiles to go light on Moses, telling them that they don't need to circumcise their children or keep up the old traditions. This isn't sitting at all well with them.

While Paul talks of the Nations becoming believers of Jesus as Messiah, the Christians in Jerusalem have a story about Jews believing Jesus is the Messiah as well. Yet we remember from Acts 15, which was seven years prior, the announcements that went out from Jerusalem by the Church, and now those same leaders are saying that those Jews who now believe in Jesus as Messiah are mad at Paul because Paul encourages them to ease up on the laws. It seems the church leaders set Paul up. Maybe most have never thought of this, but let’s look at this. The church leaders were appeasing people who wanted to follow the law, and Paul was throwing a monkey wrench into their comfy religion by pointing out they do not have to follow the law. What James (Jesus’ brother) and the other leaders should have done was to sneak Paul out of the city at night so that no one would see him, but instead they put him on display in the temple.

Acts 21:22 "We're worried about what will happen when they discover you're in town. There's bound to be trouble. So here is what we want you to do: 23 There are four men from our company who have taken a vow involving ritual purification, but have no money to pay the expenses. 24 Join these men in their vows and pay their expenses. Then it will become obvious to everyone that there is nothing to the rumors going around about you and that you are in fact scrupulous in your reverence for the laws of Moses.

Paul had to pay for four other people to go through a ritual purification? Why were people paying to follow the Mosaic law of purification? Religion is a money making business, and we see that in all religions. Selling indulgences, or selling rites for dead people to get out of purgatory, it’s all the same. The Priests make good money selling the very things they tell the people they need. Remember, Paul’s Epistles are letters of freedom in Christ. The church leaders set Paul up to be found by the zealous Jews. They encourage Paul to follow the laws of ritual purification. When he does, the Jews go after Paul and the Christian leaders are nowhere to be found. Just because someone is of the same earthly family as Jesus does not mean that they will behave the same way as Jesus.

Acts 21:25 "In asking you to do this, we're not going back on our agreement regarding Gentiles who have become believers. We continue to hold fast to what we wrote in that letter, namely, to be careful not to get involved in activities connected with idols; to avoid serving food offensive to Jewish Christians; to guard the morality of sex and marriage." 26 So Paul did it — took the men, joined them in their vows, and paid their way. The next day he went to the Temple to make it official and stay there until the proper sacrifices had been offered and completed for each of them.

Paul’s obedience to these leaders was what the other people who told Paul not to go to Jerusalem were seeing, hence their warnings. However, Paul’s opinion was that God would do something regarding this, and God did. Today we see that the religious leaders sacrificed Paul, and we can be forewarned that this can happen again and again. And we know that there are many who have martyred the true Christian for their own personal or political gain. I wonder if the leaders even cared that Paul’s ministry was really to non-Jewish people and that his ministry could possibly be hindered by this turn of events. Would James and the others be concerned if Paul was killed? Would they even care if the Gentiles were not won for Christ?

Acts 21:27 When the seven days of their purification were nearly up, some Jews from around Ephesus spotted him in the Temple. At once they turned the place upside-down. They grabbed Paul 28 and started yelling at the top of their lungs, "Help! You Israelites, help! This is the man who is going all over the world telling lies against us and our religion and this place. He's even brought Greeks in here and defiled this holy place." 29 (What had happened was that they had seen Paul and Trophimus, the Ephesian Greek, walking together in the city and had just assumed that he had also taken him to the Temple and shown him around.)

TROPHIMUS [TROF ih muss] (nourishing) - a Gentile Christian who lived in Ephesus and who accompanied the apostle Paul to Jerusalem at the end of Paul's third missionary journey (Acts 20:4). When certain Jews from Asia saw Trophimus the Ephesian with Paul in Jerusalem, they supposed that Paul had brought "Greeks" (uncircumcised Gentiles) into the Court of Israel (an inner court beyond the Court of the Gentiles), defiling the Temple (Acts 21:28-29).
The people seized Paul, dragged him out of the Temple, and tried to kill him. But Paul was rescued by the commander of the Roman garrison and sent to Rome for trial. Apparently Trophimus accompanied Paul on the trip toward Rome. In his Second Epistle to Timothy, Paul revealed, "Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick" (2 Tim 4:20). (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Where were the Christians? Shouldn’t someone have come to Paul’s defense? Shouldn’t James at least have been there to say that he was the one who suggested Paul go through the ritual purification and that Paul paid for the other people as well?

Acts 21:30 Soon the whole city was in an uproar, people running from everywhere to the Temple to get in on the action. They grabbed Paul, dragged him outside, and locked the Temple gates so he couldn't get back in and gain sanctuary. 31 As they were trying to kill him, word came to the captain of the guard, "A riot! The whole city's boiling over!" 32 He acted swiftly. His soldiers and centurions ran to the scene at once. As soon as the mob saw the captain and his soldiers, they quit beating Paul. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

The Jews were beating a Roman citizen, that was probably punishable by death, and the Church leaders could have been pointing that out to people had they been there. Instead the heathens had to rescue Paul. Paul gave his testimony regarding Jesus appearing to him, and that again caused an uproar.

Acts 22:22-29 The people in the crowd had listened attentively up to this point, but now they broke loose, shouting out, "Kill him! He's an insect! Stomp on him!" 23 They shook their fists. They filled the air with curses. 24 That's when the captain intervened and ordered Paul taken into the barracks. By now the captain was thoroughly exasperated. He decided to interrogate Paul under torture in order to get to the bottom of this, to find out what he had done that provoked this outraged violence. 25 As they spread-eagled him with thongs, getting him ready for the whip, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is this legal: torturing a Roman citizen without a fair trial?" 26 When the centurion heard that, he went directly to the captain. "Do you realize what you've done? This man is a Roman citizen!" 27 The captain came back and took charge. "Is what I hear right? You're a Roman citizen?" Paul said, "I certainly am." 28 The captain was impressed. "I paid a huge sum for my citizenship. How much did it cost you?" "Nothing," said Paul. "It cost me nothing. I was free from the day of my birth." 29 That put a stop to the interrogation. And it put the fear of God into the captain. He had put a Roman citizen in chains and come within a whisker of putting him under torture!  (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Easton’s Bible Dictionary gives us some insight. It may be, as suggested by Easton’s, this was a planned rest for Paul by Jesus. Yet it may also have been the first prison ministry, as Paul would have had a captive audience with the guards and other inmates. Caesarea by the sea was a nice location for a prison. It was located on a rocky outcropping overlooking the Mediterranean.  It was probably a peaceful place unless there was a storm and since this was not a labor camp it probably was a relaxing place.

PAUL-While at Jerusalem, at the feast of Pentecost, he was almost murdered by a Jewish mob in the temple. (See TEMPLE, HEROD'S.) Rescued from their violence by the Roman commandant, he was conveyed as a prisoner to Caesarea, where, from various causes, he was detained a prisoner for two years in Herod's praetorium (Acts 23:35). "Paul was not kept in close confinement; he had at least the range of the barracks in which he was detained. There we can imagine him pacing the ramparts on the edge of the Mediterranean, and gazing wistfully across the blue waters in the direction of Macedonia, Achaia, and Ephesus, where his spiritual children were pining for him, or perhaps encountering dangers in which they sorely needed his presence. It was a mysterious providence which thus arrested his energies and condemned the ardent worker to inactivity; yet we can now see the reason for it. Paul was needing rest. After twenty years of incessant evangelization, he required leisure to garner the harvest of experience...During these two years he wrote nothing; it was a time of internal mental activity and silent progress" (Stalker's Life of St. Paul). (from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Even while Paul was in prison, the Christians in Jerusalem did not seem to argue for his release. They did not try to argue on his behalf before the Jews, and they did not even visit him in prison. Remember it was their idea for Paul to take the vow and the ritual cleansing, yet they didn’t support him after the Jews found a way to entrap him. However, Paul made friends wherever he went, and even while in prison Paul made enough Roman friends to keep him safe and keep the message of Jesus the Messiah alive. Paul made one friend, Seneca, who was part of Nero’s household, and Seneca witnessed to those around him. During the last years of Paul’s life we find Paul writing to Timothy and pointing out a few people who were causing trouble in the body of Christ.

1 Tim 1:19-20 Holding fast to faith (that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting and thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined [by punishment and learn] not to blaspheme. AMP

HYMENAEUS [high muh NEE uhs] (meaning unknown) - an early Christian who denied the faith (1 Tim 1:19-20; 2 Tim 2:16-17). His message was heretical because he claimed the resurrection of the dead was already past. His "profane and vain babblings...spread like cancer" and destroyed the faith of believers. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

ALEXANDER 5. One of two heretical teachers at Ephesus mentioned by the apostle Paul. With Hymenaeus, he is said to have "suffered shipwreck" of the faith. He was "delivered to Satan" (1 Tim 1:19-20) by Paul. Perhaps this was some form of excommunication from the church.(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

All of the trouble that Paul got into was for telling others about Jesus, who was prophesied to rescue humanity from as far back as Genesis 3:15. However, Paul’s first imprisonment did not deter him from teaching about Jesus. An interesting study is the missing chapter of the book of Acts. Acts 29 tells us Paul went to Spain and to the British Isles to witness. While some may think that odd, we know from history that most of the tribe of Dan left Egypt during the Exodus and went to Greece, then on to Spain and the British Isles becoming the Druids, and the Anglo’s and Saxons. See Raymond Capt’s book Missing Links Discovered in Assyrian Tablets.
This link gives a great history lesson of the Apostle Paul and his time between his first and second imprisonment. http://israelect.com/ChildrenOfYahweh/Campbell/lost_chapter.htm

Clement records this for us:

The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians 3:13 For the same cause did Paul in like manner receive the reward of his patience. Seven times he was in bonds; he was whipped, was stoned; he preached both in the East and in the West; leaving behind him the glorious report of his faith: 14 And so having taught the whole world righteousness, and for that end travelled even to the utmost bounds of the West; he at last suffered martyrdom by the command of the governors,15 And departed out of the world, and went unto his holy place; being become a most eminent pattern of patience unto all ages.

While Paul set out on a journey preaching the message of Jesus as Christ and Messiah, he looked at suffering as just part of the journey. I’m sure it was not comfortable to travel in those days, especially after all Paul had survived, but he didn’t retire to Florida and live a comfortable existence in his later years. He poured himself out for the gospel message. Upon Paul’s release from his first imprisonment, he gathered a traveling group and set out to more tribes and nations. Paul was already in Rome, Italy; this time he headed west instead of east to bring the Message of Jesus to Spain and the outer Isles. When Paul went back to Rome he was imprisoned again. Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter, telling Timothy that all of Asia Minor had deserted him. Paul then mentions two more people who left him, and then mentions Onesiphorus who came to Rome to look for him. Onesiphorus and his family took care of Paul on many occasions. Onesiphorus wasn’t concerned with what the neighbors might think having Paul staying with him.

2 Tim 1:8-18 So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, 9 who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. 10 But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. 11 This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. 12 It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground — the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end. 13 So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. 14 Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us. 15 I'm sure you know by now that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 But God bless Onesiphorus and his family! Many's the time I've been refreshed in that house. And he wasn't embarrassed a bit that I was in jail. 17 The first thing he did when he got to Rome was look me up. 18 May God on the Last Day treat him as well as he treated me. And then there was all the help he provided in Ephesus — but you know that better than I.  (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

PHYGELLUS [FIGH juh luhs] (fugitive) - a Christian who deserted the apostle Paul in his hour of need (2 Tim 1:15). He was probably afraid of being condemned by the Roman authorities. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

HERMOGENES — Mercury-born, at one time Paul's fellow-labourer in Asia Minor, who, however, afterwards abandoned him, along with one Phygellus, probably on account of the perils by which they were beset (2 Tim 1:15). (from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

ONESIPHORUS-[on ee SIF oh rus] (profitable) - a Christian from Ephesus who befriended the apostle Paul (2 Tim 1:16-18; 4:18). Not only did Onesiphorus minister to Paul while the apostle was in Ephesus; he also ministered to Paul during his imprisonment in Rome (2 Tim 1:17). Onesiphorus overcame any fears he had for his own safety to visit and minister to Paul in prison. Unable to repay Onesiphorus for his "mercy," Paul prayed that he might "find mercy from the Lord in that Day" (2 Tim 1:18), referring to the Judgment Day. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

The times were very tumultuous as Rome was a heavy handed oppressor. Many times Rome beat down the Jews, and now Nero added Christians to his list to persecute.  Paul returned to Rome and was beheaded by Nero.

NERO— occurs only in the superscription (which is probably spurious, and is altogether omitted in the R.V.) to the Second Epistle to Timothy. He became emperor of Rome when he was about seventeen years of age (A.D. 54 A.D.), and soon began to exhibit the character of a cruel tyrant and heathen debauchee. In May A.D. 64 A.D., a terrible conflagration broke out in Rome, which raged for six days and seven nights, and totally destroyed a great part of the city. The guilt of this fire was attached to him at the time, and the general verdict of history accuses him of the crime. "Hence, to suppress the rumour," says Tacitus (Annals, xv. 44), "he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished with the most exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who are hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of that name, was put to death as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, in the reign of Tiberius; but the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time, broke out again, not only throughout Judea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also, whither all things horrible and disgraceful flow, from all quarters, as to a common receptacle, and where they are encouraged. Accordingly, first three were seized, who confessed they were Christians. Next, on their information, a vast multitude were convicted, not so much on the charge of burning the city as of hating the human race. And in their deaths they were also made the subjects of sport; for they were covered with the hides of wild beasts and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses, or set fire to, and, when day declined, burned to serve for nocturnal lights. Nero offered his own gardens for that spectacle, and exhibited a Circensian game, indiscriminately mingling with the common people in the habit of a charioteer, or else standing in his chariot; whence a feeling of compassion arose toward the sufferers, though guilty and deserving to be made examples of by capital punishment, because they seemed not to be cut off for the public good, but victims to the ferocity of one man." Another Roman historian, Suetonius (Nero, xvi.), says of him: "He likewise inflicted punishments on the Christians, a sort of people who hold a new and impious superstition" (Forbes's Footsteps of St. Paul, p. 60).
Nero was the emperor before whom Paul was brought on his first imprisonment at Rome, and the apostle is supposed to have suffered martyrdom during this persecution. He is repeatedly alluded to in Scripture (Acts 25:11; Phil 1:12,13; 4:22). He died A.D. 68 A.D.. (from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Something to note is that a few years later, when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D., the Christians moved out, away from that area. Where did they go? Asia Minor. Even though people had turned away from Paul, several years later, by the pen of John, Jesus writes to the seven churches of Asia. The churches were either reestablished twenty years later, or they never actually turned their backs on Jesus, just Paul. It is possible that people still were true to Paul, and Paul did not know how many had deserted him. It is also possible that Paul’s message of freedom in Christ was still preached after the temple was destroyed and Asia became a safe haven for the first century Christians. It is also possible that Jesus isn’t concerned with differences in opinions or denominations or religious practices, as long as people believe He is Lord and Savior. Paul continues:

2 Tim 2:14-19 Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. 15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. 16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. 17 And their teaching [will devour; it] will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 Who have missed the mark and swerved from the truth by arguing that the resurrection has already taken place. They are undermining the faith of some. 19 But the firm foundation of (laid by) God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. [Num 16:5; Isa 26:13.]  AMP

HYMENAEUS [high muh NEE uhs] (meaning unknown) - an early Christian who denied the faith (1 Tim 1:19-20; 2 Tim 2:16-17). His message was heretical because he claimed the resurrection of the dead was already past. His "profane and vain babblings...spread like cancer" and destroyed the faith of believers.(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

PHILETUS (beloved) was possibly a disciple of Hymenaeus, with whom he is associated in 2 Tim 2:17, and who is named without him in an earlier epistle. 1 Tim 1:20. ( A.D. 63-64) They appear to have been persons who believed the Scripture of the Old Testament, but misinterpreted them, allegorizing away the doctrine of the resurrection and resolving it all into figure and metaphor. The delivering over unto Satan, seems to have been a form of excommunication declaring the person reduced to the state of a heathen; and in the apostolic age it was accompanied with supernatural or miraculous effects upon the bodies of the persons so delivered.(from Smith's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

If I am going to be mentioned by someone, and remembered for 2,000 years, I would prefer it be a positive mention. For Paul to call out certain people means that as his letters went out, the church would be aware of the people who were teaching the resurrection had happened. Petty controversies upset and undermine the faith of some people, but Hymenaeus and Philetus were making a huge doctrinal shift and causing people all kinds of confusion. This is not a small argument as to personal opinion, such as we see today in religious denominations, instead this is an out and out heresy being used intentionally to gain a following, taking people away from following Paul. Hymenaeus and Philetus may say they are believers in Christ, but by preaching the resurrection had passed made some people turn away from Paul to follow them. It also caused some people to give up on following Jesus as they thought there was no hope of resurrection. Remember, Paul said that all of Asia had turned away from him.

Paul sees these hardships as a way to spread the gospel regarding Jesus. Paul had a great testimony and he got to tell people over and over about it. The hardships were for a purpose, no matter where Paul was, people were hearing about Jesus, and Paul had the opportunity to speak to the Roman guards as much as he wanted. Seneca, one of Nero’s advisers, seems to have been preaching about Jesus as well. In letters between Paul and Seneca we see Paul encouraging Seneca to be eternity minded, and not to worry if Nero does not believe on Jesus. Seneca was beheaded before Paul returned to Rome. We see Paul’s influence went much further than Jerusalem; it went into the backbone of Rome. Paul points out to Timothy that it is time for him to be poured out as a drink offering. He says it is the time of his spirit’s release from his body, and that he would soon go free. Think that through, Paul recognized his spirit would leave his body and he would be free. Imprisonment is not keeping Paul bound, his body is.

2 Tim 4:5-22 As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit's] release [from the body] is at hand and I will soon go free. 7 I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. 8 [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day — and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return). 9 Make every effort to come to me soon. 10 For Demas has deserted me for love of this present world and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens [has gone] to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 [When] you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, also the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great wrongs. The Lord will pay him back for his actions. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he opposed and resisted our message very strongly and exceedingly.

DEMAS (governor of the people), most probably a contraction from Demetrius or perhaps from Demarchus, a companion of St. Paul, Philem 24; Col 4:14, during his first imprisonment at Rome. ( A.D. 57.) At a later period, 2 Tim 4:10, we find him mentioned as having deserted the apostle through love of this present world, and gone to Thessalonica. (from Smith's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

ALEXANDER (the Coppersmith) 6. The coppersmith who did Paul "much harm" (2 Tim 4:14). Some scholars identify him with Alexander No. 4 and suggest that he may have been a silversmith engaged in activity that was unlawful for a Jew. Other scholars suggest he might be Alexander No. 5-one who was associated with Christianity and then became hostile to Paul and the church after being "delivered to Satan." (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

As Paul is nearing the end of his life, he continues to point out how he is standing strong. He’s ready to be free from his body. Paul figured, as we saw from people prophesying over his decision to go to Jerusalem, that whatever fate awaited him, Jesus would be made known by Paul. Therefore Paul says with confidence that he finished his race and kept the faith. This is a great point to ponder. Paul kept the faith, he did not compromise with those who were zealous for the law. Paul did not try to smooth things over regarding following the law, instead he testified Jesus. Paul was so bold, his thinking was that he was a sacrifice for those who opposed Jesus. Paul was not murdered by Nero, but instead Paul laid down his life for all of us.

Look what Paul says next, he again mentions that at his first trial, the Christians forsook him. This is interesting and Paul might be attempting to get those Christians to repent for setting him up and abandoning him. Maybe the Christians in Jerusalem thought Paul was causing trouble and should keep quiet. And maybe they were perfectly happy to compromise and keep the law Paul was speaking against. Yet Paul was a sacrifice for them, and they should have recognized that they were to be sacrifices for others. Instead they were preserving their lives. Jesus told us that whoever tries to save his life will lose it.

2 Tim 4:16 At my first trial no one acted in my defense [as my advocate] or took my part or [even] stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the [Gospel] message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was delivered out of the jaws of the lion. 18 [And indeed] the Lord will certainly deliver and draw me to Himself from every assault of evil. He will preserve and bring me safe unto His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (so be it). 19 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila and to the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed on at Corinth, but Trophimus I left ill at Miletus. 21 Do hasten and try your best to come to me before winter. Eubulus wishes to be remembered to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace (God's favor and blessing) be with you. Amen (so be it). AMP

Paul prays that those who did not stand with him before his first imprisonment are not held accountable for their inaction. Jesus stood by Paul, Jesus who was crucified for all of us stood by Paul, the murderer of Christians, because Paul laid down his life for the brethren. Paul was probably wondering when his freedom from his body would come, and at this time Paul probably realized there would be no more missionary journey’s. Easton’s says this:

PAUL-This first imprisonment came at length to a close, Paul having been acquitted, probably because no witnesses appeared against him. Once more he set out on his missionary labors, probably visiting western and Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. During this period of freedom he wrote his First Epistle to Timothy and his Epistle to Titus. The year of his release was signalized by the burning of Rome, which Nero saw fit to attribute to the Christians. A fierce persecution now broke out against the Christians. Paul was seized, and once more conveyed to Rome a prisoner. During this imprisonment he probably wrote the Second Epistle to Timothy, the last he ever wrote. "There can be little doubt that he appeared again at Nero's bar, and this time the charge did not break down. In all history there is not a more startling illustration of the irony of human life than this scene of Paul at the bar of Nero. On the judgment-seat, clad in the imperial purple, sat a man who, in a bad world, had attained the eminence of being the very worst and meanest being in it, a man stained with every crime, a man whose whole being was so steeped in every nameable and unnamable vice, that body and soul of him were, as someone said at the time, nothing but a compound of mud and blood; and in the prisoner's dock stood the best man the world possessed, his hair whitened with labors for the good of men and the glory of God. The trial ended: Paul was condemned, and delivered over to the executioner. He was led out of the city, with a crowd of the lowest rabble at his heels. The fatal spot was reached; he knelt beside the block; the headsman's axe gleamed in the sun and fell; and the head of the apostle of the world rolled down in the dust" (probably A.D. 66 A.D.), four years before the fall of Jerusalem. (from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The imagery is strong. Paul, now an old man, tired and waiting for freedom from his earthly body, laid down his life as Nero attempted to thwart Christianity. While we usually think in black and white terms, or by dividing people up into “the good guys” and “the bad guys”, what we see is so much gray area that we cannot clearly discern anyone. There were the Romans who were oppressing the Jews, but somehow many Romans believed on Jesus as Messiah at the time of Paul. As we know in later years, Rome took a partial gospel message, mixed it with paganism and made a world religion. We have the Jews who were contentious toward Jesus and Paul, and, at the same time, other Jews who were from the northern areas of Israel and Assyria. The Jews hated the Romans for oppressing them, instead of coming back to the Lord who delivered them out of Egypt. Many Jews became followers of Jesus as Messiah, but were torn over keeping the Mosaic laws. The Christians were a mixed group from all over the region. Some clearly were out for themselves, like Simon the sorcerer, or Demas, Hymenaeous, or Philetus. Some early Christians tried to be friends with the Jews and sold Paul out. Others did stand with Paul but after several years of prison, they may have aligned with other teachers of that time. There is no clear dividing line among people groups, only between those who lived for Jesus and those who did not. Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary says this:

PAUL-Paul's Legacy. Paul was a controversial figure in his lifetime, even within the Christian movement. He had many opponents who disagreed with his interpretation of the message of Jesus. In the closing years of his life, when imprisonment prevented him from moving about freely, Paul's opponents were able to make headway with their rival interpretations. Even though Asia had been Paul's most fruitful mission field, at the end of his life he wrote, "All those in Asia have turned away from me" (2 Tim 1:15).
In the following generation, however, there was a resurgence of feeling in Paul's favor. His opponents were largely discredited and disabled by the dispersal of the church of that city shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem in  A.D. 70. Throughout most of the church Paul became a venerated figure. His letters, together with the gospels, became the foundation of the Christian movement.
Paul's liberating message has proved its vitality throughout the centuries. Repeatedly, when the Christian faith has been in danger of being shackled by legalism or tradition, Paul's message has allowed the gospel to set man free. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)


One thing that we can see from Paul’s last decade is that there were fragments of Christianity all over the place. Some people left traveling with Paul for the pleasures of the world. Some intentionally taught false ideas to confuse people. Other people had left because of the trials Christians faced. Paul stayed faithful until the end. He laid his life down as an offering for the church. While he probably thought those he evangelized were lost, today we see Paul’s messages of the mystery and freedom in Christ as foundational to the church. We should endeavor to be more like Onesiphorus who ministered to Paul on many occasions and refreshed him. While it seems from church history in the first century that there were divisions and infightings, and church groups did not last very long, the central message made it to our day and time. It is unfortunate that we still have divisions and infightings, and that many churches still do not last very long, yet maybe we can get the message out that Paul preached. Rather than picking at every word or idea spoken by other preachers, maybe we can actually walk in love. Maybe we should hold our tongue regarding our opinions and preach the very thing that has lasted two thousand years, freedom in Christ. Maybe we should use social media to our advantage with a clearly positive message of Jesus as Lord. This is the message that has endured to our day. Without technology that would be very hard, but with technology we can announce the message Paul preached to the entire world.