BC - Day 339

Reading:  Acts 26-28


At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense.  "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted.  "Your great learning is driving you insane."  Acts 26:24


Footnote:  Paul was risking his life for a message that was offensive to the Jews and unbelievable to the Gentiles.  Jesus received the same response to his message.  To a worldly, materialistic mind, it seems insane to risk so much to gain what seems to be so little.  But as you follow Christ, you soon discover that temporary possessions look so small next to even the smallest eternal reward.


Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.  Acts 28:3


Footnote:  God had promised safe passage to Paul, and he would let nothing stop his servant.  The poisonous viper that bit Paul was unable to harm him.  Our lives are in God's hands, to continue on or to come to an end in his good timing.  God still had work for Paul to do.


Footnote for 28:17-20:  Paul wanted to preach the gospel in Rome, and he eventually got there -- in chains, through shipwreck, and after many trials.  Although he may have wished for an easier passage, he knew that God had blessed him greatly in allowing him to meet the believers in Rome and preach the message to both Jews and Gentiles in that great city.  In all things, God worked for Paul's good (Romans 8:28).  You can trust him to do the same for you.  God may not make you comfortable or secure, but he will provide the opportunity to do his work.


JUST KEEP READING...........

All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.