Acts 24:1-27
So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. (v. 16) Just a quick comment… Paul preaches repentance and forgiveness. This verse seems to indicate that he also practiced the same. One does not arrive at a clear conscience unless s/he has gone to the Lord in prayer asking God’s forgiveness for mis-doings and seeking His will as they move forward.
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. (v. 17) I would not have known it, but my Study Bible pointed out that this verse is the only reference in Acts to the collection that Paul had organized that he had brought to Jerusalem just a few days prior. Everything else that we know about that collection comes from comments in Paul’s letters. (See e.g., Romans 15:26, 1 Cor 16:1–4; 2 Cor 8:1–9:15.) Interesting…
See also: July 24 / Acts 24:1-9; July 25 / Acts 24:10-27
So many times as I read Paul’s letters and these chapters in Acts, I am inspired and challenged by his heart for God and his efforts to serve and grow the Church.
In my earlier days as a Christian, I found Paul’s letters impossible to read. I also felt that Paul himself was a bit of a tyrannical taskmaster about issues of faith—so many dogmas and rules, it seemed! In addition, he seemed “beyond human”; his Herculean efforts for evangelism being an impossible, unattainable standard to aspire for (which it still is…ha, ha!).
However, concentrating on the letters of the NT in the last two years has helped me see Paul in a much more human light. He struggled and had setbacks but persevered.
Now when I read his letters and his story in Acts, I see his love of God and his service to the saints, his tenderness, and his toughness.
May I go and do likewise.
Good thoughts! I too have learned to appreciate him more. My study notes that Felix had taken another man’s wife, which may have led to his fear. The gospel might lead to life change, yikes. I wonder what his wife Drusilla heard?