a paraphrased study
[Paul is presenting his case and defense against his accusers before the governor Felix, in Caesarea. The hearing had been moved and Paul brought from Jerusalem in order to escape a plot that had been made to kill him.] — 13,14 - “Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me (Paul). But this is what I believe (and so teach) - according to the way they call a sect - I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything written in the Law and by the Prophets. 15 And holding this hope in God, my accusers also believe, that there will be resurrection. Of both the just and of the unjust. 16 Therefor I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward God and toward man. 17 After several years of being away, I came to bring gifts for the poor of my nation and to offer sacrifices. 18 And so they found me ritually purified in the temple. And there was no crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you to make an accusation, should they have one against me - 20 or let these men here, say what wrongdoing did they find when I stood before their council. 21 Except for this one thing that I cried out while standing among them - ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day!’” [Which (deliberately) divided the council in argument, the Pharisees declaring him innocent, the Sadducees disagreeing. The argument became so fierce the Roman commander broke it up “lest they tear Paul to pieces”.]
22 But Felix, having a somewhat accurate knowledge of “the way” put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I’ll decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that Paul be kept in custody but with some freedom, and that none of his friends should be prevented from supplying what he needed.
24 Then after some days Felix came back with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about the faith in Jesus as the Christ (Messiah, Savior, literally “anointed one”]. 25 And as he reasoned about justice, righteousness, self-control and about the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you again.” 26 At the same time he hoped a bribe would be given to him from Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wanting to do the Jewish (Hebrew) leaders a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
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Jesus said - “All those in the tombs/graves will hear God’s voice and will come forth” (from the graves/tombs) “some into the resurrection of life (into THE millennium). And some into the resurrection of judgment” (Jn.5:28-29) which elsewhere He calls agelasting correction [“kolasin aionion” oR “eonian correction” Mt.25:46.
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