Today's passage is Acts24:10-23.
Felix listens to Paul, who says he arrived in Jerusalem only 12 days before and that none of the charges against him are true. He says he is a follower of the Way and believes in the resurrection. He says Jews from Asia caused the problem. Felix, who is familiar with the Way, says he needs to hear from the commander before he makes his judgment. Paul remains under guard but his friends can visit.
Why does Paul not think Christianity is a sect?
Where am I kept under guard?
Because Paul sees Jesus as the Messiah, Christianity is no sect of Judaism for him but mainstream belief.
He seems genuinely puzzled by what he's on trial for.
He has broken no Jewish or Roman law. He is an innocent man under arrest for proclaiming salvation.
Where am I imprisoned but my friends can visit? Verse 23.
People think being a principal is a job of prestige and power.
Sometimes it is, but not often.
Mostly, it's a prison where my friends visit me in person and through email.
Although I am the face and voice of the school, today I had to rewrite a letter twice to please the office ladies who deal with Korean parents.
And although I determine the curriculum and monitor it, today I was a substitute teacher for a sick teacher.
I had one moment with students when I said that life is a training camp preparing us for our next challenge and hardship.
Finally, I was able to coach a complaining teacher by showing him how I praise God and thank him in all circumstances on a harried drive through Korean traffic.
The praising allowed us to arrive in good spirits, praise God.
Lord, let me always remember that, though I am in many prisons, I am free in you because you let your Holy Spirit and my friends visit me.
