Dave Yadallee's personal blog

2) Our Daily Bread for 6 December 2023 Titled

Saint Nick



Matthew 1:18-25



The Birth of Jesus Christ



Lk 2:1-7



18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:

After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,

she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.

19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man

and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce

her privately.

20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel

of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,

for He will save His people from their sins."

22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord

had spoken through the prophet, saying,

23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,

and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"

[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."

24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord

had commanded him, and remained with his wife,

25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth

to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.



[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary

was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child

of the Holy Ghost.

[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her

a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord

appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to

take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the

Holy Ghost.

[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of

the Lord by the prophet, saying,

[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and

they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had

bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he

called his name JESUS.



The person we know as Saint Nicholas (Saint Nick) was born around ad 270 to a

wealthy Grecian family. Tragically, his parents died when he was a boy, and

he lived with his uncle who loved him and taught him to follow God. When

Nicholas was a young man, legend says that he heard of three sisters who

didn't have a dowry for marriage and would soon be destitute. Wanting to

follow Jesus' teaching about giving to those in need, he took his inheritance

and gave each sister a bag of gold coins. Over the years, Nicholas gave the

rest of his money away feeding the poor and caring for others. In the

following centuries, Nicholas was honoured for his lavish generosity,

and he inspired the character we know as Santa Claus.



While the glitz and advertising of the season may threaten our celebrations,

the gift-giving tradition connects to Nicholas. And his generosity was based

on his devotion to Jesus. Nicholas knew that Christ enacted unimagined

generosity, bringing the most profound gift: God. Jesus is "God with us"

(Matthew 1:23). And He brought us the gift of life. In a world of death,

He "save[s] his people from their sins" (v. 21).



When we believe in Jesus, sacrificial generosity unfolds. We tend to others'

needs, and we joyfully provide for them as God provides for us. This is

Saint Nick's story; but far more, this is God's story.



By: Winn Collier



Reflect & Pray



What's your experience with gift-giving—is it forced or free and joyful?

How does Jesus' life change your notions of generosity?



Dear God, I want to be generous, but I don't always

feel it. Please help me to practice true generosity.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear



Psalms 27:1



The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom will I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?



The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?



Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,

and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.

When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,

and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.

The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"

David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".

God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.

He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.

When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,

afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may

say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.

He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,

and in him we are safe.

Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,

to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.

We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence

against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money

loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,

we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.



Application



a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?

What was the result of that trust?



b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?



c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see

when I lived in darkness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Luke 7:23



23 (Isa 8:14-15) "And Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."



23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Guiding Presence



Matthew 28:16-20



The Commissioning of the Disciples



Mk 16:14-18; Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-23; Ac 1:6-8



16 (Mt 28:7; 26:32)Then the eleven disciples went away to Galilee,

to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.

17 (Mt 28:9) When they saw Him, they worshipped Him. But some doubted.

18 (Mt 11:27; Ro 14:9) Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit,

20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things

I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always,

even to the end of the age." Amen.



16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee,

into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



6th Day of the Month



a) Pray for a more effective witness by the church in every Canadian community



(

Deut 4:6-7



6 (Job 28:28; Pr 1:7 ) Therefore, keep and do them, for this is your wisdom and

your understanding in the sight of the nations which shall hear all these

statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and

understanding people."

7 (2Sa 7:23; Ps 46:1) For what nation is there so great, who has a god so near

to it as the Lord our God is in all things whenever we call on Him?



6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and

your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these

statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and

understanding people.

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them,

as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?



Matt 5:13-16



13 (Lev 2:13; Lk 14:34-35) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt

loses its saltiness, how shall it be made salty? It is from then on good for

nothing but to be thrown out and to be trampled underfoot by men.

14 (Jn 8:12; Pr 4:18) "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden.

15 (Mk 4:21; Lk 8:16) Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket,

but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house.

16 (1Pe 2:12; Mt 9:8; Jn 15:8) Let your light so shine before men that they

may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.



13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set

on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on

a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.



Acts 1:8



8 (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes

upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and

Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."



8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

)



b) Pray for the province of British Columbia



I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, that God's Spirit would influence then to

act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4) 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, 2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings

and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life

in all godliness and honesty, 3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and

acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all

men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 for kings,

and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable

life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign and booklet

to turn many hearts to Jesus



Advent Day 11



From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck



"We cannot conceive how the Divine Spirit dwelled

within the created and human spirit of Jesus....

What we can understand... is that our own... existence is...

but a faint image of the Divine Incarnation itself

- the same theme in a very minor key."



- C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)



Like Father, Like Son



"Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." We've read those words from

John's Gospel earlier in these devotions. Jesus came from the Father. Jesus

came to do the will of the Father. The Father knows him, and he knows the

Father. He and the Father are one. He will return to the Father. Truly, like

Father, like Son.



Have you ever wondered why the image of a newborn baby, lying in a manger,

tugs at our hearts? Some of us love that image because we are parents, and we

recall those early days of parentage. But there is far more to this picture.

Part of God came to us and has been with us since the original creation, when

God made us in his image. And, as Lewis writes, in us and in our children

there is "a faint image of the Divine Incarnation itself." The image may be

faint, "the same theme in a very minor key," but it's there.



And then, Jesus comes to live in us as we believe in him. Paul says it this

way: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). He is there in us, in

the image of God, and he is there in us by faith when we believe, making us

like him.



Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making us in your image, for showing us the

Father, for living in us and for making us like you. Amen.



Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. - John 14:9



From follow the story by Marva J. Dawn



WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT



Receptivity



Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. ..."



-Luke 1:38a



As was said in yesterday's meditation, Mary's consent was as striking a

wonder as other great works of God. That she was willing to go through

the gossip-causing pregnancy and the cruel agony of being the Christ's

mother was truly phenomenal. How highly we should honor her!



Mary also is a notable model for us. She was thoroughly obedient to

whatever God had in mind for her as she responded, "Let it be with me

according to your word."



Are we as willing to acquiesce in whatever God knows is best for us (in eternal perspective) and most conducive for his purposes for the world?

I must confess that I don't receive all God's intentions for me with alacrity or fervor. Some events in our lives probably seem too arduous

for us. I'm not saying that the evil forces don't cause us handicaps,

trials and much unpleasantness, but God has promised that all things

will work together (eventually) for good.

Can we encounter whatever God allows with thanksgiving?



Prayer



God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your

outline for our lives. Amen.



Read Luke 1:26-38.



26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,

of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.

The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."

29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered

in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.

30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found

favour with God.

31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son

and shall call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.

And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,

33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.

And of His kingdom there will be no end."

34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a an?"

35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.

Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.

36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.

And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible."

38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according

to your word." Then the angel departed from her.



From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



SECOND WEDNESDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANNOUNCEMENTS!



1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,

2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

is at hand." MATTHEW 3:1-2



Today's Gospel lesson announces to us that John the Baptist was one of

the best "announcers" of all time . . . even better than Ed McMahon or Ryan

Seacrest! He captured people's attention( wouldn't anyone wearing camel's

hair and eating locusts?). he knew his "product,' he was proud to be a

spokesperson, and he articulated his "mission statement" quite well:

"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near... prepare the way of the Lord!"



And so it is with us AH-Ha people of Advent! We are announcers for

the Lord in all that we do, say and think. John's mission was to introduce

Christ and point people to the Lord. So is ours. How are we doing?



A little girl was playing the role of the head angel in the Christmas pageant

She took control, as head angels do, and made sure all the junior angels

stayed in their places. But all the energy arid excitement were too much

for them as they scurried in front of the manger scene. blocking out Mary,

Joseph and even Baby Jesus. It became too much for the head angel to

handle and she shouted to the overly eager angels, "Get out of the ways

Nobody can see Jesus"!



Sometimes l block people from seeing Jesus also. l get caught up in

telling my story, and I fail to tell his story.

Sometimes I do not take the time to

introduce people to the Lord. Sometimes my winging it doesn't help either.



And yet, the Lord continues to woo us all back to being announcers of

his story of love and forgiveness. What an announcement--from the Lord

himself! Enjoy being an AH-HA of Advent as we announce that Christ is

coming, is here now and will come again. But ... maybe drop the locust idea!



Lord, forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what

we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for

continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby

called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Matthew 3:1-12



Matthew 3



The Preaching of John the Baptist



Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28



1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,

2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

is at hand."

3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,

saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord;

make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].

4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,

a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region

around the Jordan went out to him,

6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,

confessing their sins.

7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees

and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,

"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to one?

8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,

9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,

'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able

from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.

Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire.

11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,

but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy

to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly

clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,

but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."



From On Eagle's wings Day 11



Title Darkness into Light by Marcia Baker (Lutheran)

Former On Eagle’s Wings Governing Board Member



8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-



[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk

as children of light:



Ephesians 5:8



When I first started praying about this passage, I constantly

returned to a memory of a trip to Whati. During the children'’s

Bible Camp, we read the story about the Prodigal Son. Just as

the father celebrated the return of his son by throwing a party,

we too threw a party with the children – complete with party horns.

That evening, with the sun still shining at 2:00 am, we could

hear children in the village blowing their party horns. That

night the Bible Camp teachers didn't get much sleep and were

exhausted by the following morning!

Although I have never experienced the long periods of

darkness in the north, I did experience the joy of taking

advantage of the long hours of shining light.

This reminded me of the joy of living as children who have

God's light, and the hope of Jesus coming again to lift us all

out of darkness once and for all.

Lord, we often experience darkness in our lives. We are

your children and know the light of your love. Help us to

always walk in your light! Amen.





Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bold witness about your salvation despite

persecution.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I want to be generous, but I don't always

feel it. Please help me to practice true generosity."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know him as your source of Security and Salvation.



Pray to the Lord and pray not to be offensive in the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to make disciples in the Name of Jesus Christ!



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray for a more effective witness by the church in every Canadian community



Pray Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making us in your image, for showing us

the Father, for living in us and for making us like you. Amen.



Pray: God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your

outline for our lives. Amen.



Pray: Lord, we pray today:"Lord, forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what

we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for

continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby

called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!"



Pray: Lord, we often experience darkness in our lives. We are

your children and know the light of your love. Help us to

always walk in your light! Amen.



Pray that the Truth of God's Word will be revealed in Uganda to those

who are spiritually thinking.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

Day 340, 6 December 2023 - 11th Day of Advent



1) Acts 20:7-38, Acts 21, Acts 22, Acts 23



Paul's Farewell Visit to Troas



7 (Ac 20:11; 1Co 16:2; Rev 1:10) On the first day of the week,

when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to leave

the next day, preached to them and continued his message until midnight.

8 (Ac 1:13) There were many lamps in the upper room where they were

assembled.

9 A young man named Eutychus sat in the window, falling into a deep sleep

as Paul spoke for a longer time. Being overcome by sleep, he fell down

from the third floor and was taken up dead.

10 (Mk 5:39; Mt 9:23-24) Paul went down and leaned over him, and embracing

him said, "Do not be troubled, for he is alive."

11 (Ac 20:7) When he had gone up and had broken bread and eaten,

he conversed for a long while until dawn and departed.

12 They took the lad in alive and were greatly comforted.



[7] And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to

break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and

continued his speech until midnight.

[8] And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were

gathered together.

[9] And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being

fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with

sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

[10] And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble

not yourselves; for his life is in him.

[11] When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten,

and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

[12] And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.



The Voyage From Troas to Miletus



13 We went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, intending to take

Paul on board there. For he had arranged this, intending to go on foot.

14 When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene.

15 (Ac 20:17; 2Ti 4:20) The day after sailing from there we arrived off

Chios. And the next day we crossed over to Samos and stayed at Trogyllium,

and the following day we came to Miletus.

16 (Ac 2:1; 19:21) Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, to avoid spending

time in Asia. For he was hurrying so he could be in Jerusalem, if

possible, on the day of Pentecost.



[13] And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to

take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

[14] And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

[15] And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the

next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we

came to Miletus.

[16] For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend

the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at

Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.



Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders



17 (Ac 11:30; 14:23) From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders

of the church.

18 (Ac 18:19; 19:1) When they came to him, he said to them,

"You know how I always lived among you from the first day that

I came to Asia,

19 (Ac 20:3; 20:31) serving the Lord with all humility

and with many tears and trials which befell me through

the plots of the Jews.

20 (Ac 20:27; 20:31) I did not keep from declaring what was beneficial

to you, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,

21 (Ac 2:38; 11:18; 20:24) testifying to both Jews and Greeks

of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 "Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing

what shall befall me there,

23 (Ac 9:16; 21:4) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every

city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

24 (Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:1) But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count

my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course

and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify

to the gospel of the grace of God.

25 (Ac 28:31; Mt 4:23) "Now I know that all you, among whom I went

proclaiming the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

26 (Ac 18:6) Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent

of the blood of all men.

27 (Ac 20:20; Lk 7:30) For I did not keep from declaring to you

the whole counsel of God.

28 (1Co 10:32; Isa 40:11) Therefore take heed to yourselves

and to the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you

overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased

with His own blood.

29 (Mt 7:15; Jn 10:12) For I know that after my departure,

dreadful wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock.

30 (1Ti 1:19-20; 1Jn 2:19) Even from among you men will arise

speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples away after them.

31 (Ac 19:10; 19:8) Therefore watch, remembering that for three years

night and day I did not cease to warn everyone with tears.

32 (Ac 14:23; 26:18) "Now, brothers, I commend you to God and to the word

of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance

among all who are sanctified.

33 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 11:9) I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or

clothing.

34 (Ac 18:3) Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided

for my necessities and for those who were with me.

35 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:8) In all things I have shown you how, working like

this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,

how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

36 (Lk 22:41; Ac 21:5) Having said these things, he knelt down with all

of them and prayed.

37 (Lk 15:20; 2Ti 1:4) They all wept much and embraced Paul's neck

and kissed him,

38 (Ac 15:3; 20:25) grieving most over the words he spoke, that they were

to see his face no more. Then they escorted him to the ship.



[17] And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the

church.

[18] And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the

first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at

all seasons,

[19] Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and

temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have

shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward

God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

[22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing

the things that shall befall me there:

[23] Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds

and afflictions abide me.

[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto

myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I

have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

[25] And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching

the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

[26] Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood

of all men.

[27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

[28] Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the

which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased with his own blood.

[29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in

among you, not sparing the flock.

[30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to

draw away disciples after them.

[31] Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I

ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

[32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace,

which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them

which are sanctified.

[33] I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my

necessities, and to them that were with me.

[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support

the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is

more blessed to give than to receive.

[36] And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

[37] And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

[38] Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should

see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.



Acts 21



Paul's Journey to Jerusalem



1 When we had withdrawn from them and set sail, we went on a straight

course to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went aboard, and set sail.

3 (Mt 4:24; Ac 4:36) Having come in sight of Cyprus, we passed to the

south of it and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship's

cargo was to be unloaded.

4 When we found the disciples, we remained there

seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

5 (Ac 20:36; 9:40) But when our days were over, we parted and traveled on.

Everyone, with wives and children, escorted us until we were outside

the city. And we knelt on the shore and prayed.

6 (Jn 19:27) After bidding farewell to one another, we boarded the ship,

and they returned home.

7 We finished the voyage from Tyre when we landed at Ptolemais,

where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.

8 (Ac 6:5; Eph 4:11; 2Ti 4:5) The next day we who were Paul's companions

departed, and arrived at Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip

the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

9 (Ac 2:17; Lk 2:36) He had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

10 (Ac 11:28) While we stayed there many days, a prophet named Agabus

came down from Judea.

11 (Ac 21:33; Jer 13:1-11; 1Sa 15:27-28) When he had arrived, he took

Paul's belt and bound his own hands and feet, saying, "The Holy Spirit

says, 'In this manner the Jews at Jerusalem shall bind the man who owns

this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "

12 (Mt 16:21-23) When we heard these things, both we and the residents

implored him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 (Ac 20:24; Php 2:17) Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping

and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but also

to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

14 (Mt 6:10; Lk 22:42) When he would not be persuaded, we kept silent

and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."

15 After those days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.

16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought

with them Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.



[1] And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had

launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following

unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

[2] And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set

forth.

[3] Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and

sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her

burden.

[4] And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul

through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

[5] And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way;

and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were

out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

[6] And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they

returned home again.

[7] And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and

saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

[8] And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto

Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was

one of the seven; and abode with him.

[9] And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

[10] And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a

certain prophet, named Agabus.

[11] And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own

hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at

Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into

the hands of the Gentiles.

[12] And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place,

besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

[13] Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I

am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of

the Lord Jesus.

[14] And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the

Lord be done.

[15] And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to

Jerusalem.

[16] There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and

brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should

lodge.



Paul Visits James



17 (Ac 15:4) When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

18 (Ac 11:30; 15:13) On the next day Paul went with us to James, and all

the elders were present.

19 (Ac 1:17; 14:27) He greeted them and recounted one by one what God

had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20 (Ac 22:3; Ro 10:2) When they heard this, they glorified the Lord.

Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews

there are who believe, and they are all zealous for the law.

21 (Ac 21:28) They have been informed concerning you that you teach

all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them

not to circumcise their children nor to observe the customs.

22 What then shall be done? The assembly will certainly meet, for they

will hear that you have come.

23 (Ac 18:18) Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have

taken a vow.

24 (Ac 21:26; 24:18) Take these men and be purified with them, and pay

their expenses so that they may have their heads shaved. Then all will

know that what they were told concerning you is nothing, but that you

yourself live in observance of the law.

25 (Ac 15:29) As for the Gentiles who believe, we have written and

concluded that they should observe no such thing, except that they abstain

from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled

animals, and from blood."

26 (Ac 24:18; Nu 6:13-20) Then on the next day, Paul took the men

and purified himself with them. And he went into the temple, announcing

when the days of purification would be complete and an offering would

be given for each one of them.



[17] And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

[18] And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the

elders were present.

[19] And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God

had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

[20] And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him,

Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and

they are all zealous of the law:

[21] And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which

are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to

circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

[22] What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they

will hear that thou art come.

[23] Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a

vow on them;

[24] Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them,

that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof

they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also

walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

[25] As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded

that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from

things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from

fornication.

[26] Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them

entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of

purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.



Paul Arrested in the Temple



27 (Ac 24:18; 26:21) When the seven days were nearly concluded, the Jews

from Asia saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people,

and laid hands on him,

28 (Ac 24:5-6; 21:21) crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man

teaching all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place.

He even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."

29 (Ac 20:4) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the

city with him, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.

30 (Ac 26:21) Then the whole city was provoked, and the people ran

together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple.

And immediately the doors were shut.

31 While they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commander

(Gk. chiliarch, a battalion commander

with the rank of lieutenant colonel over 1,000 soldiers.)

of the battalion of soldiers that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 (Ac 23:27) He at once took soldiers and centurions, and ran down

to them. When they saw the commander and the soldiers,

they stopped beating Paul.

33 (Ac 12:6; 20:23) Then the commander came and arrested him, and ordered

that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was

and what he had done.

34 (Ac 19:32; 23:10) Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another.

As he could not learn the truth because of the uproar,

he commanded that he be brought into the barracks.

35 When he came onto the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers

because of the violence of the people.

36 (Lk 23:18; Jn 19:15) For the mob of people followed, crying out,

"Away with him!"



[27] And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia,

when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands

on him,

[28] Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men

every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further

brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

[29] (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian,

whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

[30] And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took

Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

[31] And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain

of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

[32] Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them:

and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of

Paul.

[33] Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be

bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

[34] And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when

he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be

carried into the castle.

[35] And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the

soldiers for the violence of the people.

[36] For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

Paul Defends Himself



37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks,

he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?"

He replied, "Do you know how to speak Greek?

38 (Mt 24:26A) Are you not the Egyptian who in past days caused an uproar

and led the four thousand men of the Sicarii (Or men of the Assassins.)

out into the wilderness?"

39 (Ac 9:11; 22:3) Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus of Cilicia, a

citizen of no common city. I beg of you, permit me to speak to the people."

40 (Ac 12:17; Jn 5:2) When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the

stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was great

silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,



[37] And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief

captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

[38] Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar,

and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

[39] But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia,

a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the

people.

[40] And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and

beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great

silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,



Acts 22



1 (Ac 7:2) "Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you."

2 (Ac 21:40) When they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew

language, they became even more quiet.

Then he said,

3 (Ac 9:11; 5:34; 21:20) "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but

brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was trained in the

strict tradition of the law of the fathers, being zealous toward God as

you all are today.

4 (Ac 22:19-20; 26:9-11) I persecuted this Way to the death,

arresting and imprisoning both men and women,

5 (Lk 22:66; Ac 9:1-2) as even the high priest and the council of elders

bear witness of me. From them I received letters to the brothers in

Damascus, where I went to take even those who were there and lead them in

chains to Jerusalem to be punished.



[1] Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto

you.

[2] (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they

kept the more silence: and he saith,)

[3] I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet

brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the

perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye

all are this day.

[4] And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into

prisons both men and women.

[5] As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the

elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to

Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be

punished.



Paul Tells of His Conversion



Ac 9:1-19; 26:12-18



6 "As I journeyed and came near Damascus, about noon suddenly a great

light from heaven shone around me.

7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me,

'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'

8 "I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?'

"He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'

9 (Ac 9:7; Da 10:7) Those who were with me saw the light and were afraid,

but they did not hear the voice of Him who was speaking to me.

10 (Ac 16:30) "I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?'

"The Lord said to me, 'Rise and go into Damascus. There you will be told

what you have been appointed to do.'

11 Since I was blinded by the glory of that light, those who were with me

led me by the hand into Damascus.

12 (Ac 10:22; 6:3) "Ananias, a devout man according to the law,

who was well spoken of by all the Jews living there,

13 came and stood by me, and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.'

And at that moment I looked up at him.

14 (Ac 26:16; 1Co 9:1; 15:8) "Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has

appointed you to know His will and to see the Just One and to hear His

voice,

15 (Ac 23:11; 4:20) for you will be His witness to all men of what you

have seen and heard.

16 (Ac 2:38; Heb 10:22; 1Co 6:11) And now why do you wait? Rise, be

baptized and wash away your sins, and call on the name of the Lord.'



[6] And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto

Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round

about me.

[7] And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul,

Saul, why persecutest thou me?

[8] And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of

Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

[9] And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but

they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

[10] And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise,

and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which

are appointed for thee to do.

[11] And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the

hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

[12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good

report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

[13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy

sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

[14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou

shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice

of his mouth.

[15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and

heard.

[16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy

sins, calling on the name of the Lord.



Paul Sent to the Gentiles



17 (2Co 12:1-4) "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying

in the temple, I fell into a trance

18 and saw Him saying to me, 'Hurry! Get out of Jerusalem immediately,

for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.'

19 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:4) "I said, 'Lord, they know that I imprisoned

and beat those who believed in You in every synagogue.

20 (Ac 7:58; 8:1) And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed,

I was standing by consenting to his death, guarding the clothes

of those who killed him.'

21 (Ac 9:15) "Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you far away

to the Gentiles.' "



[17] And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even

while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

[18] And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of

Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

[19] And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every

synagogue them that believed on thee:

[20] And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing

by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew

him.

[21] And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the

Gentiles.



Paul and the Roman Commander



22 (Ac 25:24; 21:36) They listened to him up to this word, and then

they lifted up their voices and said, "Away with such a man from

the earth, for he is not fit to live!"

23 As they shouted and threw off their garments and threw dust into the air,

24 (Ac 21:34; 23:10) the commander ordered him to be brought

into the barracks and examined with scourging, so that he might learn

what crime they were alleging against him.

25 (Ac 16:37) As they stretched him forward with straps, Paul said

to the centurion standing by, "Is it legal for you to flog

an uncondemned Roman citizen?"

26 On hearing this, the centurion reported to the commander, saying,

"What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen."

27 The commander came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"

He said, "Yes."

28 The commander answered, "I bought my citizenship for a large sum."

So Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."

29 Therefore those who were about to examine Paul immediately backed away

from him. And the commander feared, knowing that he was a Roman citizen

and because he had bound him.



[22] And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their

voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit

that he should live.

[23] And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into

the air,

[24] The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade

that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they

cried so against him.

[25] And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that

stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and

uncondemned?

[26] When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain,

saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

[27] Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a

Roman? He said, Yea.

[28] And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this

freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

[29] Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him:

and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman,

and because he had bound him.



Paul Before the Sanhedrin



30 (Ac 23:28; 21:33) On the next day, desiring to know exactly

why he was accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief

priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble,

and he brought Paul down to stand before them.



[30] On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he

was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the

chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and

set him before them.



Acts 23



1 (Ac 24:16; 2Co 1:12) Paul looked at the Sanhedrin and said,

"Brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."

2 (Ac 24:1; Jn 18:22) The high priest Ananias ordered those who stood

by him to strike him on the mouth.

3 (Jn 7:51; Dt 25:1-2) Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you,

you whitewashed wall! Do you sit judging me according to the law,

yet order me to be struck contrary to the law?"

4 Those who stood by said, "Do you criticize God's high priest?"

5 (Ex 22:28) Paul said, "Brothers, I did not know that he was

the high priest. For it is written,

'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'(Ex 22:28.)"

6 (Ac 24:15; 24:21) Then Paul, knowing that one sect were Sadducees

and the other Pharisees, cried out among the Sanhedrin,

"Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee. I am being judged

for my hope in the resurrection of the dead."

7 When he had said this, dissension arose between the Pharisees

and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

8 (Mt 22:23; Lk 20:27) For the Sadducees say that there is

no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit. But the Pharisees acknowledge

them all.

9 (Ac 22:7; 22:17-18) There was a great outcry. The scribes that were

from the sect of Pharisees stood up and argued,

"We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or an angel has spoken

to him, let us not fight against God."

10 (Ac 22:24) When much dissension arose, fearing that Paul would be torn

to pieces by them, the commander ordered the soldiers to go down and take

him from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

11 (Ac 18:9; 19:21) The following night the Lord stood by him and said,

"Take courage, Paul. For as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem,

so you must also testify at Rome."



1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have

lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him

on the mouth.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for

sittest thou to judge me after the law,

and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest:

for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other

Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee,

the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called

in question.

7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees

and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor

spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees'

part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a

spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest

Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go

down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the

castle.

11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer,

Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear

witness also at Rome.



The Plot Against Paul's Life



12 (Ac 23:21; 23:30) At daybreak some of the Jews conspired under oath,

saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

13 There were more than forty who had conspired.

14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said,

"We have bound ourselves under oath not to eat until we have killed Paul.

15 So now, with the Sanhedrin, tell the commander to bring him down to you

tomorrow, pretending to inquire further concerning him. We are ready to

kill him before he arrives."

16 (Ac 23:10) But when the son of Paul's sister heard of the treachery,

he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions over and said,

"Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him."

18 (Eph 3:1) So he took him to the commander and said, "Paul the prisoner

sent for me and asked me to bring you this young man who has something

to tell you."

19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside privately,

and asked him, "What is it you have to tell me?"

20 (Ac 23:14-15)The boy said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you

to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, pretending to inquire

further concerning him.

21 (Ac 23:12-14) Do not trust them. More than forty men, who have bound

themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they have killed

him, are waiting for him. And now they are ready, waiting for your

promise."

22 The commander dismissed the young man and ordered him,

"Tell no one that you have reported these things to me."



12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound

themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink

till they had killed Paul.

13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have

bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we

have slain Paul.

15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he

bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something

more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near,

are ready to kill him.

16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went a

nd entered into the castle, and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this

young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the

prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee,

who hath something to say unto thee.

19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside

privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring

down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat

of him more perfectly.

21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them

more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will

neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready,

looking for a promise from thee.

22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him,

See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.



Paul Sent to Felix the Governor



23 Then he summoned two centurions and said,

"Prepare two hundred infantrymen, seventy mounted soldiers,

and two hundred light infantrymen with spears to go to Caes­area

at the third hour of the night.

24 (Ac 23:26; 24:10) And provide mounts so Paul may ride

and take him safely to Felix the governor."

25 He wrote a letter that went like this:

26 (Ac 15:23; Lk 1:3) Claudius Lysias,

To His Excellency Governor Felix:

Greetings.

27 (Ac 22:25-29) This man was seized by the Jews

and was about to be killed by them. When I learned that he was

a Roman citizen, I came with soldiers and rescued him.

28 (Ac 22:30) Being minded to learn what crime they alleged,

I took him to their Sanhedrin.

29 (Ac 18:15; 26:31) I found him being accused of controversial matters

about their law, but charged with nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.

30 (Ac 23:20; 23:35) When it was revealed to me that there was a plot

against the man, at once I sent him to you and ordered the accusers

to state before you their charges against him.

Farewell.



23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred

soldiers to go to Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two

hundred, at the third hour of the night;

24 and provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe

unto Felix the governor.

25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:

26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then

came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought

him forth into their council:

29 whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have

nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent

straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say

before thee what they had against him. Farewell.



31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul by night

to Antipatris.

32 The next day they let the cavalry depart with him

and they returned to the barracks.

33 When they arrived in Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor,

they presented Paul also to him.

34 (Ac 21:39; 25:1) Upon reading the letter, the governor asked what

province he was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia,

35 (Ac 23:30; 25:16) he said, "I will hear you when your accusers

also arrive." And he ordered that he be guarded in Herod's Praetorium.



31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him

by night to Antipatris.

32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him,

and returned to the castle:

33 who, when they came to Cæsarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor,

presented Paul also before him.

34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he

was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come.

And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.