The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1903-05-23
NOTES AND COMMENTS.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Our attention has been called to the
fact that when on trial Paul always en-
deavored TO do more than secure his
own acquittal; he sought TO preach the
Gospel at the same time to his judges
and hearers. This he did when ad-
dressing the mob from the steps Of the
castle Antonia, when he was being ex-
amined by Felix, and now We shall see
how uppermost that thought was when
he was brought before Agrippa. Such
an exhibition Of zeal for Christ ought
to thrill, shame and inspire.
Two years have passed since our last
lesson, and Paul is still a prisoner at
Caesarea. Felix, the Roman governor
Of the province Of Judea, has just been
recalled and Festus appointed as his
successor This lesson opens with the
arrival of FeStus.
The leading men among the Jews
tried 20 take advantage IL the new
governor and his unfamiliarily With
the case. and have Paul brought to
Jerusalem again, at the same time
plotting to kill him by the way. For
tunately for Paul, Festus preferred to
try the case at his own capital. When
the trial came, the Jews proved moth
ing but their own venomous hatred.
This Felix knew well enough, but yet
he was their governor, and did not
want 20 gain their ill-will at the very
beginning Of his term, and so finally
suggested another trial at Jerusalem.
Paul knew only too well what that
would mean, and 10 avoid falling into
the hands Of the Jews, he appealed to
Caesar. II was the lesser Of two evils.
Here for the third time in Acts is
told the story Of Paul's conversion,
and the tremendous impression made
upon him by his vision Of the risen
Lord.
~Wherefore:" Referring TO the rev
elation Of verses 12-ls. Repent and
turn to God. doing works." No repent
ance that does not result in a genuine
turning OF the whole life to God is Of
any value. Faith that does not in
clude works is dead. Saying moth
ing but what the prophets and Moses
did say should Gomez" Paul claims
that he has not forsaken Judaism, but
that Christianity is the fulfllment and
completion Of Judaism. The Christ
must suffer-" A truth not believed BY
the jews, and yet one which Paul says
was taught in their Scriptures.
paul, thou art mad:" The Roman
governor could not understand Paul's
over the alleged resurrec-
tion Of Jesus Ramsay paraphrases
his explanation thus: Paul. Paul, you
are q great philosopher, but you have
no common sense''-tbe natural view
for one not knowing the faith and hope
Of the Jews The king knoweth.n
Agrippa would never have said what
Festus did. for he knew the Messianic
hope Of the Jews, as well as the facts
Of the life ~ Christ and the spread of
"Believest thou the
Agrippa did not answer.
but turned the question of with light
sneer that probably raised laugh
among the gay courtiers who thronged
the hall. 1t was an he could do. for
he was not willing to face the truth.
The revised version probably gives the
true Interpretation, which amounts to
this: You think it's an easy matter to /
make a Christian Of mel"
This was not o regular trial. for the
appeal to Caesar had taken the case
)ut Of the hands Of the local author
ties. Paul seems TO have been bring
ng the truth too close home to the
1iHg, and so the hearing was cut short
md the brilliant assemblage fled out
# the hall, but the impression Paul
had made on them was decidedly favor
lhle.