Church History:http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Date: A.D.57 – 59
One of the best of men is here accused as one of the worst of malefactors, only because he was the prisoner. After a flourish of flattery, in which you cannot see matter for words, he comes to his business at hand, and this is to inform his Excellency concerning the prisoner at the bar; and this part of his discourse is as nauseous for its raillery as the former part is for its flattery. I pity the man, and believe he has no malice against Paul, nor does he think as he speaks falsely, any more than he did in courting Felix.
Two things Tertullus here complains of to Felix, in the name of the high priest and the elders:
1. That the peace of the nation was disturbed by Paul: They could not have baited Christ's disciples if they had not first dressed them up in the skins of wild beasts, nor have given them as they did the vilest of treatment if they had not first represented them as the vilest of men, though the characters they gave of them were absolutely false and there was not the least color nor foundation for them. The old charge against God's prophets was that they were the troublemakers of the land, and against God's Jerusalem that it was a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces (Ezra 4:15,19), and against our Lord Jesus that he perverted the nation, and forbade to give tribute to Cæsar. It is the very same against Paul here; and, though utterly false, is averred with all the confidence imaginable. They do not say, "We suspect him to be a dangerous man, and have taken him up upon that suspicion;" but, as if the thing were past dispute, "We have found him to be so; we have often and long found him so;" as if he were a traitor and rebel already convicted. And yet, after all, there is not a word of truth in this representation;
2. That the course of justice against Paul was obstructed by the chief captain: They pleaded that they took him, and would have judged him according to their law. This was false; they did not go about to judge him according to their law, but, contrary to all law and equity, went about to beat him to death or to pull him to pieces, without hearing what he had to say for himself-went about, under pretense of having him into their court, to throw him into the hands of ruffians that lay in wait to destroy him. Was this judging him according to their law? It is easy for men, when they know what they should have done, to say, this they would have done, when they meant nothing less. They reflected upon the chief captain as having been unfair to them by rescuing Paul out of their hands and not allowing them to judge one of their own.
They referred the matter to Felix and his judgment, yet they seemed uneasy that it was necessary to do so. The chief captain had forced them into it: it was he that forced us to cause you this trouble, and ourselves too; for," First, "He commanded his accusers to come to you, that you should hear the charge, when it might as well have been ended in the inferior court." Secondly, "He has left it up to you to examine him, and try and see what you can get out of him, and whether you can by his confession, gain knowledge of those things which we are accusing him of."
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Paul Brought Before Felix; Acts 24:1 – 27 Part 3
Church History: Datehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif: A.D.57 – 59
Tertullus's, on the behalf of the prosecutors, outlines the accusations against him, and he is a man that will say anything for his fee; mercenary tongues will do so. There is no cause so unjust that you cannot find advocates to plead it; and yet we hope many advocates are so just as not knowingly to patronize an unrighteous cause, but Tertullus was none of these: his speech (or at least an abstract of it, for it appears, by Tully's orations, that the Roman lawyers, on such occasions, used to make long harangues) is here reported, and it is made up of flattery and falsehood; it calls evil good, and good evil.
One of the worst of men is here applauded as one of the best of benefactors, only because he was the judge. Felix is represented by the historians of his own nation, as well as by Josephus the Jew, as a very bad man, who, depending upon his interest in the court, allowed himself in all manner of wickedness, was a great oppressor, very cruel, and very covetous, patronizing and protecting assassins. (Josephus, Antiquities 20. 162-165). And yet Tertullus here, in the name of the high priest and elders, and probably by particular directions from them and according to the instructions of his breviate, compliments him, and extols him to the sky, as if he were so good a magistrate which he never was.
They Praise him: "By thee we, of the church, enjoy great quietness, and we look upon thee as our patron and protector, and very worthy deeds are done, from time to time, to the whole nation of the Jews, by thy providence--thy wisdom, and care, and vigilance." To give him his due, he had been instrumental to suppress the insurrection of that Egyptian of whom the chief captain spoke (Acts 21:38); but will the praise of that screen him from the just reproach of his tyranny and oppression afterwards?
They promise to remain grateful to him: "We accept it always, and in all places, everywhere and at all times we embrace it, we admire it, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. We will be ready, upon any occasion, to witness for thee, that thou art a wise and good governor, and very serviceable to the country."
They expect him to act in their favor and hear their case against Paul. They pretend to care, and promise not to take up too much of his time. Everybody knew that the high priest and the elders were enemies to the Roman government, and were uneasy under all the marks of that yoke, and therefore, in their hearts, hated Felix; and yet, to gain their ends against Paul, they, by their counsel, show him all this respect, as they did to Pilate and Cæsar when they were persecuting our Savior. Princes cannot always judge of the affections of their people by their applauses; flattery is one thing, and true loyalty is another.
Tertullus's, on the behalf of the prosecutors, outlines the accusations against him, and he is a man that will say anything for his fee; mercenary tongues will do so. There is no cause so unjust that you cannot find advocates to plead it; and yet we hope many advocates are so just as not knowingly to patronize an unrighteous cause, but Tertullus was none of these: his speech (or at least an abstract of it, for it appears, by Tully's orations, that the Roman lawyers, on such occasions, used to make long harangues) is here reported, and it is made up of flattery and falsehood; it calls evil good, and good evil.
One of the worst of men is here applauded as one of the best of benefactors, only because he was the judge. Felix is represented by the historians of his own nation, as well as by Josephus the Jew, as a very bad man, who, depending upon his interest in the court, allowed himself in all manner of wickedness, was a great oppressor, very cruel, and very covetous, patronizing and protecting assassins. (Josephus, Antiquities 20. 162-165). And yet Tertullus here, in the name of the high priest and elders, and probably by particular directions from them and according to the instructions of his breviate, compliments him, and extols him to the sky, as if he were so good a magistrate which he never was.
They Praise him: "By thee we, of the church, enjoy great quietness, and we look upon thee as our patron and protector, and very worthy deeds are done, from time to time, to the whole nation of the Jews, by thy providence--thy wisdom, and care, and vigilance." To give him his due, he had been instrumental to suppress the insurrection of that Egyptian of whom the chief captain spoke (Acts 21:38); but will the praise of that screen him from the just reproach of his tyranny and oppression afterwards?
They promise to remain grateful to him: "We accept it always, and in all places, everywhere and at all times we embrace it, we admire it, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. We will be ready, upon any occasion, to witness for thee, that thou art a wise and good governor, and very serviceable to the country."
They expect him to act in their favor and hear their case against Paul. They pretend to care, and promise not to take up too much of his time. Everybody knew that the high priest and the elders were enemies to the Roman government, and were uneasy under all the marks of that yoke, and therefore, in their hearts, hated Felix; and yet, to gain their ends against Paul, they, by their counsel, show him all this respect, as they did to Pilate and Cæsar when they were persecuting our Savior. Princes cannot always judge of the affections of their people by their applauses; flattery is one thing, and true loyalty is another.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Paul Brought Before Felix; Acts 24:1 – 27 Part 2
Church History: Date: A.D.57 – 59
It is assumed that Lysias, the chief captain, gave notice to the chief priests, and others that had appeared against Paul, that he had sent Paul to Cæsarea. If they wanted to continue their accusations against him, they must follow him to Cæsarea. There they would find him and a judge ready to hear them. His thinking was, perhaps, they would not trouble themselves to do so. However, five days later his accusers, having set aside all other business, have traveled to Caesarea, and are ready for a hearing. Those who had been his judges, appear here as his prosecutors. Ananias himself the high priest, who had sat to judge him, now stands to inform against him.
The prosecutors brought with them a certain orator named Tertullus, a Roman, skilled in the Roman law and language, and therefore a good fit to be employed in a cause before the Roman governor, and most likely to gain favor. The high priest, and elders, though they had plenty to say against Paul, did not think they were suited to make a big impression in their case, and therefore retained Tertullus, who probably was noted for a satirical wit, to be their counsel and speak for them; and, no doubt, they gave him a good fee, probably out of the treasury of the temple, which they were in charge of. This being a cause of great concern to the church justified it. Paul is brought to the bar before Felix the governor:
It is assumed that Lysias, the chief captain, gave notice to the chief priests, and others that had appeared against Paul, that he had sent Paul to Cæsarea. If they wanted to continue their accusations against him, they must follow him to Cæsarea. There they would find him and a judge ready to hear them. His thinking was, perhaps, they would not trouble themselves to do so. However, five days later his accusers, having set aside all other business, have traveled to Caesarea, and are ready for a hearing. Those who had been his judges, appear here as his prosecutors. Ananias himself the high priest, who had sat to judge him, now stands to inform against him.
The prosecutors brought with them a certain orator named Tertullus, a Roman, skilled in the Roman law and language, and therefore a good fit to be employed in a cause before the Roman governor, and most likely to gain favor. The high priest, and elders, though they had plenty to say against Paul, did not think they were suited to make a big impression in their case, and therefore retained Tertullus, who probably was noted for a satirical wit, to be their counsel and speak for them; and, no doubt, they gave him a good fee, probably out of the treasury of the temple, which they were in charge of. This being a cause of great concern to the church justified it. Paul is brought to the bar before Felix the governor:
Friday, July 29, 2011
Paul Brought Before Felix; Acts 24:1 – 27 Part 1
Church History: Date: A.D.57 – 59
1Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. 5"We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 7But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him." 9The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. 10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. 17"After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin 21unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.' " 22Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." 23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. 24Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." 26At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
1Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. 5"We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 7But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him." 9The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. 10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. 17"After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin 21unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.' " 22Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." 23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. 24Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." 26At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Paul Sent To Caesarea; Acts 23:23 – 35 Part 2
Church History: Date: A.D.57 – 59
The chief captain ordered a considerable detachment of the Roman forces under his command to get ready to go to Cæsarea immediately, and to take Paul directly to Felix the governor, where he might expect to receive the justice due him that he could not receive from the great Sanhedrim at Jerusalem. The chief captain could have, without any prejudice to the duty of his office, have set Paul free, and making him responsible for his own safety. He was never legally committed to his custody as a criminal, he wasn’t charged with anything worthy of bonds, and he ought to have had the same tenderness for his liberty that he had for his life; but he feared that this would have incensed the Jews too much against him. Or perhaps, finding Paul to be a very extraordinary man, he was proud to have him his prisoner, and under his protection; and the mighty parade with which he sent him off intimates as much. Two centurions, or captains of the hundreds, are employed in this business. They must get ready two hundred soldiers, probably those under their own command, to go to Cæsarea; and with these seventy horse, and two hundred spearmen besides, which some think were the chief captain's guards; whether they were horse or foot is not certain, most probably foot, as pikemen for the protection of the horse.
The chief captain orders, for security purposes that Paul be taken away at the third hour of the night, which some understand to be three hours after sunset, that, it being now after the feast of Pentecost (that is, in the midst of summer), they might have the cool of the night to march in. Others understand it of three hours after midnight, in the third watch, about three in the morning, that they might have the day before them, and might get out of Jerusalem before Paul's enemies were stirring, and so might prevent any popular turmoil, and leave them to roar when they rose, like a lion disappointed of his prey.
He wrote a letter to Felix the governor of this province, by which he discharges himself from any further responsibility concerning Paul, and leaves the whole matter up to Felix. It is probable that Luke the historian had a copy of it given to him, having attended Paul.
He was delivered into the hands of Felix, as his prisoner. The officers presented the letter, and Paul with it, to Felix, and so discharged themselves of their trust. The governor enquired of what province of the empire the prisoner originally was, and was told that he was a native of Cilicia. Felix promised him a speedy trial. "I will hear thee when thing accusers have come, and will have an ear open to both sides, as becomes a judge." He ordered him into custody, that he should be kept a prisoner in Herod's judgment-hall, in some apartment belonging to that palace which was denominated from Herod the Great, who built it. There he had opportunity of acquainting himself with great men that attended the governor's court, and, no doubt, he improved what acquaintance he got there to the best purposes.
The chief captain ordered a considerable detachment of the Roman forces under his command to get ready to go to Cæsarea immediately, and to take Paul directly to Felix the governor, where he might expect to receive the justice due him that he could not receive from the great Sanhedrim at Jerusalem. The chief captain could have, without any prejudice to the duty of his office, have set Paul free, and making him responsible for his own safety. He was never legally committed to his custody as a criminal, he wasn’t charged with anything worthy of bonds, and he ought to have had the same tenderness for his liberty that he had for his life; but he feared that this would have incensed the Jews too much against him. Or perhaps, finding Paul to be a very extraordinary man, he was proud to have him his prisoner, and under his protection; and the mighty parade with which he sent him off intimates as much. Two centurions, or captains of the hundreds, are employed in this business. They must get ready two hundred soldiers, probably those under their own command, to go to Cæsarea; and with these seventy horse, and two hundred spearmen besides, which some think were the chief captain's guards; whether they were horse or foot is not certain, most probably foot, as pikemen for the protection of the horse.
The chief captain orders, for security purposes that Paul be taken away at the third hour of the night, which some understand to be three hours after sunset, that, it being now after the feast of Pentecost (that is, in the midst of summer), they might have the cool of the night to march in. Others understand it of three hours after midnight, in the third watch, about three in the morning, that they might have the day before them, and might get out of Jerusalem before Paul's enemies were stirring, and so might prevent any popular turmoil, and leave them to roar when they rose, like a lion disappointed of his prey.
He wrote a letter to Felix the governor of this province, by which he discharges himself from any further responsibility concerning Paul, and leaves the whole matter up to Felix. It is probable that Luke the historian had a copy of it given to him, having attended Paul.
He was delivered into the hands of Felix, as his prisoner. The officers presented the letter, and Paul with it, to Felix, and so discharged themselves of their trust. The governor enquired of what province of the empire the prisoner originally was, and was told that he was a native of Cilicia. Felix promised him a speedy trial. "I will hear thee when thing accusers have come, and will have an ear open to both sides, as becomes a judge." He ordered him into custody, that he should be kept a prisoner in Herod's judgment-hall, in some apartment belonging to that palace which was denominated from Herod the Great, who built it. There he had opportunity of acquainting himself with great men that attended the governor's court, and, no doubt, he improved what acquaintance he got there to the best purposes.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Paul Sent To Caesarea; Acts 23:23 – 35 Part 1
Church History: Date: A.D.57 – 59
23Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix." 25He wrote a letter as follows: 26Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. 31So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace.
The chief captain, finding how implacable and ingrained the malice of the Jews was against Paul, how determined they were in their plans to harm him, and how near he himself was to becoming an accessory to it as a minister, resolves to send him away with all speed out of their reach. He received the intelligence with horror and indignation at the baseness and bloody-mindedness of these Jews; and seemed afraid lest, if he should detain Paul in his castle here, under even a strong guard, they would find some way or other to get to him. Either beating the guards or burning the castle; and, whatever came of it, he would, if possible, protect Paul, because he believed that he did not deserve such treatment. What a melancholy observation is it, that the Jewish chief priests, when they knew of this assassination plot, should agree to it, and assist in it, while a Roman chief captain, purely from a natural sense of justice and humanity, when he knows it, sets himself to baffle it, and goes to a great deal of trouble to do it effectually!
23Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix." 25He wrote a letter as follows: 26Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. 31So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace.
The chief captain, finding how implacable and ingrained the malice of the Jews was against Paul, how determined they were in their plans to harm him, and how near he himself was to becoming an accessory to it as a minister, resolves to send him away with all speed out of their reach. He received the intelligence with horror and indignation at the baseness and bloody-mindedness of these Jews; and seemed afraid lest, if he should detain Paul in his castle here, under even a strong guard, they would find some way or other to get to him. Either beating the guards or burning the castle; and, whatever came of it, he would, if possible, protect Paul, because he believed that he did not deserve such treatment. What a melancholy observation is it, that the Jewish chief priests, when they knew of this assassination plot, should agree to it, and assist in it, while a Roman chief captain, purely from a natural sense of justice and humanity, when he knows it, sets himself to baffle it, and goes to a great deal of trouble to do it effectually!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Jews Plot To Kill Paul; Acts 23:12 – 22 Part 3
Church History: Date: A.D.57 – 59
The young man had information of something that concerned the honor of the government. The centurion honored his request. He did not send a common soldier with him, but went himself to keep insure the young man’s safety, to recommend his errand to the chief captain, and to show his respect to Paul: "Paul the prisoner (this was his title now) called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you; what he has to tell you I don’t know, but he has something to say to you." The chief captain received the information with a great deal of amiability and tenderness. He took the young man by the hand, as a friend or father, to encourage him, that he might not be afraid, but that he be assured of a favorable audience. He took him aside privately and asked him, "What is it that you have to tell me? Tell me how I can help Paul." It is probable that the chief captain was the more obliging in this case because he was sensible he had put himself into an awkward position in binding Paul, against his privilege as a Roman citizen, which he was willing now to atone for.
The young man delivered his message to the chief captain very readily and handsomely."The Jews" (he does not say who, lest he should invidiously reflect upon the chief priests and the elders; and his business was to save his uncle's life, not to accuse his enemies) "have agreed to request you to bring down Paul tomorrow morning into the council, presuming that, being so short a distance, that you would send him without a guard. They would have you do this on the pretense that they have questions for him. Please don’t do this. There is reason to believe that there will lie in wait for him more than forty men, who have vowed to kill him. They will be here soon to make their request, but I have happily gotten here ahead of them." The captain dismissed the young man with a charge of secrecy: be sure that you don’t tell anyone that you have told me these things.
The favors of great men are not always to be boasted of; and not fit to be employed in business. If it should be known that the chief captain had this information brought to him, perhaps they would compass and imagine the death of Paul some other way; "therefore keep it private.
The young man had information of something that concerned the honor of the government. The centurion honored his request. He did not send a common soldier with him, but went himself to keep insure the young man’s safety, to recommend his errand to the chief captain, and to show his respect to Paul: "Paul the prisoner (this was his title now) called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you; what he has to tell you I don’t know, but he has something to say to you." The chief captain received the information with a great deal of amiability and tenderness. He took the young man by the hand, as a friend or father, to encourage him, that he might not be afraid, but that he be assured of a favorable audience. He took him aside privately and asked him, "What is it that you have to tell me? Tell me how I can help Paul." It is probable that the chief captain was the more obliging in this case because he was sensible he had put himself into an awkward position in binding Paul, against his privilege as a Roman citizen, which he was willing now to atone for.
The young man delivered his message to the chief captain very readily and handsomely."The Jews" (he does not say who, lest he should invidiously reflect upon the chief priests and the elders; and his business was to save his uncle's life, not to accuse his enemies) "have agreed to request you to bring down Paul tomorrow morning into the council, presuming that, being so short a distance, that you would send him without a guard. They would have you do this on the pretense that they have questions for him. Please don’t do this. There is reason to believe that there will lie in wait for him more than forty men, who have vowed to kill him. They will be here soon to make their request, but I have happily gotten here ahead of them." The captain dismissed the young man with a charge of secrecy: be sure that you don’t tell anyone that you have told me these things.
The favors of great men are not always to be boasted of; and not fit to be employed in business. If it should be known that the chief captain had this information brought to him, perhaps they would compass and imagine the death of Paul some other way; "therefore keep it private.
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