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- [00:01]
Emily Campagno
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- [00:31]
Ainsley Earhart
Hello everyone, this is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for the 30th episode of the 52 episode podcast series the Life of Jesus. This podcast will take us through the final chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. We will follow Paul on his journey to Rome to appear before Caesar. While in Rome, Paul was under house arrest with a lone guard to watch over him. He lived in Rome for two years at his own expense and preach to any who would come about the tremendous gift available through Jesus. You're listening to the Life of Jesus.
- [01:10]
Narrator
Agrippa said to Paul.
- [01:12]
Paul
You have permission to speak for yourself.
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Narrator
Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense.
- [01:20]
Paul
I think myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews they have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify that according to the strictest party of our religion, I have lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial for hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our 12 tribes hope to attain as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O King, why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and I did so in Jerusalem. I not only shut up many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests, but when they when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them, and I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. Thus I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O King, I saw on the way, a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads? And I said, who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God. And so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass, that the Christ must suffer, and that by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to the people and. And to the Gentiles.
- [05:34]
Narrator
As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, paul, you're mad. Your great learning is turning you mad.
- [05:46]
Paul
I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely, for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe. In a short time you think, to make me a Christian. Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains.
- [06:34]
Narrator
Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them, and when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, this man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment. And Agrippa said to Festus, this man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking on a ship of Adrametium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonians Onica. The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be careful putting to sea. From there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. And when we had sailed across the sea, which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus. And as the wind did not allow us to go on, we sailed under the lee of Crete, off Salmone, coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lycia. As much time had been lost, and the voyage was already dangerous because the fast had already gone by.
- [08:36]
Paul
Paul advised them, sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.
- [08:48]
Narrator
But the centurion paid more attention to the captain and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbour was not suitable to winter in the majority, advised to put to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbour of Crete looking northeast and southeast, and winter there. When the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete close inshore. But soon a tempestuous wind called the North Easter struck down from the land, and when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven running under the lee of a small island called Korda. We managed with difficulty to secure the boat. After hoisting it up, they took measures to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they should run on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear and so were driven as we were violently storm tossed. They began next day to throw the cargo overboard, and the third day they cast out with their own hands the tackle of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars appeared for many a day, and no small tempests lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. As they had been long without food. Paul then came forward among them.
- [10:34]
Paul
Men, you should have listened to me. And should not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. I now bid you take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood by me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship. And he said, do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And lo, God has granted you all those who sail with you. So take heart, men, For I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we shall have to run on some island.
- [11:26]
Narrator
When the 14th night had come, as we were drifting across across the sea of Aega about midnight, the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. So they sounded and found 20 fathoms. A little further on, they sounded again and found 15 fathoms. And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let out four anchors from the stone. And prayed for day to come. As the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship. And had lowered the boat into the sea. Under pretence of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion.
- [12:11]
Paul
And the soldiers, unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.
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Narrator
Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat and let it go. As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food.
- [12:32]
Paul
Today is the 14th day that you have continued in suspense. And without food, having taken nothing. Therefore, I urge you to take some food. It will give you strength, since not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.
- [12:49]
Narrator
And when he had said this, he took bread. And giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. Then they were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. We were, in all, 276 persons in the ship. When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, Throwing out the wheat into the sea. Now, when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach on which they planned, if possible, to bring the ship ashore. So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. But, striking a shoal, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable. And the stern was broken out by the surf. The soldier's plan was to kill the prisoners, Lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul kept them from carrying out their purpose. He ordered those who could swim to throw themselves overboard first and make for the land and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all escaped to land. After we had escaped, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all. Because it had begun to rain and was cold. Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire. When a vita came out because of the heat and fastened on his hands. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, no doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live. He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They waited, expecting him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a God. Now, in the neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. When this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. They presented many gifts to us, and when we saved, they put put on board whatever we needed. After three months we set sail in a ship which had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin brothers as figurehead, putting in at Syracuse. We stayed there for three days. From there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day the south wind sprang up, and on the south, the second day we came to Puteolae. There we found brethren and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome, and the brethren there, when they heard of us, came as far as the forum of Appius and three taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier that guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews. And when they had gathered, he said.
- [17:23]
Paul
To them, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.
- [18:05]
Narrator
And they said to him, we have.
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Paul
Received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brethren coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are. For with regard to this sect. We know that everywhere it is spoken against.
- [18:24]
Narrator
And they had a point appointed a day for him. They came to him at his lodging in great numbers, and he expounded the matter to them from morning till evening, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved. So as they disagreed among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement.
- [18:59]
Paul
The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet, go to this people and say, you shall indeed hear, but never understand, and you shall indeed see, but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them. Let it be known to you then, that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen.
- [19:52]
Narrator
And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered. The letter of Paul to the Romans.
- [20:32]
Paul
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh, and designated Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness, by his resurrection from the dead. Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my Spirit in the Gospel of his Son, that without ceasing, I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow, by God's will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know, brethren, that I have often intended to come to you, but thus far have been prevented, in order that I may reap some harvest among you, as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith. For faith, as it is written, he who through faith is righteous shall live. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible nature, namely his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God, or give thanks to him. But they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, or birds, or animals or reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another. Men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct. They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them, but approve those who practice them.
- [26:14]
Emily Campagno
I'm Emily Campagno, author of the number one New York Times bestselling book Under His Wings, How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops. Thank you for listening to this episode of the 52 episode podcast series the Life of Jesus. Be sure to spread the word.
- [26:34]
Ainsley Earhart
The name of the book we just finished is the Acts of the Apostles. It is so named because the apostles of Jesus and acted in his name. They taught, they counseled, they led people to faith in Jesus. They baptized all who believed and they operated in miraculous ways, just as Jesus had. Though we may not be called to travel to distant lands or enabled to preach or perform miracles in Jesus name, all believers are called to act. We heard in the Gospel of Matthew when Jesus said, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always to the close of the age. He spoke on that day to his closest followers. But these two verses are called the Great Commission. They contain a command from Jesus to all who follow Him. Very simply, we are to go and tell you, Father, help me to see the lost state of those around me who do not know you. Give me the boldness and the compassion to tell them of you and all you provided through your Son Jesus. Thank you for listening to episode 30 of this 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. Make sure to spread the word. Listen ad free With a Fox News Podcast plus subscription on Apple Podcasts, Amazon prime members can listen ad free on the Amazon Music app.
- [28:10]
Emily Campagno
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