Colossal characters - stars of the first magnitude

by Julie Swannell

I’ve often thought it would be interesting to do a study of how some new inventions appeared simultaneously on opposite sides of the globe.  Of course, there is nothing new to God, Spirit, divine Love.  He has made everything good and spiritual.  But mankind may need to prepare thought for the reception of a new idea.  So, even though Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) had wonderful sketches of flying machines, a useful device in which to get airborne did not appear on the world scene until centuries later.

Jesus and Saul/Paul were contemporaries.  Saul would surely have been aware of Jesus ministry, his “gospel” news, his remarkable teaching, and his unsurpassed healing work.  Following Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Saul would have watched Jesus’ followers

Paul persuades

by Joyce Voysey

Back to Paul and Felix: Felix was almost convinced by Paul’s reasoning of “righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.”  He said, “When I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”  He also seems to have expected Paul to bribe him to gain his freedom.  However, they seem to have many “chats.”  Luke, our author, just pops in the information that Paul remained a prisoner for two years;

Paul the disciple

by Joyce Voysey

Chapter 21: Paul didn’t heed the first warning not to proceed to Jerusalem, nor the warning from Agabus, a prophet.  No doubt he was aware that it would not be easy for him in Jerusalem, but he had to go there.  (Ed. Verse 13 is powerfully poignant: “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”)

He was accused of