Bible Study - Saul to Paul - JESUS Made the Difference - Acts 21-36 - May 31, 2006

 

Bible Study - Saul to Paul- JESUS Made The Difference - May 31, 2026

Let’s read Acts 21:26-36:

The Riot in the Temple

²⁶ So the next day, Paul took the men, having purified himself along with them, and entered the temple, announcing the completion of the purification days when the offering would be made for each of them.

The Apostle Paul takes a group of men who had made Nazirite vows and participated with them at the temple in Jerusalem. The purpose was not for salvation but likely to show respect for the Jewish law and show unity through faith in JESUS. JESUS fulfilled the Law and paid, in full, the penalty for sin for those who place their faith in HIM.

The Nazirite vow (Hebrew: נָזִיר nāzīr, meaning “consecrated” or “separated”) was a voluntary religious commitment in the Hebrew Bible where an individual dedicated themselves to God for a set period, often for special service or devotion.

Acts 21:26 seems to encourage us to understand that diversity within the body of Christ is something to be celebrated, not feared. Paul’s actions show that unity can exist in diversity; we can come together in the pursuit of a common mission despite our differences i.e., Catholics, various Christian denominations, Messianic Jews.

Yet, the battle between works and faith continues today.

Salvation, via the forgiveness of a person’s sins, is only possible through faith in JESUS and HIS Passion, which includes HIS resurrection and HIS resurrected bodily ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the righthand of GOD HIS FATHER.

Why? JESUS intercedes for all “born again” Christians when Satan accuses them in the presence of GOD, when they sin.

Back to Paul and the men completing their Nazarite vows.

²⁷ When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw him (Paul) in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd, and seized him, ²⁸ shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place. What’s more, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.

³⁰ The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul, dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.

³¹ As they were trying to kill him, word went up to the commander of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in chaos. ³² Taking along soldiers and centurions, he immediately ran down to them. Seeing the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. ³³ Then the commander approached, took him into custody, and ordered him to be bound with two chains.

Why two chains?

According to Bible Hub:

Why was Paul bound with two chains in Acts 22?

Paul was bound by two chains because he was a Roman citizen, and the act of binding him was a violation of Roman law. The chains were used to secure him, and the binding was a sign of his Roman citizenship. This act was a significant point in Paul’s defense, as it demonstrated his legal rights and the respect due a Roman Citizen. The binding was a heinous crime to a Roman, and it was a violation of the Lex Porcia, which protected citizens from such actions. Paul’s ability to plead his Roman citizenship saved him from a brutal scourging and set up his appearance before the Sanhedrin. (Bible Hub)

He (The Commander) asked who he (Paul) was and what he had done. ³⁴ Some in the crowd were shouting one thing and some another. Since he was not able to get reliable information because of the uproar, he ordered him to be taken into the barracks. ³⁵ When Paul got to the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, ³⁶ for the mass of people followed, yelling, “Get rid of him!”

Paul’s Defense before the Jerusalem Mob

As we have already read, the Apostle Paul was in Rome under arrest. Paul asked the Commander to let him speak to the crowd.

Let’s consider Paul’s audience – So Paul, the “born again” believer and follower of JESUS, THE CHRIST,” was speaking to in Acts 21:37:

Paul Speaks to the Crowd

Acts 21:37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he (Paul) asked the commander, “May I say something to you?”

“Do you speak Greek?” he (the commander) replied. 

It is a good thing Paul spoke to the commander and asked the question. Why? We see the why in the commander’s next statement.

38: “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”

This is an interesting statement coming from the Roman Commander, who according to the background study was Claudius Lysias, ““Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”

The Apostle Paul did not respond immediately to the commander’s question, but he did answer the commander’s question when he gave his testimony. Paul likely saw the question as a deviation and a tool Satan uses to lead those called by JESUS to, “chase a rabbit” and miss the purpose of the opportunity GOD has provided.

Paul was focused on his call as a Christian and he likely knew that he did not have much time to address the crowd. So, he was focused on the opportunity of the moment and on the purpose of his calling.

Satan uses many tactics to get those who know the truth of salvation to chase unproductive issues. Paul only had a brief moment, and he had to use that moment to speak GOD’S message to the Jewish people and others present in the crowd, including the Roman guards.

Paul spoke to the people and, in essence, answered the commander’s question in the next verse ---- he was not an Egyptian, without having to saying it ------

39: Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.”

40: After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic.

Let’s read Acts 22:1-30:

Christian Standard Bible

22:1: “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” ² When they heard that he was addressing them in Aramaic,^[a] they became even quieter. ³ He continued, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of our ancestral law. I was zealous for God, just as all of you are today. ⁴ I persecuted this Way (The name of the early Christian church) to the death, arresting and putting both men and women in jail, ⁵ as both the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. After I received letters from them to the brothers, I traveled to Damascus to arrest those (Christians) who were there and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.

Paul’s Testimony

⁶ “As I was traveling and approaching Damascus, about noon an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. ⁷ I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

⁸ “I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.’ ⁹ Now those who were with me saw the light,^[b] but they did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me.

¹⁰ “I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?’

“The Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything that you have been assigned to do.’

¹¹ “Since I couldn’t see because of the brightness of the light,^[c] I was led by the hand by those who were with me and went into Damascus. ¹² Someone named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, who had a good reputation with all the Jews living there, ¹³ came and stood by me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And in that very hour I looked up and saw him. ¹⁴ And he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the words from his mouth, ¹⁵ since you will be a witness for him to all people of what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ And now, why are you delaying? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

¹⁷ “After I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance ¹⁸ and saw him telling me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’

¹⁹ “But I said, ‘Lord, they know that in synagogue after synagogue I had those who believed in you imprisoned and beaten. ²⁰ And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I stood there giving approval^[d] and guarding the clothes of those who killed him.’

²¹ “He said to me, ‘Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

The mention of Gentiles seems to have triggered the crowd’s reaction.

Paul’s Roman Protection

²² They listened to him up to this point. Then they raised their voices, shouting, “Wipe this man off the face of the earth! He should not be allowed to live!”

²³ As they were yelling and flinging aside their garments and throwing dust into the air, ²⁴ the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, directing that he be interrogated with the scourge to discover the reason they were shouting against him like this. ²⁵ As they stretched him out for the lash, Paul said to the centurion standing by, “Is it legal for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen and is uncondoned?”

²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went and reported to the commander, saying, “What are you going to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”

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

“Yes,” he said.

²⁸ The commander replied, “I bought this citizenship for a large amount of money.”

“But I was born a citizen,” Paul said.

²⁹ So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately. The commander too was alarmed when he realized Paul was a Roman citizen and he had bound him.

Guess what? When we ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins and ask JESUS to come into our heart or being, not only are we Spirit born or “Born again” but we are, as written in:

Philippians 3:20 - Christian Standard Bible

²⁰ Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Paul’s day citizenship was important. Since the Passion of JESUS and HIS resurrection and ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER, our faith in JESUS results in all “born again” people eternal citizens of Heaven.

Continue with Acts 22:30:

Paul before the Sanhedrin

³⁰ The next day, since he wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him^[e] and instructed the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to convene. He brought Paul down and placed him before them.

Acts 22:30 highlights GOD’S providence in orchestrating events, as the Roman Commander releases Paul to stand before the Jewish Council which would allow Paul an opportunity to defend his faith in JESUS and advance the Gospel.

I sense that the Commander wanted to hear more from Paul. So far, in the Commander’s dealing with Paul, apparently, he saw that Paul was true to his faith in JESUS. Just maybe the Commander wanted to witness and evaluate the Jewish Law versus what Paul revealed about his experience on the road to Damascus regarding JESUS. I speculate!!!

I fully believe, the Commander had a desire to witness a debate between the long-established Jewish religion, and this new religion Paul was espousing. It is likely the Commander knew about the crucifixion of JESUS. But again, that is speculation, but the commander did hear about Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus, which made the commander aware of JESUS and HIS Passion.

 

Acts 22:30 highlights GOD’S providence in orchestrating events, as the Roman commander released Paul to stand before the Jewish council, allowing him to defend his faith and advance the gospel.

The same is true for those who seek to do the will of GOD today, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Christian life is a dynamic relationship with GOD, JESUS, and THE HOLY SPIRIT.

What is your on-the-road experience? We are all traveling and my prayer is that all will arrive safely in the loving arms of GOD and JESUS.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

Bible Study - The Road to Salvation through Jars of Clay - May 24, 2026

 

Bible Study - The Road to Salvation Though Jars of Clay - May 24, 2026

Where were you before you were born physically?

I contend all humans were and are in the heart and mind of GOD. Once in GOD’S mind, each of us were created and chosen to serve GOD according to HIS will and purpose, with the freedom to either choose or not choose JESUS, GOD’S only SON. JESUS came in the flesh upon earth, as our Savior or to reject HIM.

All are chosen to be in a personal relationship with GOD through the miracle of Spiritual birth through faith in JESUS, the promised Messiah. JESUS confirmed by HIS physical life, physical death, physical bodily resurrection, ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER to intercede for all who are born again Spiritually by the Holy Spirit.

Jeremiah 1:5

I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

Yes, this was GOD’S message to the Prophet Jeremiah, but it gives us insight into the mind of GOD.

I contend that we came from the heart and mind of GOD. GOD chose us to serve HIM, as a person free to either choose to be in right relationship with HIM or to ignore or reject GOD.

Since GOD chose us and formed us, it gives HIM the right to reveal truth to us.

HIS desire is for all to choose HIM before JESUS and JESUS after JESUS came to earth and fulfilled GOD’S purpose for HIM.

GOD’S desire is to have all humans recognize their need for HIM and come to HIM through faith. First through the Law and the Prophets and final through JESUS knocking on the heart’s door of all humans.

Revelation 3:20 Christian Standard Bible

²⁰ See! I (JESUS/THE HOLY SPIRIT) stand at the door (of your heart) and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him/her and eat with him/her, and he/she with me.

JESUS willingly came to earth to live a sinless life and give HIS life for all people who place their faith in HIM.

If you had been the only person in all of history to place your faith in JESUS, HE would have come to earth to live and die for your salvation.

Now that is personal and that is the love that GOD and JESUS have for you.

What did JESUS tell HIS disciples?

John 14:1-31: Christian Standard Bible

The Way to the Father

14 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe^[a] in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. ⁴ You know the way to where I am going.”^[b]

⁵ “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you know me, you will also know^[c] my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus Reveals the Father

⁸ “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe^[d] because of the works themselves.

Praying in Jesus’s Name

¹² “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[e] anything in my name, I will do it.^[f]

Another Counselor Promised

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep^[g] my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor^[h] to be with you forever. ¹⁷ He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be^[i] in you.

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

¹⁸ “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. ¹⁹ In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. ²⁰ On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. ²¹ The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”

²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

²³ Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. ²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus’s Gift of Peace

²⁷ “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. ²⁸ You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe. ³⁰ I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me.^[j] 31 On the contrary, so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do as the Father commanded me.

When did GOD send THE HOLY SPIRIT to indwell the human body of all who place their faith in JESUS? At Pentecost as revealed in Acts 2.

John 14

Christian Standard Bible

The Way to the Father

14 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe^[a] in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. ⁴ You know the way to where I am going.”^[b]

⁵ “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you know me, you will also know^[c] my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus Reveals the Father

⁸ “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe^[d] because of the works themselves.

Praying in Jesus’s Name

¹² “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[e] anything in my name, I will do it.^[f]

Another Counselor Promised

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep^[g] my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor^[h] to be with you forever. ¹⁷ He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be^[i] in you.

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

¹⁸ “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. ¹⁹ In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. ²⁰ On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. ²¹ The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”

²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

²³ Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. ²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus’s Gift of Peace

²⁷ “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. ²⁸ You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe. ³⁰ I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me.^[j] 31 On the contrary, so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do as the Father commanded me.

The coming of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2 - Christian Standard Bible

Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. ³ They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. ⁴ Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ They were astounded and amazed, saying,^[b] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” ¹² They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³ But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.”

Peter’s Sermon

¹⁴ Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. ¹⁵ For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.^[c] 16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ And it will be in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all people;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ I will even pour out my Spirit
on my servants in those days, both men and women
and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will display wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below:
blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
²¹ Then everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.^[d]

²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. ²³ Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used^[e] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. ²⁴ God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death. ²⁵ For David says of him:

I saw the Lord ever before me;
because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad
and my tongue rejoices.
Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope,
²⁷ because you will not abandon me in Hades
or allow your holy one to see decay.
²⁸ You have revealed the paths of life to me;
you will fill me with gladness
in your presence.^[f]

²⁹ “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants^[g] on his throne. ³¹ Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He^[h] was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay.^[i]

³² “God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. ³³ Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. ³⁴ For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:

The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.’^[j]

³⁶ “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Call to Repentance

³⁷ When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰ With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt^[k] generation!” ⁴¹ So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

A Generous and Growing Church

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. ⁴⁵ They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number^[l] those who were being saved.

Being together, as a group, is good but there comes a time when the Good News needed to be shared with others, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

So, the diaspora or scattering of those who knew the truth of the Good News of salvation and Spiritual Birth through faith in JESUS took place for the purpose of sharing and spreading the Good News with people beyond Jerusalem.

We who know the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS, need to share it with others as led by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

I recall the first time I witnessed to a fellow passenger on a plane. He was a burley guy. I gave him my testimony and when I finished, I didn’t know what reaction he would have. He said, “I have been thinking about things like that lately.” I was relieved!

The Good News is contained in jars of clay, the human body, and we are commissioned to share it. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Preparing for Victory in JESUS - May 17, 2026

 

Bible Study – Preparing for Victory In JESUS – May 17, 2026   

JESUS selected three disciples, Peter, James, and John, to go with HIM to the top of a mountain for a critical meeting. Why?

Peter, John, and James are explicitly singled out on only three occasions: the raising of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28), and Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). Scripture portrays them as the nucleus of apostolic leadership:

• Peter – first among equals, spokesman for the Twelve, preacher at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-40).

• John – “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), later the theological voice of the Fourth Gospel and Revelation.

• James – the first martyred apostle (Acts 12:2), demonstrating ultimate fidelity.

Their selection underscores both intimacy with Christ and responsibility to bear authoritative witness.

Legal Sufficiency: “Two or Three Witnesses”

Deuteronomy 19:15 requires “two or three witnesses” to establish any matter. Jesus multiplies the minimum to three, satisfying Mosaic jurisprudence and providing indisputable testimony of His unveiled majesty (cf. 2 Peter 1:16-18). Their later writings and sermons repeatedly invoke the Transfiguration as direct evidence of Jesus’ deity, ensuring the Church’s proclamation rests on empirically grounded, eyewitness verification rather than myth.

Pedagogical Strategy and Progressive Revelation

Jesus teaches experientially. By taking only three, He:

1. Models discipling in concentric circles—crowds, the Twelve, the Three.

2. Prepares future pillars for unique trials

Galatians 2:9 - Christian Standard Bible

⁹ When James, Cephas,^[a] and John—those recognized as pillars—acknowledged the grace that had been given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to me and Barnabas, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

3. Balances revelation with responsibility; to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

JESUS’ chosen disciples were to witness the review, evaluation, and approval of JESUS from Moses, representing the Law. Elijah, representing the prophets, and GOD. Their review and approval were vital for JESUS to continue HIS journey to give HIS sinless life upon the cross to pay, in full, for all sin. HE had to be sinless and fulfill both the requirements of the Law and Prophecy to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice for all sin.

We read in Mark 9:1-8:

9 Then he (JESUS) said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”

The Transfiguration

² After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, ³ and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them.

There are several explanations why JESUS was transfigured.

To me it was GOD’S test of JESUS before those already in Heaven came into the presence of JESUS. Light, tests and proves that which is legitimate. JESUS had to be tested and pass GOD’S pure light test before GOD, Moses and Elijah could come into the physical presence of JESUS.

 ⁴ Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he did not know what to say, since they were terrified.

Peter was ready to establish a shelter for JESUS, Moses, and Elijah upon earth. However, JESUS still had to complete HIS purpose upon earth. JESUS had to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin by the shedding of HIS sinless blood to pay the penalty for our sin, in full.

JESUS still had to fulfill and complete GOD’S redemptive plan for all who will place their faith in JESUS, in order to abolish the consequence for sin, which is death and eternal separation from GOD.

JESUS had to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD to atone for all sin and fulfill the Law and Prophecy.

⁷ A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!”

Guess what? JESUS passed the tests. HE met the approval of GOD, Moses, representing the Law and Elijah, representing the Prophets.

JESUS was the perfect acceptable sacrifice for all sin through faith in JESUS as confirmed by HIS PASSION. Once JESUS met their approval -----

⁸ Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

When they, JESUS and HIS chosen disciples, came down from the mountain, they encountered a teachable moment as described in Mark 9:14-25:

The Power of Faith over a Demon, Demons, or the Occult.

¹⁴ When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them. ¹⁵ When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran to greet him. ¹⁶ He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?”

¹⁷ Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. ¹⁸ Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

¹⁹ He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” ²⁰ So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. ²¹ “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.

“From childhood,” he said. ²² “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

²³ Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’?^[a] Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

²⁴ Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.”

²⁶ Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.

²⁸ After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁹ And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”^[b]

As we get closer to the second coming of JESUS, the world will encounter more demonic activity.

Demonic activity is not to be feared but, as Christians, you must not dabble with it. You should know what to do if you encounter it – claim, out loud, “I BELONG TO JESUS because I have been redeemed and covered by the shed blood of JESUS.” So, "I command you to leave in the name of JESUS.” Also, ask JESUS to cover you with HIS canopy of love and protection.

You should know that it is the shed blood of JESUS that enables you to command an evil spirit to leave.

There is an incident in the Bible that gives us some insight when those who do not know what they are doing, when dealing with the spirit world, can be harmful as written in:

Acts 19:11-20 - Miracles at Ephesus through the hands of The Apostle Paul when some “Jewish exorcists attempted to call the name of Jesus to cast our evil spirits” ---

¹¹ God was doing extraordinary and unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs or face-towels or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out [of them]. ¹³ Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcists also attempted to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I implore you and solemnly command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of one [named] Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ But the evil spirit retorted, “I know and recognize and acknowledge Jesus, and I know about Paul, but as for you, who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued ^[c]all of them and overpowered them, so that they ran out of that house [in terror, stripped] naked and wounded. ¹⁷ This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified and exalted. ¹⁸ Many of those who had become believers were coming, confessing, and disclosing their [former sinful] practices. ¹⁹ And many of those who had practiced magical arts collected their books and [throwing book after book on the pile] began burning them in front of everyone. They calculated their value and found it to be ^[d]50,000 pieces of silver. ²⁰ So the word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ] was growing greatly and prevailing.

The occult and evil spirit world is not something to dabble in, unless you know what you are doing. This includes fortune tellers, psychics, etc...

As we come closer to the second coming of JESUS, the people of earth will see and witness evil increasing. We, who know the truth, must pray for each other.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Study - From the Rock of the Law to the Solid Rock of JESUS - May 10, 2026

 

Bible Study – From the Rock of The Law to the Solid Rock of JESUS -                              May 10, 2026

In our last week’s study, we learned that GOD did not allow either Aaron or Moses to go into the Land of Promise because of their disobedience. GOD told Moses to speak to the rock, and the much-needed water would come from the rock to quench the thirst and meet the needs of the Israelites.

Could this be a foreshadow of JESUS fulfilling the Law and making possible Grace? Back to Moses and Aaron -----

But what did Moses do? He struck the rock not once but twice – I think once for himself and the second time for Aaron.

Why? I speculate -----

Here is what came to me ---- once for Moses and the second time for Aaron. Moses and Aaron agreed with the action to be taken. However, GOD wanted to expand Moses and Aaron’s faith from using the physical rod to speaking to the rock in faith, trusting GOD, increasing their faith.

Once JESUS paid the price for sin, the dynamics of obedience changed from the physical to faith.

To me this is a foreshadow and preparation for the coming of Jesus to earth. JESUS paid, in full, for the sins of all who place their faith in JESUS, with the assurance of salvation confirmed by the indwelling seal of the Holy Spirit.

With caution, as we read in Matthew 12:31:

“Therefore, I (JESUS) say to you, every sin and blasphemy [every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things] will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit will not be forgiven.

Why? THE HOLY Spirit is one of GOD’S chosen ways HE uses to knock on every earth person’s heart’s door to stir him or her to consider eternity and JESUS being the necessary path to eternal life.

This stirring is at the core of a person’s being to give him or her an opportunity to come to a saving knowledge of JESUS through the miracle of salvation, through the miracle of a human to be “Spirit Born” or “born again” Spiritually.

What is eternal salvation or a person being Spirit born or “born again”?

Consider the human spirit as the egg in human conception, which must be united with the human sperm to reproduce.

Consider the Holy Spirit as the Divine Sperm, which we find referenced in 1 John 3:9 (Amplified)

No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.

When a person believes in JESUS, as GOD’S only SON, confirmed by the fulfilment of HIS passion – physical life via HIS virgin birth, life, miracles, HIS death upon the cross via the shedding of HIS blood, HIS physical resurrection from death and the grave on the third day, confirmed by HIS disciples and others as recorded in:

 1 Corinthians 15:4-6 New King James Version

⁴ and that He (JESUS) was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that He was seen by ^[a]Cephas, then by the twelve. ⁶ After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have ^[b]fallen asleep.

Plus, most of us know JESUS’ encounter with HIS disciples following HIS resurrection, verified HIS resurrection and bodily ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of HIS FATHER, GOD, to intercede for all who accept JESUS as his or her Savior.

Why? Because Satan is the Christians accuser every time, a Christian sins. The battle goes on until Satan/The Devil is finally defeated completely and chained in the bottomless pit.

Christians claim the victory now because they are sealed and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Back to Moses and Aaron disobeying GOD’S command to speak to the rock to get the much-needed water for the Israelites. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice and it cost Moses and Aaron entrance into the physical Land of Promise. GOD underscored the need for those serving HIM are to be obedient to HIS commands.

GOD went with Moses to the top of the mountain and GOD showed him the land of promise. Moses died as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:4-6 and GOD buried him:

⁴ And the Lord said to him (Moses), This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.

⁵ So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord,

⁶ And He (GOD) buried him in the valley of the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.

Was that the end of Moses? NO!!!

We do know that Moses went to Heaven or Paradise when he died.

As we fast-forward to JESUS nearing the completion of HIS earthly ministry, Moses was with GOD, Elijah, and JESUS’ chosen disciples on the Mountain of The Transfiguration of JESUS to verify that JESUS had completed and fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets:

Moses, representing the LAW and Elijah, representing the Prophets  were both with GOD, JESUS and selected disciples on top of the Mount of Transfiguration. They were checking, evaluating and verifying JESUS’ earthly life and ministry using The Law and Prophecy to confirm that JESUS was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to pay for all sin, in full. This was to ensure that JESUS had their approval to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin, for all people who place their faith in JESUS.

Guess what??? JESUS PASSED THE TEST and met GOD’S approval.

Matthew 17: ³ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, ^[a]let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

⁵ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” ⁶ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” ⁸ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

When we have had a mountain top experience, so-to-speak, or JESUS touching us, Satan seems to be waiting to spoil the moment, which GOD allows to keep us focused on what GOD has called us to do. In essence, to keep us focused on HIS calling for us.

Let’s read Matthew 17:9-23:

⁹ And as they were going down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” ¹⁰ The disciples asked Him, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” ¹¹ He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things; ¹² but I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him, but did to him as they wished. The Son of Man is also going to suffer at their hands.” ¹³ Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

This was a wonderful experience, but lurking around the corner is the enemy ------ Satan ---- as we continue to read in Matthew 17:14-21:

The Demoniac

¹⁴ When they approached the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, kneeling before Him and saying, ¹⁵ “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic (moonstruck) and suffers terribly; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. ¹⁶ And I brought him to Your disciples, and they were not able to heal him.” ¹⁷ And Jesus answered, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” ¹⁸ Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed at once.

¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why could we not drive it out?” ²⁰ He answered, “Because of your little faith [your lack of trust and confidence in the power of God]; for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, ^[c]if you have [living] faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and [if it is God’s will] it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ^21 [d][But this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting.]”

This encounter was an opportunity for JESUS to educate HIS disciples what was ahead of them to minister post the Passion of JESUS and receiving the Holy Spirit and being endued with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples knew the power JESUS had over demons, storms, disease, death, feeding multitudes, calming the seas, walking upon water, and so much more but still, they needed to experience the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the power of GOD in their lives and so do all who place their faith in JESUS as their Savior and make HIM the LORD of their lives.

²² When they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed and handed over to men [who are His enemies]; ²³ and they will kill Him, and He will be raised [from death to life] on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved and distressed.

The best was yet to come, The resurrection of JESUS, proof that the price for sin had been paid in full.

But was that the end???

Pentecost was yet to take place, when all who ask JESUS to forgive him or her for his or her sins and ask JESUS to come into his or her heart, and believing that JESUS is The Promised Messiah would receive the confirmation of their salvation when THE HOLY SPIRIT came into the hearts of those of professing faith in JESUS.

Conversion takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye.

The person of faith in JESUS is “born again” or Spiritually born in his or her spirit when the Divine Sperm/Holy Spirit unites with the human spirit. Spiritual conception takes place, instantly and the person of faith becomes GOD’S eternal SON or DAUGHTER, never to be Spiritually unborn. Plus, the person who places his or her faith in JESUS is given THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO confirms the person of faith’s salvation with Spiritual Gifts to be used as he or she serves as directed by THE HOLY SPIRIT.

2 Corinthians 5:1-7: Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

5:1 For we know that if the tent which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved), we have from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

² Here indeed, in this [present abode, body], we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over [we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be fitted out] with our heavenly dwelling,

³ So that by putting it on we may not be found naked (without a body).

⁴ For while we are still in this tent, we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighed down, depressed, oppressed)—not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit), but rather that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life [^[a]after the resurrection].

⁵ Now He Who has fashioned us [preparing and making us fit] for this very thing is God, Who also has given us the [Holy] Spirit as a guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].

⁶ So then, we are always full of good and hopeful and confident courage; we know that while we are at home in the body, we are abroad (absent) from the home with the Lord [that is promised us].

⁷ For we walk by faith [we ^[b]regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus, we walk] not by sight or appearance.

⁸ [Yes], we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord.

⁹ Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth away from Him] or away from home [and with Him], we are constantly ambitious and strive earnestly to be pleasing to Him.

¹⁰ For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering ^[c]what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has ^[d]achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].

¹¹ Therefore, being conscious of fearing the Lord with respect and reverence, we seek to win people over [to persuade them]. But ^[e]what sort of persons we are is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood by God, and I hope that it is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood also by your consciences (your inborn discernment).

GOD gives us, as humans, enquiring minds to seek.

Matthew 7:7 Ask, Search, Knock

“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Being a Spirit Born Christian is a dynamic relationship with JESUS!!!

Blessings!!!