Hope Church South Bedfordshire Talks

Hope in The Word Acts 25:1-12

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 25:1-12 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  Faith prays and  David reads the passage for us.
Acts 25:1–12
Paul Appeals to Caesar
[1] Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. [2] And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, [3] asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. [4] Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. [5] “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”
[6] After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. [7] When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. [8] Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” [9] But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” [10] But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. [11] If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” [12] Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.” (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word Acts 24:22-27

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 24:22-27 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  Bob prays and  Faith reads the passage for us.
Acts 24:22–27
Paul Kept in Custody
[22] But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” [23] Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
[24] After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. [25] And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” [26] At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. [27] When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word Acts 24:10-21

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 24:10-21 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  Faith prays and  Bob reads the passage for us.
Acts 24:10–21
[10] And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. [11] You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, [12] and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. [13] Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. [14] But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, [15] having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. [16] So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. [17] Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. [18] While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia—[19] they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. [20] Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, [21] other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’” (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word Acts 24:1-9

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 24:1-9 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  David prays and  Faith reads the passage for us.
Acts 24:1–9
Paul Before Felix at Caesarea
[1] And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. [2] And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, [3] in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. [4] But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. [5] For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. [6] He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. [8] By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
[9] The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so. (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word 23:12-35

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 23:12-35and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  Faith prays and  Bob reads the passage for us.
12 When it was day, uthe Jews made a plot and vboundthemselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killedPaul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy.14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We havestrictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we havekilled Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, givenotice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you weregoing to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to killhim before he comes near.”
16 Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he wentand entered wthe barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of thecenturions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for hehas something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him tothe tribune and said, “Paul xthe prisoner called me and asked me tobring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.”19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked himprivately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said,y“The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to thecouncil tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhatmore closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, formore than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, whozhave bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink tillthey have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for yourconsent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him,“Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”
Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready twohundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundredspearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.124 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely toaFelix bthe governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:
26 “Claudius Lysias, to chis Excellency the governor Felix,dgreetings. 27 eThis man was seized by the Jews and fwas about tobe killed by them fwhen I came upon them with the soldiers andrescued him, ghaving learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 Andhdesiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, Ibrought him down to their council. 29 I found that he was beingaccused iabout questions of their law, but jcharged with nothingdeserving death or imprisonment. 30 kAnd when it was disclosed tome lthat there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you atonce, mordering his accusers also to state before you what theyhave against him.”
31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul andbrought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day theyreturned to nthe barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him.33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to thegovernor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading theletter, he asked what oprovince he was from. And when he learnedpthat he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearingqwhen your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to beguarded in Herod’s rpraetorium.
 

Hope in The Word Acts 23:1-11

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 23:1-11 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  David prays and  Faith reads the passage for us.
Acts 23:1–11
[1] And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” [2] And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. [3] Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” [4] Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” [5] And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
[6] Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” [7] And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. [8] For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. [9] Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” [10] And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.
[11] The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word Acts 22:22-30

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 22:22-30 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  David prays and  Faith reads the passage for us.
Acts 22:22–30
Paul and the Roman Tribune
[22] Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” [23] And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, [24] the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. [25] But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” [26] When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” [27] So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” [28] The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” [29] So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
Paul Before the Council
[30] But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them. (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word Acts 22:17-22

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 22:17-22 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  Bob prays and  Nigel reads the passage for us.
Acts 22:17–22
[17] “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance [18] and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ [19] And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. [20] And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ [21] And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
Paul and the Roman Tribune
[22] Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word Acts 21:37-22:16

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 21:37-22:16 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  Dawn prays and  Bob reads the passage for us.
Acts 21:37–40
Paul Speaks to the People
[37] As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? [38] Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” [39] Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” [40] And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: (ESV)
Acts 22:1–16
[1] “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”
[2] And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:
[3] “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. [4] I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, [5] as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
[6] “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. [7] And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ [8] And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ [9] Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. [10] And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ [11] And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
[12] “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, [13] came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. [14] And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; [15] for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. [16] And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (ESV)
 

Hope in The Word Acts 21:27-36

Hope Church continues our new series of Podcasts "Hope in the Word". Today we look at ACTS 21:27-36 and people share what they learn from this passage and their experiences.  Nigel prays and  Faith reads the passage for us.
Acts 21:27–36
Paul Arrested in the Temple
[27] When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, [28] crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” [29] For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. [30] Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. [31] And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. [32] He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. [33] Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. [34] Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. [35] And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, [36] for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” (ESV)