Acts25,1 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,
2 where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. > This is now 2!!!years after Paul almost get ripped apart in Jerusalem!
3 They urgently requested Festus, as a favour to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. > Still - they knew, we can not make a normal trial against him - the only thing we can do is to kill him some how... how ever!
4 Festus answered, Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. > It is going still how he wants not how the Sanhedrin wants
5 Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong. > if he has done anything wrong! - IF!!!
6 After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. > Paul was for 2years arrested - How would i feel being arrested for 2years? How would i keep the fire burning in me? How - in general can i keep the fire burning in my selfe? What can i do? What did Paul? Writing letters? Communicate his faith!
How today is for me the best way to communicate my faith - to whom?
7 When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. > They were just agressive!
8 Then Paul made his defence:
I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favour, > Why is everybody so up to do a favour to the jews? Because they thought, they will be quiet then? said to Paul, Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges? > Interesting  - even it was obvious that they had nothing against Paul, what they could prove, he is asking Paul to go to Jerusalem. Interesting also, that he is asking at all! maybe because he is a Roman!
10 Paul answered: I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.
11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no-one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar! > Paul: I AM NOT GUILTY! It is right to say i am not guilty! Their have ben days, that this is exactly what i should have ben saying!:"I am not guilty!" Because this would have been true. But i did not say it - i saw some sin in myself - self accused - as usual -
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go! > This is great for Festus - because like this he does not have any responsability. he does not need to car about what the Jews do and want and also what is right - he found his way out.
BUT
This is awesome for the Cesar. Cesar will meet the most amazing person living in this days : Paul. Unjustice is used by God to bring greater good for others. Now Paul will meet the Cesar.
the most amazing human of this days meets the most powerful human living in this days. What a meeting!
How would they see each other? How would they talk to each other? > ... <

I do not need to worrie about past: god works out all  - for the best  - for those who love him!
DO I LOVE GOD!!??!!
It was the dream of Paul to meet the Cesar in Rom - now he will meet Cesar in Rom!

What is my dream - THINK, PRAY about it! God can make it reality!

Acts24,1 Five 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.
2 When 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. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But 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 6-7 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him. 9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
10 When 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 defence. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My 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. 13 And 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, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. > What do i need to do to keep my conscience clear today? 17 After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I 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. 19 But 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. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin-
21 unless 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.' > Paul is only saying that he is innocent - not specific about what he believes.... 
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. When Lysias the commander comes, he said, I will decide your case. 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. 24 Several 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. 25 As 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. > If the sermon becomes more practical : people stop listening!
26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favour to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
> It is interesting to see the reaction in the end of this chapter: Felix hopes for money!? I d not get that. Why from Paul?
In order to get it - frequently he talked with him - ?
2years - waiting - nothing happens
Festus is coming now.
Felix left Paul in prison - to please the Jews!

Am i also not interested in practicals? - do i stop listening, when face in Jesus becomes more concret?
Do i have conversations with people because i hope to get something more, than what i give to them?
Am i a people pleaser?

!God help me to connect with you fully!

Acts23,23 Then 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.
> 200 soldiers / 70 horsemen / 200 spearmen : JUST for the protection of Paul!
24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix. > Also animals that Paul can sit and ride!
All about the safety for Paul! 471people moved out of Jerusalem in the middle of the night - 3am - !
Did i ever saw so many people moving towards somewhere. It was like a little army!25 He wrote a letter as follows: > THE EXPLANTATION
26 Claudius Lysias,To His Excellency, Governor Felix:Greetings. > the guy
27 This 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. > shifting the story - none can say now, that he almost flogged him because of no reason. 
We so quickly change storys, so we do not look bad!28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. > maybe true. Could also be that he wanted to find peace
29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. > He can see the same like Pilat
30 When 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. > He is not interested in dealing with Paul - he sends him away.
I also would do that. I have no interest to stay in a conflict. I want to go home. 31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. > It worked out
32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. > Safer and just the horseman where continuing.
33 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. > 'Post' is arriving 
34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, > It like with Jesus ...
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. > Paul is ending up in Prison.
the traveler
the preacher
the missionair
he is now kept under guard. Silenced and fixed.
Am i avoiding all the conflicts?
And leaving the places just in order to have peace.
today i am happy i can go home
PLease God help me to give my heart and help me to smile!

Acts23,12 The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. > Determination
13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. > 40people ready to not eat till someone is killed! The opposition Paul is facing is so real and strong - Jesus is visiting him in the night. Next day others try to kill him.
14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. > the chief priest get involved! He who let Paul hit in the trial yesterday. Their was not even given a opportunity to find out for what Paul is standing. They fighted with each other. Some of them even sad, maybe an angle spoke to Paul. Next day - still they want to kill him.
- About the trial: Had a discussion with a Brother yesterday. Paul compared to Jesus! Jesus when he was hit reacts so different then Paul. But also for Jesus was the same situation: He also could say the same thing like Paul and the Sanhedrin would be in inner fights and not able to bring Jesus to the cross. BUt Jesus is silent. Paul lets them run into each other. What do i learn from that. What should i do? Did Jesus ever used their differences to gain advantages for his own situation. Was Jesus ever political? When? Ore was Jesus just all the time plain and truthful? - Personally i can not see any use of such tricks by Jesus - maybe i don't see it now. - Paul definitely was Mat1016 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. - Paul was shrewd as snakes.
15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here. > Simple Plan. Who is in charge now? What does the chief Priest say?
16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.  > never knew Paul had a sister. This sister was married. She had a Son who was in the Temple so close, that he could hear what they try to do and plan. Even Paul was such a Problem and probably had a bad reputation in Jerusalem and his sister maybe sufferd under this situation - the Son of her still loved Paul. And he try's to save his life!
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him. > Paul does not speak - Paul just let the young man speak about what he knows.
18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you. > Aha(such details in a mad up storie, who would do this. Why is Luk reporting it anyway.)
19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, What is it you want to tell me?  > I guess the boy was still a boy, when i see how the commander is interacting with him. Tuk him by the hand, drew him aside. Making sure the boy is not intimidated by the people surrounding him. - ore in case the boy is telling him something none can hear. (Again, the details are interesting)
20 He said: The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. > Simple
21 Don't give in to them,  > Wow, the boy is telling the commander what to do! because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. > The boy was counting while he was listening They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.  > Hey it will be intense!
22 The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me. > The commander is all right now. He will help. It was maybe also the love and support, care te boy showed for Paul.

Who do i love like this boy loves Paul?

Acts23,1 Pau looked straight at the Sanhedrin > How do i come across - straight? Do i look straight into the face of people telling them what i think? That i love them. That they did something wrong …

Personally i like straight in to the face people! It gives me energy   and said,

"My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day."  > True was this!

At this the high priest Ananias ordered those  standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.  > How would i have reacted? We do not even know if they had the time to strike him! Then Paul said to him, "God  will strike you, you whitewashed wall! > Very much into their face! Very intense! Angry! Wild! Fast! - I am slow - i would not be able to get a thought like this and react on it that way! Learn to become quick and good in speech - better + better You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that i be struck!"  > Like: Don't judge me! You are not at all better … It is a intense reaction on a intense action.  Would i react like this? Would i tell someone: You are a whitewashed wall? How can i become more like Paul in this?

Those who were standing near Paul said, "You dare to insult God's high priest?" > Wow Paul was not ready for this!

Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'" > How humble - immediately he apologized even with a scripture! But would it be all right if it was not the high priest he attacked but a normal priest? It looks almost that some time i am aloud to react like this - if i am attacked.

But also i can see the different between Jesus and Paul. Jesus reacted with a question/ Paul reacted with a challenge!

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, > Do i know the people. Do i know their disagreement so i could bring them up against each other? Am i clever and cool enough? i don't think so. Just to see how Paul is interacting with them gives me a feeling, he did not let himself be cornered and challenged and beaten down. He fighter with argument, with passion, with intelligence against them and a verdict to be killed ore punished. he had enough stripes already on his back!

Paul is fighting: I am not a fight of this kind. I do not know how. I am not fats naught. I am slow.

called out in the Sanhedrin, > Again - very clear and very strong how he talks - everybody understood Paul! I guess it is better to talk clearly and loud. I think, i can never lead to strong!

"My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead."  > So, he just knew what this will do to them!

When he said this, a dispute  broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angles nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man,"  > Wow - Paul almost wins everything here! they said."What if a spirit or an angle has spoken to him?"  > Even like this it is now - the opposite of someone we need to kill!

the dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them.  > Paul always was in most intense situations. People hated him. People wanted to kill him. Why am i so afraid of little arguments and mistreatment. How could i ever walk in a situation like this, when i am afraid of brothers and sisters … He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. > Paul is saved by the Romans.

11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, > It was intense even for God to see his own child in such a struggle. but God did not let his child alone. God came - The Lord came. The Lord was standing net to the bed of Paul!!!! Imagine. Imagine the struggle we face because we love God so much is so intense noe, that even God feels he need to be appearing in order to encourage us! Wow - so many hard things i need to be ready to endure! Why am i so afraid all the time. Why am i so shy .-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. BE LOUD AND CLEAR! DON'T BE INTIMIDATED!!!!

"TAKE COURAGE! > First thing Paul hears form God:

IT IS NOT OVER. TAKE COURAGE AGAIN!

DON'T LET YOUR SELFE GO!

CONTINUE TO FIGHT!

MAKE YOUR SELFE READY FOR THE NEXT FIGHT!

IT IS COMING - IT IS NOT GOING AWAY!!!

Paul could feel tired and worn out - and he probably was - But God does not say fine - this was more then enough. No it is not enough - it will continue!

How much am i ready to fight?

How much am i ready to struggle though - to not give up?

AM I WILLING TO TAKE COURAGE?

DO I KNOW HOW I AM TAKING COURAGE?

DO I HAVE A LOT OF PRACTICE I TAKING COURAGE?

WHAT HELPS ME TO TAKE COURAGE?

AS YOU HAVE TESTIFIED ABOUT ME IN JERUSALEM, SO YOU MUST ALSO TESTIFY IN ROME."

> Also - Jesus tells him - well done in Jerusalem.

Like this you need to do it in Rome.

It is not your method bad - your audience is bad

Keep on doing it - Rom is waiting - the sear will hear you - Nero, the most ugly and bad Cesar ever. God gives Cesar the best Evangelist ever!!!

Jesus comes and encourages Paul

He tells him: Be courages

He tells him: Well done - continue to do it - Rom is waiting - bigger duties are a head of you!!!

WE NEED TO TELL EACH OTHER - HAVE COURAGE!!!!

WE NEED TO TELL EACH OTHER - YOU GROW, IT WILL BECOME BETTER!!!!

God is next to you

> I just try to imagine how people in Rom heard to Gospel. Paul was not first in Rom. Paul came after Christianity start to exist in Rom. : I imagine how Christians would walk into Rome. Move into their houses. Start making friends. Having them over or what ever - being different i their hospitality - helping the poor - loving all around - So they would sit down and start sharing the story of Jesus of Nazareth. Imagine how they spoke! What they shared!

ENCOURAGE PEOPLE

Acts22,30 The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews > They did not accuse Paul, they wanted to kill him!, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
> Paul needs to explane himself - again: not the violent people need to explane them self but Paul.
Why is this such an stand alone Vers in the NIV? - What comes now?
It is like in the swiss Cinemas, they have breaks in the middle. So in the middle of a crazy Moment light go's on Movie stops. Everybody is going out and buys ice cream  ...

I will read a Psalm:(I used this Psalm yesterday for midweek - It is amazing to see the heart of a King of a nation - how is my heart)
Psalm 131
1 A song of ascents. Of David.My heart is not proud, > Could i say this? How does a heart like this look like?

O LORD, my eyes are not haughty;  > Could i say this? How do i see the world if my eyes are haughty?

I do not concern myself with great matters > OK, this is very interesting: He is kind, he need's to think about great matters, because he leads a kingdom or things too wonderful for me. > Why does he not have curiosity for wonderful things?  

2 But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.  > OK this is how it is - How can i be like this!
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and for evermore> My HOPE IS ONLY IN THE LORD!!!

Acts22,22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live! > They listen till what exactly? Because he is sent by God to the Gentiles - They just could not believe, that God would care about Gentiles! God cares about everybody! Even about murderers and other horrible sinners(sins with horrible consequences)! God loves them - died for them: But it crosses my mind now, that Jesus sais about certain people,Mat18,6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,  > They los control - they are so angry! I AM A ANRGY PERSON TOO. Disrespect makes me super angry. Why? Why am i so effected by the fact if people recognize me as i want to be recognized? Why can i not just be relaxed and be giving regardless how other behave around me! Am i connected to God or am i connected to people? I am depending completely to God. He lets me life every coming second. Not people. People do nothing to keep me living. They encourage or laugh or put me down or listen to me or think what ever. People always think something about me.
I can be free and just be giving because i know: GOD LOVES ME TOO - DIED EVEN FOR ME - IS LIVING ALSO IN ME RIGHT NOW!24 the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. > They think it is best for everybody to take away the cause of all that trouble. The world is darkness. No light is in the darkness. Darkness and light have nothing to do with each other. So - it is actually incredible to see how strong the light of Paul must have ben, because the darkness reacted so violent when Paul came! He was so bright shining! This is why we will be persecuted. Because all around us is darkness. The darkness will never come to the conclusion, that it should be arrested by it selfe... but the darkness realizes the cause of trouble. The cause is this unusual thing - light. It is minority. Normal is darkness. Light is unusual. So put away the light and keep statusQ. It feels again like peace. And we can see anything anymore. So what ever happens, happens in the darkness, where just a few realize it. And a quietness is all around.  He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this.  > Flogged first. I feel kind of: i want to be flogged too. Because Paul was flogged. Jesus was flogged. John was flogged. Peter was flogged. And many more. It is the knightly accolade for true disciples. They where strong lights. They were hated because of their faith and love for God and the people. They did not give up. They were different! They showed the world Love by God and this in to bright shining way for the darkness - so the darkness became violent. - I can't really tell it what i mean.
If my life would stand out so much, because of my love for God and the people, that the true nature of the world is finally coming out and starts beating me up - HOW AWESOME!
25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?  > But Paul also is cool and smart! Incredible how he is negotiating himself through the challenges. :-)
26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. What are you going to do? he asked. This man is a Roman citizen.   > They get scared! They knew what authority meant...
27 The commander went to Paul and asked, Tell me, are you a Roman citizen? Yes, I am, he answered.   > Interesting: Everybody could say this! No paper to prove? Why did he believe, what Paul said?
28 Then the commander said, I had to pay a big price for my citizenship. But I was born a citizen, Paul replied.   > What a priviledg
29 Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realised that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.  > They get so fearful. It is again the same. Even they had so much power, they were so under the pressure of authorities and powers all around them every where! Power from the mob - Roles for citizens of Rom. They could do what they wanted but they were permanently afraid of others. Never sure about doing the right thing. The only goal was to keep it quiet.
If someone would disturb the quietness, they would punish the disturber.... 
AM I THE SAME. DO I JUST WANT TO KEEP IT QUIET BUT NOT TRUTHFUL? IS QUIETNESS ALL I WANT? WHAT SHOULD BE THE GOAL?
WHEN IS IT GOOD TO SAY SOME DISTURBING TRUTH?
God help - give me wisdom, passion, love, courage ...

My ToDo-List for the conference

Acts22,1 Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defence. > They just wanted to lynch him - and he sais brothers to start! + He wants to defend him self - explane him self. Like Jesus in John 8 ... 
2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. > Why:
Then Paul said:
3 I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. > 1.Point: I understand you - i was the same! I can relate completely with you guys all! 
4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death,  > You see, i can relate arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,  > Didn't i tell you?
5 as also the high priest and all the Council can testify.  > They still remember me!I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. > I was even traveling to go and kill others!!
6 About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 
7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' 
8 'Who are you, Lord?' I asked.'I am Jesus of Nazareth > He does not say - i am the Christ, the Son of God, the creator of the universe - I AM JESUS OF NAZARETH!
Am i trying to make me bigger then i am?
Am i trying to look bigger then i am?
Or can i just say - i am Christoph serving in Berlin. Is this strong enough because my service in Berlin is strong and shining?
, whom you are persecuting,' he replied.  > Jesus thinks about the church as him selfe. How do i think about Jesus and how do i think about the church. Is their a different? It should be no different : because Jesus does not make any different!
9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.  > Other saw the light and heard the voice. It was not a thing just happend to Paul, when he was alone.
10 'What shall I do, Lord?' > When did i ask this question the last time? - Did i what the Lord told me?
I asked.
'Get up,' the Lord said, 'and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.'  > Jesus does not tell him any more personal staff - he will be instructed by some disciple, he does not know now. Someone he wanted to persecute and considered so far as completely worthless - just killing him would be right!
Paul has to accept it!
11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, > How strenge must that felt like - because the powerful Rabbi is now not even able to walk alone. He walks let by hand, like a little Baby!  because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. He describes the light not just flat strong but b r i l l i a n t!
12 A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.  > God did not send a nobody. Even he was a disciple, he was highly respected by the Jews living in Damaskus! - OK - what does that tell me?
He was a devout observer of the law!13 He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him.  > He stood beside me and said - MIRACLE
14 Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 
15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.  > He was not talking about the suffering God told him will come for Paul ...
16 And now what are you waiting for?  > I think today i need to ask someone this question! Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, > This is what happens in baptism - washing sins away! calling on his name.'
17 When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance  > Again - Paul is fainting away!
18 and saw the Lord speaking. 'Quick!' he said to me. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' > Jesus let him be saved!
19 'Lord,' I replied, 'these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 
20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.'  > Paul does not want to run away! He thinks, he is a great witness, because he was a persecutor - SO THE CHANGE OF HEART WILL BE RESPECTED AS AWESOME TESTIMONIE - i would think the same - But Jesus does not think so! ...
Do i have a certain picture on the way how i think i am used best?
Did i ever ask about this others - if i am really good in this? DOes i really should do this? 
21 Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' > Jesus tels him - GO ANYWAY! Jesus knows better!
> Paul has a such forgiving spirit - BROTHERS .... - How forgiving am i today?
> First thing he does in his speech  - PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME - I UNDERSTAND YOU - I WAS LIKE YOU! - i can relate - HE TRIES TO CONNECT!
In my talks and d-times: Is it my goal to let them feel understood first? Is it my goal to first connect to them? >> I need to grow in this: to connect to them in a much better way - Say less but say it in well connection!
<> Jesus: I am Jesus from Nazareth - Jesus is not a ShowOff / AM I A SHOW OFF?
<> Jesus: "I = Church" < Does the church have the same importance like Jesus?
<> Jesus humbles Paul = Paul need to be let by hand!

>10 'What shall I do, Lord?'

> When did i ask this question

the last time?

> Ananias devoted to the law and respected by the town Damaskus : Do people see me in order to be able to grow in respect towards me?
> 16 And now what are you waiting for?  > I think today i need to ask someone this question!
> Paul thinks it is best for him to stay in Jerusalem because everybody knows him - BUT JESUS THINKS IT IS BETTER TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! > What do i think is best for me to do now? What do other think about me doing? Who would i ask?

Acts22,1 Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defence. > They just wanted to lynch him - and he sais brothers to start! + He wants to defend him self - explane him self. Like Jesus in John 8 ... 
2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. > Why:
Then Paul said:
3 I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. > 1.Point: I understand you - i was the same! I can relate completely with you guys all!
4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death,  > You see, i can relate arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,  > Didn't i tell you?
5 as also the high priest and all the Council can testify.  > They still remember me!I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.  > I was even traveling to go and kill others!! > Pauls story is a crazy story. What is with my story? DO i know how to tell this story, so that people can get inspired by God?

Acts12,37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, May I say something to you? Do you speak Greek? he replied. > Paul is not intimidated by the angry people - also he is not frustrated by their hate - he also is not happy that he got away: But he wants to say something to them!
38 Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?  > Now i can see, that the Romans thought about Paul, that he is someone else!
39 Paul answered, I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.  > Paul is so eager! He is so ready and clear in his mind, even he almost got lynched 
40 Having received 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: > Paul silenced them!

Paul is not giving up on them
He still wants to talk and explane and communicate
He believes that if they have the right explenation they would be peacefull ...

Paul is so resilient!
GOD HELP ME TO BECOME RESILIENT TOO!

Acts21,27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. > Paul is recognized
They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, > It is so interesting how peaceful Jerusalem seemed to be, before Paul ca. Immediately they start to hunt him down. Just Paul - all the time him!
28 shouting, Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place. > And we could think - is this really a reason to become so angry?
29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.) > They assumed!!!
IN MY ANGRE: HOW MUCH DO I ASSUME? - How much of my anger is fact, how much is just my prejudgement?
30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. > Why is everybody so angry!
Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. > They just let it flow! Anger has just a incredible energy!
31 While they were trying to kill him, > They just went a head and wanted to kill Paul right on the spot! news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. > One men makes everybody so angry! This can not be just this men. Their is so much anger in me! 
32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. > OK, They would just beat Paul. Until the Romans came - 
33 The commander came up and arrested him > Why is Paul arrested and not the angry people!
and ordered him to be bound with two chains. > They even thought, that they need chains!
Then he asked who he was and what he had done. > When he was bound - he can start answering some questions ...
34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. > ISN'T IT OBVIOUS NOW, THAT THEY BEAT PAUL WITHOUT ANY REASON - WHY IS NO ONE OF THIS ANGRY PEOPLE ARRESTED?
35 When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. > IT IS OBVIOUS - BUT THE HUMENS ARE AFRAID OF ANGRY PEOPLE, SO THEY SHUT DOWN THE QUIAT ONES
36 The crowd that followed kept shouting, Away with him! > It is obvious who are the bad people, but we are just not doing anything - we are week. But we would not confess our fears. We say we are wise and loving!

Am i angry?  <> Do i confess it
Am i weak? <> Do i confess it

Am i strong for the weak?
Am i strong against Anger?

phonecall drawings - Paul - zealous ... ?

Acts21,17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers received us warmly. > Sounds almost like it did not was so nice - a warm welcome - hey, good to se you ...
18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. > James is now the men! Where are the Apostels?
19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.  > He had a lot to say. How most they have felt, since  - at least we - do not know anything what they in Jerusalem did - :What is wrong with my heart, that i think like this.
20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. > Am i zealous for God?
21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. > immediately some political issues are brought up. - Praising God and make some peace between people who are not close to Paul but heard things about him and Paul
22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, > They are at least humble in asking.
23 so do what we tell you. > Funny i thought they will listen to Paul, what he think he should do. 
There are four men with us who have made a vow.
24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses>WOW, even many is needed... , so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everybody will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. > ???
25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. > Eating was a big issue. And sex. 
26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. > No word from Paul is recorded. He basically did what he was told. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.>

For what am i zealous today? What is robing my sleep? What drives me? Why would i endure and what would that be?

God please help me to be zealous for you!

Paul reports great things happend in his mission.
The other come again with political matters. Somehow to keep peace. Paul is not arguing about it. Paul submit to all of that. He is even paying for others.
What a humble heart.
He is just obeying.
He must have ben completely in peace!
God help me to have peace about what ever is hitting and hurting me.
Help me, that i never think i need to fight for me.
The i always know, you fight for me.

Acts20,1 After we had torn ourselves away from them,
> Did i ever torn myselve away from someone - - Why are my relationships so superficial?
we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos.
> how was life on a ship - the hole time. having no small Bible with them ... what did they do. From what did they quote ? - ?
The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. > Ship days again.
2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. > Sailing - they most have been deeply brown  -burnt by the sun
3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. > Waiting
4 Finding the disciples there, > Waiting but seeking. How did they found them Often i heard in the past this stories where a brother on a business-trip went in to a town. He did not know about where the church is. But he did know, that they would evangelize. So he evangelized and found evangelizing brothers and sisters. What would happen today?
we stayed with them seven days.
> They stayed their. 
Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. > The Spirit is urging them!
5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. > They did not listen to the spirit!
All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. > They prayed again. All together. Kneeling!
6 After saying good-bye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. > It was less emotional - less relationships-connection. This is a description i am familiar with. Paul had so different relationships with the brothers and sisters he converted ...
7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. > Brothers and Sisters every where. Like today! But also  - the gospel spred so fast!
8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. > Who?
9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. > What?
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. > Who?
11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' > OK & now?
12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. > It is almost like with Jesus - Peter tells him not to go. Thomas ones said, ok lets go all with him and die with him.
13 Then Paul answered, Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. > AM I READY? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TODAY? What is to hard today, that i would do it. Sometimes i feel to die is easy, because all is over then.
14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, The Lord's will be done. > THE LORD'S WILL BE DONE. LORD's WILL AGAINST PAULS WILL? Several times, Paul could not go where he wanted to go. the Spirit would not let him go. Like this it could be here too. The Spirit let him go.
15 After this, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. > OK now!!!!1
16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. > They never had to find a Hotel over pay for the staying. The family of God takes car every where!!! He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples. > Someone who was their from the beginning.

Travelling - no Bible. - What was their devotional.... What am i doing.?. Now i am reading the resurrection book. I want to grow in my conviction that Jesus lives now! i want to collect as many facts as possible. I want to be able to talk about this!
I want to grow in my faith about this. I want, that my life actually changes because this fact is so powerful.

AM I READY TO DIE TODAY?
AM I READY TO GIVE UP EVRY THING TODAY BECAUSE OF CHRIST?
What not?
Comfort?

I wish to take a day to spend it alone with God. - how about that? What would i read? Psalms maybe. How about that. Every month a special time with God?
Need to aks Terry!