There is a line in chapter 24 relating to Felix and how he was trying to handle the Paul-situation. In verse 22, Luke writes, "But uncertain of his best move politically, he played for time." It seems that this has been the decision every time. Nobody views the truth as a good "political move." The Jews are powerful...too powerful. The state is being run by the church and the church is corrupt - actually blind to the truth.
Today, we are reintroduced to Festus - he was the wavering official back in Jerusalem. He gets a second chance to get this thing right. He gets to Caesarea and finds that this old case is back in his lap. Still not wanting to deal with it, he offers to send Paul back to Jerusalem, but Paul says no thanks and would rather gain the audience of Caesar. Before sending Paul to Caesar, King Agrippa visits. The King agrees to hear Paul's side of the story. So the scene is set and the story will be told one more time. How will this one end? We'll see in the next chapter.
At this point in our reading, the story seems to have outgrown the chapters. "Lather, rinse and repeat" is what I keep feeling. The same Paul, a different court and the same result: back in prison." The story, however is about to reach its climax. I can feel it coming down to a close. I can see the collision between good and evil.
The 2 P's: Politics and Pragmatism.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to church, those might be the two dirtiest words I can think of. So much harm, so much damage to the church's image both internally and externally. I can't think of two things more likely to devour a church from the inside out. So many people have been hurt by church politics or leadership making seemingly pragmatic decisions instead of principled ones based on the values and ideals of Christ. So many unholy alliances between church leaders and people with money, influence, or both. Scares me just thinking about it.