Paul, being a just man and an apostle of God, was also greatly persecuted by the Jews, much like Jesus was. They did this in order to see him fall and his ministry for the Lord Jesus be stopped. In their eyes, what he taught was heresy and went against the teachings of the Torah. However, in his defense, he said, 4“but this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” In this, he explained that what he taught was in their ancient scrolls. He also worshipped the same God as they did, as is written in the book they hold dear to their hearts. The difference is that not all the Jews agreed upon the resurrection of the dead, as only the Pharisees agreed upon this. This was made known through Paul, when he said, 3“for the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.” Now as he was being persecuted, he further explained the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. He said, 4“and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Now, speaking of the resurrection, he mentioned both the wicked and the upright. Both types of people are part of it when they die. This confirmed what Daniel said, when he wrote, 1“and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
In reference to the resurrection of the dead, this was the reason why the Jews were upset with Paul. How interesting this is, since Daniel taught the very same thing that Paul taught concerning this topic. This is what Paul said concerning the circumstance he was in. He said, 4“Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.” The uproar was caused by a doctrine that should have already been known to the Jews 500+ years before Christ. If they had read and believed what Daniel wrote down, then Paul would have never been persecuted, when it comes to this doctrine. However, they were still angry because of his great faith and teachings of Jesus Christ. This is so sad since Jesus, our Lord, also taught on this very topic, in the same way. He said, 2“and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” As you can see, the resurrection of the just and unjust was confirmed throughout scripture. In these examples, Jesus and Paul confirmed scripture and were persecuted for doing so. If the people had been searching the scriptures for themselves they would know what they taught was true. 6The Bible speaks clearly, that in death the just will inherit eternal life, whereas the unjust will be thrown into the lake of fire. Believe in God and 5“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”, starting today.
Let us pray:
Lord God, we come before You now, in order to learn and mature in the faith. We know Your words in scripture are true and faithful and that they will lead us in the knowledge and ways that are right. Truly, there will be less confusion when it comes to doctrines and beliefs when Your words are implanted upon our hearts. This is when we are taught and truths are made known to us. We are grateful for the Holy Spirit and for teaching us things that are important to our lives and our pathway to heaven. Truly, after death comes the resurrection and my desire is to come before You, being only a just person that I am through Your blood. That because of what You did for me on the cross, my life has been changed. I could never live out a life of faith and honor on my own, apart from You. It is Your power inside of me that moves me to live differently and do things that are pleasing in Your site. May my life honor You. You have given me strength to overcome the temptations of this world and to follow You above all things. Truly, I live my life to give You praise and to love You and my neighbor as myself. It is a great honor to live this way, for it brings me great job and happiness. I pray for all those that are on a path to destruction and are headed to hell. May they not die in their sins and resurrect this way. Instead, open their eyes to their guilt and their need for a Savior. This I pray that they confess their sins openly to You, Jesus, that they may be forgiven and find mercy. Thank You for Your compassion upon me and for all those that call upon Your Name. I love You Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Daniel 12:1-4 (KJV)
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
2John 5:24-29 (KJV)
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
3Acts 23:1-10 (KJV)
1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
4Acts 24:14-27 (KJV)
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
5Philippians 2:5-12 (KJV)
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
6Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
