Printer-Friendly  |  Share This  |  Subscribe

Prior to the seventeenth installment expounding the book of Acts, John Ritenbaugh explores the connection between feelings or emotions (specifically controlling temper) and health, suggesting that the scriptures are seemingly light years ahead of scientific inquiry. Also the inextricable connection between ceremonial sacrifices and new moons preclude any current obligations to religiously observe new moons. At the beginning of Acts 16, we notice that Paul, by circumcising Timothy, demonstrates a reluctance to flaunt his religious liberty, preferring instead to exercise cautious conservative expediency. The first European convert to Christianity was Lydia, a generous, hospitable woman. The beating and false imprisonment of Paul and Silas (for casting out a demon- upsetting local customs) followed by their miraculous release (when an earthquake shook the prison to its foundations) brought about several positive outcomes: (1) The conversion of the bewildered jailer and his family, (2) Protection for local converts to Christianity,(3) Protection for future evangelists coming through the region, and (4)Correction of local authorities for rushing to judgment, having imprisoned a Roman citizen ( a punishable offense in the Roman colony of Philippi).This dramatic episode underscores God's proclivity for turning something initially evil into something good in the long run.

Bad attitudes Bitterness Circumcision of Timothy Controlling temper Envy Godly forebears Heart attack Lydia Python Pytheon spirit Rift between Paul and Mark Stress and disease Type A personality Ventriloquism

If you would like to be notified when this transcript is available, please enter your email address in the space below and click the button.

Your Email Address: