that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
Paul was stopped dead in his tracks by a power from heaven that no earthly authority could match, even one armed with the full weight of the chief priests behind it. A vision and a voice together seized him, not by force of men, but by divine energy, and turned the persecutor into a preacher. What resistance can stand against God?
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 26:12-23
Festus heard Paul appeal to Moses and the prophets, writers he knew nothing of, and mocked him for madness. Natural men always despise Gospel doctrine as folly, for it lies wholly beyond their reach and understanding. Even Christ was called mad and demon-possessed; His servants should expect no better.
AI summary
Christ is first among the dead not in time, Elijah raised the Shunammite's son, Jesus raised Lazarus, but in eminence and power. He rose by His own authority to die no more, securing dominion over death itself and bringing life and immortality to light for all people.
AI summary