Mr. M

You responding to the title of a post without reading the content is not a lack of clarity on my part. Did you think that I was actually starving? Your responded: You are contradicting apostolic doctrine. James 2: 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Your advice to the starving inquirer is to take note of the signs of the times? More and more people are starving. You don't know anything about what someone else on a forum has endured, and your inquiry is impertinent.

The Joy of salvation is not happiness. It is to have a future and a hope, and that the life we lead will not be in vain. Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Our joy is "set before us", and is not of this world or this life. Philippians 3: 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 If, by any means, I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The joy of the Lord stands out in the world when we can rejoice in our tribulations. James 1: 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Acts 5: 40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Matthew 5: 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets which were before you.

Romans 5: 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance proven character; and character, hope. [G1382] dokema-proof from experience Philippians 2:22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father served with me in the gospel. 2 Corinthians 13:3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. [G1384] dokemos-approved James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

[H6205] araphel=thick darkness Exodus 20:21 So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness about God. Psalm 18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down with thick darkness under His feet. 2 Chronicles 6:1 Then Solomon said, The Lord has said He would dwell in the thick darkness. Psalm 97:2 Clouds and deep darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Job 22:13 And you say, What does God know? Can He judge through the deep darkness? When Christ was crucified the veil before the Holy of holies rent from top to bottom. Matthew 27:51 Mark 15:38 Luke 23:45 By which we have been granted access to the throne of Grace Roman 5: 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 6: 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 10: 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Within the darkness of the veil is the pure Light of Truth 1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. John 9: 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Luke 2:32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel. The saints are the Light of God to a world in darkness Matthew 5: 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. To abide in the Light is to abide in Love 1 John 2: 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. The Light brings us knowledge of the Glory of God, giving us victory over darkness Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5: 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Walk in the Light while you have the Light Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. Are you involved with what the Lord is doing where you are now? Are you prepared to go elsewhere in His service, for His Honor? John 5: 23 That all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 41 I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him.. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from only God? To Honor The Son is to Honor The Father in this age. To serve the Son is to receive honor from The Father in the age to come. John 7: 16 Jesus answered them and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone is willing to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Have you ever been accused? John 8: 49 Jesus replied I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges.

Jesus directed most of His criticism at the teachers of the Law, for they sat in Moses seat, but prior to His passion, He officially condemned the city of Jerusalem. Luke 13: 34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” Matthew 23: 34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Number Three Believing that God Raised Christ from the dead, and that there will be a resurrection and judgment of all at the end of the age, Romans 1: 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1o: 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation 1 Corinthians 15: 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Number Two Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. 1 John 2: 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

This is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets, not the fullness of the Gospel John 15: 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

The Pharisees and citizens of Jerusalem would agree! But did they, or just give lip service to the idea? John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. No one can love as God would Will, unless they have been born of the Spirit, received by faith in the only begotten Son. They must repent and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:15

Can anyone really do that unless they have been born again? 1 Peter 1: 22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. The Gospel begins with devotion to the Son of God and receiving the promised Holy Spirit. Then you can talk about loving God and one another. 1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Number One Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. 1 John 5: 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=Son+of+God&t=KJV#s=s_primary_0_1 2 Peter 1:17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The inevitable 1 Cor 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. The advice Philippians 3: 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Focus on the agreed upon tenets

2 Peter 1: 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

They have already been punished for their actions. Matthew 23: 34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. The Word of the Gospel is now: Isaiah 40: 1 “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. 2 “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord’s hand Double for all her sins.” 2 Temples, 2 judgments All tribulation upon Israel since is on the gentile church Romans 11: 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. The mercy of God for Israel has been ordained by Him to come from the gentiles who have received mercy. Has the church shown Israel mercy?

Romans 11: 28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Southwest Iran, where much unrest has occurred also in the past was the country of Elam. It is also where Daniel's tomb is found, with Persians and Jews in attendance. Jeremiah 49: 38 I will set My throne in Elam, And will destroy from there the king and the princes,’ says the Lord. Note:Daniel ruled from Shushan, or the citadel of Susa, in Elam, by the Spirit of Messiah. 39 ‘But it shall come to pass in the latter days: I will bring back the captives of Elam,’ says the Lord.” Prophetic fulfillment on the doorstep?

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit unto faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. The Memorials of God exist to perpetuate the memory of His intent and purpose. A faithful man understands that his commitment is not only to learn and live in the Remembrance of the Lord, but also to discipleship and the passing on of the doctrine of Christ to faithful men. This is what brought about the calling of Abraham. To Command your Children and your Household Genesis 18:19. For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do judgment and righteousness; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he has spoken of him. This testimony of God concerning Abraham is echoed in the testimony of Cornelius. Acts 10:2. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. A righteous man instructs others in the way of the Lord to keep right judgment. Psalm 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that does righteousness at all times. To Love what He Loves Psalm 33:4, 5 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in the Spirit of Truth. He loves righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3: 1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need as some, a letter of commendation to you or of commendation from you? 2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men. Paul needed no introduction in Corinth, having spent 18 months living among them and thoroughly introducing them to sound Christian doctrine and lifestyle. Acts 18:11 He is clearly distressed that he must justify his authority over them, and cites his own behavior, and the confirmation of the Spirit as his witness. 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience t hat we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. Where does this idea of a letter of commendation originate? We are told that at Galatia there were false brethren who came to spy on Paul’s ministry, and Acts confirms that there were some sent from Jerusalem. It is very possible that they bore with them letters of commendation from the religious leaders there. However, considering both letters to the Corinthians and the testimony of Acts, this controversy centers on the ministry of Apollos. Acts 18: 24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is Christ. The concern I have always had about this narrative is that after being taught “the way of God more accurately”, there was no laying on of hands, no baptism in the Holy Spirit or any evidence of anointing on his work. Simply a greater determination to convince a Jewish audience that Jesus is the Christ. Paul handles the rift forming in the fellowship with diplomacy, insisting that neither himself or Apollos is the key figure here. 1 Corinthians 3: 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. In this first letter to them, he emphasizes the confirmation of the Spirit in the work of his ministry. 1 Corinthians 1: 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 2: 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I was determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. The lesson being that man should look to the Lord for confirmation of truth. 1 Corinthians 4:6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sake, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

Psalms 83:3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your hidden ones. The saints of God are not a voting block, a religious denomination, or a box you check on a census. They are hidden, found only in the secret place of the heart. Psalm 83:3 is correctly translated in the KJV as ‘hidden ones’, from the Hebrew ‘tsaphan’ meaning hidden or secret. Romans 2: 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 But a Jew is one inwardly; and circumcision of the heart, in the Spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Being a Jew ‘inwardly’, uses the Greek word kryptos, from which we obtain the English word cryptic, and is translated literally as ‘hidden’, or ‘secret’. The rabbis translating Psalm 83:3 to Greek in the Septuagint used hagios(holy ones) rather than kryptos, and in translating thus interpreted the people to be ‘the saints’, rather than the literal ‘hidden ones’. How is this spiritual Jew recognized? Paul states that their praise comes not from men, but from God. Jesus said: John 5:44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? Pleasing men or God? Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed by God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts. Abiding in the Secret Place Thus the true saints are of the ‘inner man’, in the spirit, not the flesh. This is beautifully expressed by Peter: 1 Peter 3: 3 Do not let your adornment be outward, the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. A Secret Life of Devotion Our personal devotions must be privately to the Lord, from the heart. Matthew 6: 3 When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; 4 And your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. 6 When you pray, go into your room, and when you shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:18 When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father Who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. When you are ‘rewarded openly’, the fruit of the Spirit manifests from the sons and daughters of God. John 15: 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. When the children of God are made manifest by the Spirit, they become like ‘a city on a hill’. Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (kryptos). The judgment of God for every soul shall become evident. 1 Timothy 5: 24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding judgment, but those of some follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret(kryptos) that will not be revealed, nor hidden (apokryphos) that will not be known and come to light. Through the hidden life, the saints experience the faithfulness of the Lord. Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. Psalms 31:20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Job 10: 12 You have granted me life and favor, and your visitation has preserved my spirit. 13 And these things you have hidden in your heart: I know that this is with You.

And let's not forget Mr Howell!

Hebrews 10: 1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. The remembrance of sin is a tool of Satan to bring accusation against mankind. Most understand that Christ died to take away our sins. By the blood, He has also delivered us from the remembrance of sin, which is guilt and shame. Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? The blood of Christ is conscience cleansing, so that we can hear the Voice of His Spirit in our hearts, and serve Him without fear. Luke 1: 74 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. This the Law could not perfect. Hebrews 9: 8 The Holy Spirit signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience. Acts 13:39 By Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 24:16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

2 Corinthians 1: 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. 24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. A careful study of Paul's teachings reveal that he made every effort to avoid laying down commandments for the church. On the contrary, his primary method was by example, and the things he taught he refers to as traditions. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Now you may be thinking, didn't Jesus condemn traditions of the elders? In fact, the word Paul uses here is exactly the one found in Matthew and Mark. This requires a careful reading to avoid confusion. Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. Notice the issue is not in establishing traditions for people to follow, but in making their enforcement in contradiction to the word of God "making it of no effect". After spending 18 months in Corinth, and then another 2 years in Ephesus, Paul attempted to primarily teach a walk of faith by example. 1 Corinthians 11: 1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

The Lord delivers us by faith through the power of His resurrection, even as Abraham committed unto Him. Hebrews 11: 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. Our faith is never futile, for Christ was raised from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15: 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. To know the power of His resurrection, is to overcome the fear of death. Philippians 3: 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 If, by any means I may attain, unto the resurrection from the dead. The Power of the Resurrection is attained through the Spirit of Holiness Romans 1:4 Declared the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. The Saints Faithfully Preach the Resurrection under Great Grace Acts 4: 1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Sorry, I should clarify that the Roman soldiers were not acting on behalf of the religious authorities when they took Paul into custody, but responding to civil unrest. I was trying to distinguish Paul's arrest from that of Peter and John. As already noted, the Temple guards were not Roman. The arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane was led by temple captains, and the power of darkness... Luke 22: 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”