Edgar Andrews’ Onefootinglory Podcast

Paul was put on trial many times by Jewish and Roman authorities but his testimony before King Agrippa is the most valuable to us because of its length and detail. Here are some of the "things we can profitably take home" from Acts 25:23 to 26:32. An understanding of 1) the character of the Roman elite which explains much of their behaviour towards Jews and Christians of the first century; 2) the profound contrast between Paul's humility and Roman empty pride; 3) how Paul turned his defence into a powerful proclamation of Jesus and the resurrection; and 4) lessons on the believer's need for endurance and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Paul argues that spiritual gifts are given to build up the local church, but they are useless unless exercised in love. This episode traces the purpose of gifts from Ephesians 4, shows why 1 Corinthians 13 is integral to that discussion, and warns—using Revelation’s letter to Ephesus—of the peril of a successful yet loveless church. It concludes with Paul’s portrait of what true Christian love looks like and why it is the greatest virtue.

What purpose do spiritual gifts serve? Continuing our studies in 1 Corinthians we find the answer as we read the first three verses of chapter 13 alongside Ephesians 4:8-16. We learn firstly that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church. We find secondly that this building up is the joint responsibility of every believer in a local church. We are told that the priority is to build up the church in love and that in the absence of love our spiritual gifts are useless and a church enjoys no spiritual growth. Finally we are warned in Revelation 2:1 that a loveless church stands in peril of being removed by Christ since it serves no purpose in the plan of God.

What purpose do spiritual gifts serve? Continuing our studies in 1 Corinthians we find the answer as we read the first three verses of chapter 13 alongside Ephesians 4:8-16. We learn firstly that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church. We find secondly that this building up is the joint responsibility of every believer in a local church. We are told that the priority is to build up the church in love and that in the absence of love our spiritual gifts are useless and a church enjoys no spiritual growth. Finally we are warned in Revelation 2:1 that a loveless church stands in peril of being removed by Christ since it serves no purpose in the plan of God.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 Paul addresses whether Christians may eat food offered to idols. It draws out three timeless principles beneath the local issue: the cause of Christian liberty (freedom in Christ under the law of Christ), the care of Christian liberty (put others first and avoid causing offense), and the concern of Christian liberty (do everything for God’s glory). The talk emphasizes gentle, humble witness aimed at the salvation of others and grounding freedom in the sovereignty and Word of God.

In 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 Paul addresses whether Christians may eat food offered to idols. It draws out three timeless principles beneath the local issue: the cause of Christian liberty (freedom in Christ under the law of Christ), the care of Christian liberty (put others first and avoid causing offense), and the concern of Christian liberty (do everything for God’s glory). The talk emphasizes gentle, humble witness aimed at the salvation of others and grounding freedom in the sovereignty and Word of God.

In Acts 9:15 we learn that Paul was God's chosen instrument to bear Christ's name to Kings. Now that prediction is about to be fulfilled as the Apostle heads to Rome in chains, an apparently helpless prisoner of the Romans. Only Paul understood that this was God's way of bringing the gospel to a world leader and his inner circle. To the Romans he is on trial for his life but in reality he is the preacher of Christ. In Acts 25 we trace Paul's trials, both legal and physical as the Lord works out His sovereign purpose.  

In Acts 9:15 we learn that Paul was God's chosen instrument to bear Christ's name to Kings. Now that prediction is about to be fulfilled as the Apostle heads to Rome in chains, an apparently helpless prisoner of the Romans. Only Paul understood that this was God's way of bringing the gospel to a world leader and his inner circle. To the Romans he is on trial for his life but in reality he is the preacher of Christ. In Acts 25 we trace Paul's trials, both legal and physical as the Lord works out His sovereign purpose.