Bible Stories Plus

Have you ever had someone wrong you? Is it easy to forgive? Sometimes people say hurtful things and sometimes it’s hard for us to forgive them, but God tells us we’re suppose to.  In the sermon on the mount. the Lord teaches, (Matt. 6:12,14, 15) “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

I don’t think any of us here has been wronged as much as Joseph was. Joseph’s life pictures for us some things about the Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph was the best loved son of his father Jacob. (Gen 37:3) “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children…”  God said of Jesus “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)  Jacob showed his special love for Joseph by giving him a coat of many colors. This hurt Joseph’s brothers. It also made them jealous and angry. As those feelings grew against Joseph, so did their hatred.

One day, they had their opportunity to get rid of Joseph. Jacob had sent Joseph to see how his brothers were doing. When they saw him coming, their bitterness flared up and plans got wild. By the time he reached them, they already plotted to kill Joseph and even planned the lie they would tell their father so no one would suspect them of murder. Of Jesus the Bible tells us “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (Jn. 1:11).

One of the brothers, named Reuben talked the others out of murdering Joseph. He said “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him;…” (37:22) It continues to tell us Reuben’s plans “…that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again..”

When Joseph got to his brothers he did not suspect anything. He certainly had not come to do any harm to them. His cruel brothers grabbed him and tore his coat from him and threw him into the pit they had seen. This reminds us of Jesus, who was innocent, but was grabbed by cruel soldiers. His coat was also taken from Him. He was eventually led to the place of His crucifixion.

While Joseph was down in the pit pleading with his brothers to let him out, they sat down and ate their lunch. Reuben was not with them to foil their next plans. The brothers saw a group of Ishmeelites on their way to Egypt. Their camels were loaded with spices and ointments, so they knew they were merchants looking to buy and sell merchandise.

The brothers minds had again turned to killing Joseph, but now Judah spoke, “What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites and let not our hand be upon him: for he is our brother and our flesh.” (Gen.37:27)

They lifted Joseph out of the pit and sold him for 20 pieces of silver. Again, we’re reminded of Jesus. One of His own disciples sold information leading to Jesus capture, for 30 pieces of silver.

Now Joseph’s brothers had to face their father. They were good liars (not a good thing to be). They killed a young goat, then smeared its blood on Joseph’s beautiful coat. They probably had a sad look on their face as they showed Jacob Joseph’s coat and let Jacob come to the conclusion that a beast, perhaps a lion or bear, had killed Joseph.

What really happened to Joseph? He was taken out of his country to another land. There he was sold as a slave. No longer was he treated as the beloved son. Now he had to do whatever his master told him.

Joseph, we would say, had every right to become bitter and hard against his brothers. Would God expect him to forgive those who had been so uncaring and even cruel toward him?

Think of times you have disobeyed God and denied Him. Think of times you wanted to please yourself instead of God. Yet, He is willing to forgive us.

Do you think Joseph forgave his brothers? Let’s jump ahead to Gen. 42 and see what happened. The ten brothers who mistreated and sold Joseph, then deceived their father stood right before him. There was a famine in the land of Canaan where they lived, and all the other lands around. Extra food could be found only in Egypt. Due to a series of events, Joseph was the one to be thanked for that and was responsible for the distributing of the food.

The brothers didn’t recognize Joseph, but he recognized them. They didn’t understand him because he had learned the Egyptian language and spoke to them through an enterpreter. They had no idea what all had happened to Joseph of that he was even alive. It had been many years since they sold him. After all those years though, the brothers still felt guilt for what they did to their younger brother.

Joseph mercifully sent food to their home,and then waited for their return. When they finally did return, Joseph let them know who he was and let them know that he forgave them. They did not deserve his forgiveness, but he forgave them anyway. Listen to this, “And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” (gen. 45:5,6)

We have sinned against God. The Bible tells us  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Rom. 3:23). It also tells us “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:13) If we confess that we are sinners and trusting only Him, ask Him to forgive us , he promised that He would.

It takes character to forgive someone who wrongs us. Are you willing to let God build that character in you?

Acts 28

Our ship ran aground and broke up but all 276 of us made it safely to this island called Melita. Some swam here while others floated on pieces of the ship. We came to shore, shivering with cold. We were wet and tired from our struggle in the sea. The unceasing wind and rain added to our misery. However we met with blessings that we are thankful for. The people on this island are uncivilized and lacking in social skills as a general rule, but they have been most gracious to us. They saw our ship stuck and broken apart. They saw us struggle against the force of the wind and waves to reach shore, and they had compassion on us. When we got here, they had a fire burning and received each one of us.

I had a little incident that caused a great commotion amongst the islanders. I gathered some sticks to throw on the fire, not knowing that a poisonous snake was hiding there. When I threw the sticks in, the snake latched onto me. Of course I shook it off into the fire, but the bite did not affect me. The islanders kept watching, expecting me to fall over dead, and was sure I got bit because I was a murderer that did not drown at sea, but now would receive my punishment for my crimes. When I did not die, or even swell up, they thought I was a god.

A chief man named Publius lodged us for three days. His father was ill and God led me to lay my hands on him and pray. God graciously healed him. After that others came and God again had me lay my hands on them and pray, and He again brought healing to them.

The people showed us much honor, and when it was time to leave, they supplied us with all that we would need for our journey. After three months we departed for Syracuse where we stopped three days. We got a compass there to keep us on course. We went on to Rhegium and Puteoli where we found brethren that desired us to stay with them.

After seven days we set sail again for Rome. At The Three Taverns Christians met with us for a time of fellowship. I was greatly encouraged by this.

Finally we arrived in Rome. The other prisoners were delivered to the captain of the guard, but I was allowed to live by myself with a soldier to guard me. I took advantage of my freedom and invited the Jews to come to my home where I could preach to them about Jesus. As always, some believed and others did not.

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For the past two years, I have been in Rome renting a house. I receive all who come to me and freely preach Christ to them. I don’t know how long things will remain as they are, but I have learned;  “…in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philp.4:11)

Paul

Dear Journal,

Acts 23:12-26

I had one night of rest, if you can call it rest in such a place as this. Today my nephew told me of a plot to kill me. More than 40 men vowed not to eat or drink till I was killed. I sent my nephew to the chief captain, Lysias so he could tell him of the plot. I’m waiting to see what will happen next.

What an escape! I was taken out of the city during the night with hundreds of armed men guarding me. We came to Caesarea for me to appear before the governor, Felix. A letter was sent telling Felix I was sent to him because I am a Roman that the Jews are determined to kill, though they can find nothing worthy of death in me. I am now waiting in Herod’s judgment hall for my accusers to come and accuse me.

Five days after I got here, my accusers came. They started by telling Felix how great he is and how thankful they are to him. Felix in reality is a cruel dishonest man. They continued to tell them that Lysias came upon them with great violence to take me out of their hands. They didn’t mention their own violence, or the fact that I would have been dead by their hands had it not been for Lysias. After listening to them, Felix allowed me to speak. I too recognized him as being judge to the nation for many years, however I told no lies to get him on my side.

I told about going to Jerusalem to worship. I did not stir up the people in the synagogue nor in the city, as they have accused. I do worship God, believing all things written in His Word. I do believe in the resurrection of the dead, as they also believe. After being gone many years, I came to bring my offerings to the temple. Jews from Asia found me in the temple, but not with a multitude, nor with tumult, but peacefully.

Felix told the accusers when Lysias came, he would hear more.

Days later Felix called for Paul to come and talk to him and his wife Drusilla about his faith in Christ. Paul told them of righteousness—and of judgment. It caused Felix to tremble thinking of a righteous God sitting as Judge.

I’ve been in Caesarea for two years now. Felix has not become a believer. Wanting to please the Jews, he has kept me in bondage. Festus is the new governor. The Jews tried to get him to bring me to Jerusalem, their intent was to kill me on the way. Festus told then I would be kept at Caesarea, but if any had anything against me, they could come accuse me there.

Once again my country men came to accuse me of many unfounded complaints. Once again I was able to testify that I did nothing against the Jewish law, or temple, or against Caesar. I asked Festus to let me appear before Caesar.

King Agrippa and his wife Bernice came to visit Festus. He told them about me and that the accusers really had nothing to accuse me of. Their biggest complaint is about Jesus whom they say is dead, and I say is alive. He told Agrippa that I have appealed to Caesar.

Agrippa wanted to hear me. So with much pomp, I was brought before the king. Again Festus told him I did nothing worthy of death, but he shouldn’t send a prisoner to Caesar without a list of crimes against him. He was hoping Agrippa would help him out.

Agrippa gave me permission to speak. I told him I lived a strict life in our religion. I told him I was being judged for the hope that God gave to our fathers. I asked Agrippa why it should seem incredible that God raised the dead. I also told him at one time I too did things contrary to the name of Jesus. But on the way to Damascus to persecute the Christians, I saw a bright light from heaven and heard a voice. The voice told me He was Jesus and He instructed me to witness to Jews and Gentiles alike, “To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to the light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Jesus)” (Acts 26:18).

Festus cried out that I was mad, but I was watching Agrippa wrestle within himself, so I spoke to him, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” (26:27)

That close to trusting Jesus, then Agrippa answered “Almost thou persuadest me to become a Christian.” (v.28) Next he arose from his seat and left. He too acknowledged that I had done nothing worthy of death or of bonds, and that if I had not appealed to Caesar I could have been set free.

Next time I write in you, I will probably be on my way to Rome!

Paul

Dear Journal,

Acts 18:18-19

From Athens, I came to Corinth. I met a man named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They are tent makers, which is what I also have done for an income. I have been staying with them and visiting in the synagogue. I have had the privilege to talk to many Jews and Greeks proclaiming to them that Jesus is the Christ. After their rejection I told them I am now going to the Gentiles.

I went from Aquila’s house to Justus’ house. Justus’ house is joined to the synagogue. He is a worshipper of the Lord. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and his house believe on the Lord. Many of the Corinthians have trusted Christ and have been baptized.

I stayed in Corinth for 1 ½ years teaching God’s Word. I wrote a letter to the people of Thessalonica while I was there.

Silas and Timothy stayed in Corinth. Aquila, Priscilla and I sailed to Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla stayed at Ephesus and I continued on to Caesarea, where I greeted the brethren. Then I sailed to Jerusalem, and back to my sending church in Antioch. From Antioch I traveled throughout Galatia and Phrygia strengthening the disciples.

Aquila and Priscilla met a man named Appllos who taught diligently the things of the Lord. They instructed Apollos about Jesus and he became a dynamic preacher for Christ. This is how God’s work continues on, one teaches another and they go out and teach still others.*

I returned to Ephesus. God has allowed me to do special miracles through Him and I have seen many healed of diseases and many freed from the evil spirits that had them in bondage.

Many that are now believers were previously involved in demonic things. In obedience to God they have turned from those things and burnt their books. Because of this we have seen the word of God growing mightily and prevailing in people’s lives. God wants us to get rid of evil teachings and powers.

*It is to be remembered that Paul was in a very unique time. Many of those who loved the one true God and wanted to serve Him had not yet heard about His Son Who had been sent. They were waiting for an earthly king to set up his reign. Many who had heard about Jesus heard that His disciples came and stole His body after He was buried. That was what the soldiers were paid to tell the people. To complicate matters even more, Jesus had been crucified. That was a death of criminals. They knew the law and OT Scriptures (Deut. 21:22, 23) that says “…he that is hanged is accursed of God;)” They did not know the NT (which wasn’t written yet) that says, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:…”

After this Paul sent Timotheus and Erastus to Macedonia to help the people there.

Paul remained in Ephesus for awhile, and was there when a problem arose. A silversmith named Demetruus made shrines for the false goddess, Diana. That was how he made his income, and he did not like the teachings of Paul, turning people away from Diana to the true God. He knew the people would quit buying things from him to worship Diana if they were now worshipping God.

Demetrius stirred up the people. Some were shouting “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (Acts 19:28). The whole city was filled with confusion. They caught two of Paul’s companions to do them harm. The people continued for two hours shouting “Great is Diana of the Ephesians” (and remember most of these people were Ephesians.

Finally the townclerk got involved. He told the people how they were worshippers of the goddess, but to not disturb the men that weren’t robbers or anything like that. Basically he said to let Demetrius and the craftsmen take up the matter peacefully. He was trying to keep both sides from further fights, then he dismissed the crowd.

After the uproar, Paul embraced the disciples and left for Macedonia.

Acts:16:10-40

Dear Journal,

After receiving a vision of a man in Macedonia asking us to come help, we believed the Lord wanted us to leave Troas and go preach the gospel there.

We stopped a few days in Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia. We heard of a place by the river side where women met for prayer. We joined them on the Sabbath and sat and talked with them. A woman named Lydia heard me proclaiming the good news that Jesus, God’s Son came to earth as a baby. She listened as I told how He had lived a sinless life, yet had been crucified as if He were a criminal. She understood that He took our sins on Himself at that time. The invitation is for all to come trust in Him. Lydia listened as I told how God raised Him from the dead. After she trusted Christ, what a  privilege it was to baptize her and see her enthusiasm for the Lord.

A further blessing from Lydia was that she invited, and even pressed us to stay in her house while we are here in Philippi.

Journal, there have been opposites and extremes in my life since I started serving the Lord. All was going well with people responding to God’s Word and a comfortable place to stay. Then one day a girl with an unclean spirit started following us. What a grief it was to see this young woman possessed with this spirit. After this went on for a number of days, I commanded the spirit, in the name of Jesus, to come out of her. She was freed from that spirit immediately.

Her masters however were not pleased. She had been a source of money for them, so they stirred up trouble amongst the people. The magistrate commanded for us to be beaten then thrown in jail. The jailor locked our feet the stocks. I must say, we were most uncomfortable, but the God of all grace was there in the prison with us. At midnight, Silas and I started singing praises to God.

Journal, you would hardly believe what happened next. There was a terrible earthquake that shook the very foundations of the prison. The prison doors flew open and everyone’s bands broke loose. We were all freed! The guard was so afraid! He was responsible for us and would be put to death had we all escaped. His first reaction was to draw his sword to kill himself.

I called out to him to not hurt himself, for we were all there. Of course, it was dark. The guard called for a light and sprang into our cell trembling as he fell before us. He led us out of the prison, then spoke. “Sirs,” he said. Can you imagine that, a guard calling his prisoners “sirs”?  “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Of course he had to do the same thing anyone else has to do. We answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

He took us to his own home and cared for our wounds. He fed us and treated us so nicely. His whole household believed on the Lord and were baptized.

The next day the keeper of the prison told me the magistrate said we could go. This didn’t set too well with me. The magistrate needed to live by some rules and principles too. I, being a Roman citizen, had some rights. So, my response to the prison keeper’s words, “They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? Nay, verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.”

The magistrate had a little fear put in him realizing that we were Romans and treated like this. His tune changed a little as he came himself and asked us to leave the city.

We did go then, but not before we stopped by Lydia’s house. They felt so terrible about what happened to us, we wanted to comfort them, and thank them before we left.

So Journal, we are on our way again. I shall write more when I have more to write.

Paul