When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. – Acts 24:2
Their charges, lodged by the lawyer Tertullus against Paul can be summarized:
1. Paul is a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world.
2. Paul is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect.
3. He tried to desecrate the temple.
There is truth here. Everywhere Paul went on mission, trouble emerged. Sometimes things could get violent. This was a violation of Roman policy, when turbulence is on the rise in Judea. He was a “ringleader” of what they call the “Nazarene sect,” a reference to Jesus of Nazareth. This charge was false: here is no indication that Paul desecrated the temple.
About Corey Sharpe
Where do we get our beliefs?
Three theological perspectives have significantly shaped my Christian identity: Evangelicalism, the early Methodist tradition and liberation theology.
From my coming to faith in a Baptist church and throughout my education in a Baptist school and college, I was nurtured by convictions that emphasized a spiritual rebirth, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the centrality of the Bible. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of evangelicalism, it has deeply influenced my sense of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
My seminary studies spawned my interest in early Methodism, particularly its approach to spiritual formation. Its leaders were convinced that only a foundation of doctrine and discipline would lead to a meaningful transformation of the heart and mind. In other words, having the mind of Christ enables me to be more like Christ.
Life in a suburban culture obscures the increasing gap between the poor and rich, as well as the Bible’s close identification with the poor. My doctoral work in socio-cultural context exposed me to liberation theology, which helps me see redemptive history as a history of oppressed groups, written from the perspective of the powerless, about a God who is actively involved with the poor in their struggles.
I am now the pastor at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in St Mary’s County, Maryland. Together my wife and I have 4 children.
The Other Six Days 