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Most Excellent Felix – Tertullus for the Prosecution
Today we find ourselves with Paul in Caesarea facing Felix.

(The plot thickens even after a secretive conspiracy to assassinate the Apostle.)

History plays out over time through the interactions of its leading actors. Luke records the Acts of these men of the A.D. first century whose leading actors include:
- the Apostle Paul,
- Claudius Lysias (via his letter),
- Felix,
- Festus,
- Agrippa and a host of minor actors in the plot of the Jews to execute Jesus’ Apostle
- and of course, Roman generals – pawns of the Emperors and Caesars.
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Luke focuses on each of these in Acts, which we have cataloged into chapters 22-26. 

He does not need to set the stage for his first century readers, but you may benefit from a few details. 
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~ A.D. 58

This courtroom scene (so to speak) now takes place in the Roman stronghold of Caesarea before the Roman Governor Felix, rather than in a biased Jewish court from where the Apostle and Roman citizen Paulos had been whisked away.

The Political Place of Antonius Felix

Antonius Felix (b. ~ A.D. 5-10)

Appointed Governor of Judea in ~AD 53, the Emperor Claudius had responded to a petition of his Secretary of the Treasury Marcus to elect his own younger brother Felix as Judea’s new Procurator.

Although his name Felix means ‘happy,’ sources agree that in his rule of Judea:

He ruled the province in a mean, cruel, and profligate manner. His period of office was full of troubles and seditions.

Strong’s G5344 – phēlix – BlueLetterBible.org
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And for the politically unastute, a brief definition of sedition:

"The raising of commotion in a state, not amounting to insurrection; conduct tending to treason, but without an overt act; excitement of discontent against the government, or of resistance to lawful authority." 
- source: Wordnik
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Just in case you missed the dramatic events leading up to this change of venue, READ all about it below for a better understanding of the Jewish prosecutors about to appear before Felix. 
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Justice deferred in a Political Theatre of Law

Paul’s Trial before Felix in Caesarea

Acts of the Apostles 24:
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Scriptural quotes primarilary from the ASV 
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And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him..

Now the high priest of the Jews has no standing in a judicial court of the Roman government of Judea. However the lead prosecutor of Jerusalem’s religious council has hired a well-known orator to prosecute their case in Caesarea.

Tertullus, which means “triple-hardened,” was a Roman orator in the tradition of Cicero and several of the Caesars known for public speeches designed to sway large crowds of fellow Romans to their way of thinking.

Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace,

and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,

we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.
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Always beware.. when a politician claims to have 'a few words.' 
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For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
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(that is, followers of Jesus of Nazareth) 
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who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: and we would have judged him according to our law.
Tertullus, the prosecuting Roman orator hired by the Jews, then turns to make charges against the Roman military athority who snatched Paul (the defendant) from their jurisdiction of Jerusalem’s local authorities and justice of the Sanhedrin.
Lysius, commanding his
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(that is Paul's or the defendant's) 
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accusers to come before thee. from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him.
(In other words, you will find him guilty of our charges.)

And, as in so many venues where Paul had been called to defend his actions for the gospel of Jesus Christ — practically on cue, the men of the council accompanying the high priest Ananias, ‘joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so.’

The Court will hear from the Defendant

Paul:

Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence: seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem:

and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.

Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me.

The opening arguments have concluded.

Paul’s Defense of the Gospel

Rome, of course, has NO interest in the Gospel; although politicians and orators may claim the Good News when politically expediant.

Everyone in the courtroom of Felix would have known that some twenty years ago the Emperor Caligula had declared himself a god. And his successor Claudius (to whom Felix was connected) had recently conquered Britain and seemed to have little interest in affairs to the east, here in remote Judea.

But as Paul, Tertullus, Ananias and the elders all knew, Caesar was no friend of the Jews, since Claudius had deported them from Rome just nine years ago. And they gained no favor with the current Emperor Nero either.

So Paul continues his defense:

But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers,

believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for,

that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
Acts of the Apostles 24:14-15 ASV
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Of course as always, the resurrection brings into play the great controversy of GOD exercising both reward and punishment to every soul after the death of our mortal flesh. 

AND at the center of the controversy of this GOSPEL proclamation of the Apostle stands the MESSIAH JESUS - the risen Christ of the Jews crucified on a Roman Cross under Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem some two-dozen years before. 
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Paul tells the court the reason for his return to Jerusalem.

Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult..
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Remember? There had been a famine. And Paul had been asking all the churches in his missionary jouneys for help for the poor (alms) in Jerusalem. 
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Herod’s temple in Jerusalem effectually becomes a large, highly regulated public square during festivals. It is unlike a church building or large meeting house.

Paul defends his public worship there and the lack of evidence that he caused any trouble:

but there were who ought to have been here before thee [Felix, that is], and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.

Acts 24:19 ASV
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Obviously, these so-called-witnesses were NOT called to the stand to accuse Paulos in person. 

Furthermore, Paul continues answering such inadmissable hearsay by challenging those Elders present. 
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Was it something I said?

“Or else let those who are here [Ananias and the Elders of Jerusalem’s council] themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me [or what wrongdoing] while I stood before the council, unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”

Acts 24:20-21 NKJV

The Court will be in recess

Luke’s transcript of the court proceedings ends and he adds additional background of context for the reader.

But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying,

‘When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.’

The Governor, Felix, is a skillfull politician dealing with Jews, Christians (followers of the Way), financial supporters of Nero and Rome, Centurians of Rome’s powerful occupying military and even the handling of grandious prosecuting oraters selling their case such as Tertullus.

And he gave order to the centurion that he [Paulos] should be kept in charge [custody], and should have indulgence [provisions]; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.

Acts 24:23 ASV

Political inaction — and the Judgment to come

What happens next may look familiar to any who follow the cunning of political strategists.

Since Felix’s obvious action that fairness and justice would demand will create additional trouble in governing, Felix the Governor waits for a more opportune time for public support — and for filling the coffers of his personal PAC which he might use later to gain higher office.

(Felix is looking for a handout $$.)

Luke continues by accounting for Felix’s delay in justice:

But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.

Acts 24:24 ASV
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Drusilla was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Herod Agrippa II, making her a member of the Herodian dynasty, which played a significant role in the political and religious landscape of Judea during the first century. 
- source BibleHub.com 
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And as he [her husband the Governor] reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified..

The Apostle had noted the appropriate fear of Felix for judgment of his own guilty soul.

Luke adds Felix’s sudden dismissal of Paul saying:

.. ‘Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.’

Days pass… and more time passes.

Luke notes what everyone knew: it took a bribe to garner a favorable outcome from the Governor:

He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

But while Paul remained in ‘protective custody’ of the Governor of Judea in Caesarea, time not only passed but grows short for Felix.

He was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and when recalled to Rome, he escaped being sentenced to death by Nero only through the intercession of his brother, Pallas. His oppressive rule caused deep resentment among the Jews and strengthened the anti-Roman party.

source: Encyclopedia.com
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Again.. time passes, Luke records:
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But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Acts of the Apostles 24:27 ASV

To be continued — in the NEXT administration…

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Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
July 8, 2025
Justice deferred in a Political Theatre of Law
We suppose Law to be a tool of Justice

Justice

Citizens of Greek City-States claimed freedom and justice..

(although like everywhere else, Greek democracy did not apply to its slaves.)

Socrates drank the hemlock of justice weighed by his opponents of classic philosophy.

And, of course, Alexander the Great Macedonian claiming all Greece and the world had different ideas of law to make the world Greek again.

(“There’s nothing new under the sun,” stated Solomon, King over much of the same empire nearly a thousand years before Alexander.)

Roman Law

In today’s setting of Acts of the Apostles it’s important for us to remember that in Jerusalem – Judean LAW (it isn’t even fully JEWISH LAW applicable in other Roman Provicences (or States by contemporary comparison) – as administered by the Sanhedron separate of the Roman Governor, a minor appointed Proconsul accountable to the Emporor.

This jurisdictional oversight – similar to that when Pontius Pilate tried to pass the political hot potato of the King of the Jews back and forth to Herod or the Jewish leaders of Jerusalem – is little different when just a few years later Paul retuns to Jerusalem to face JUSTICE redefined in various venues.

Jews demanding JUSTICE

The Apostle of Jesus sent to the Gentiles (Greeks) has just returned home.

After his witness to the Jews (in Hebrew) of being sent by Jesus (who had been crucified) on the road to Damascus) AND being sent to the Gentiles — (this had been 20 years ago, back in A.D. 37) — once again, Paul proclaims Christ risen!

The adjitated jewish crowd was about to stone him, just as when he himself had witnessed the execution of Stephen.

“Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”

When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune..

Acts of the Apostles 22:25b-26a ESV
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There he's done it! 

Paul initiates a whole chain-of-events triggering the chain-of-command in Roman oversight and justice. 
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But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he [the Tribune in charge of the Centurians] unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

Acts 22:30 ESV
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This JEWISH council — about seventy leading men, SUMMONED to apprear before the ROMAN Tribune and his COURT of Roman justice in Jerusalem — are NOT in charge of the proceedings. 
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Acts 23:

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
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Remember: Although the courtroom is that of the Jews, Paul — the DEFENDENT — faces them as his PROSECUTOR (not his judge).
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And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

“God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall!

Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

Some savvy oral arguments take place (as is common in court). Paul seeks to divide the jury of his accusers:

“.. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

It worked. One of his fellow Pharisees stands in his defense,

“We find nothing wrong in this man.

What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?”

The dissension (between the two parties of the Pharisees and Sadducees)became violent.

Now the Jews of this local lower court — to which the rules of the Pax Romana defer — sound more like a lynch mob than a place of justice AND (let’s not forget) Paulos is a ROMAN CITIZEN.

And as a great dissension was developing, because the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them, he ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

Acts 23:10 LSB

Conspiracy against Christ and His Apostle

The world will often witness an unexplainable boldness in a certain saint of God is seemingly insurmountable circumstances. (This had happened with the Apostle time and time again during his ten-plus years of travel among the gentiles and Greeks.)

The night before his highly anticipated public trial in Jerusalem the Apostle of Christ Jesus again received supernatural instruction.

But on that very night, the Lord stood at his side and said,

“Take courage; for as you have solemnly borne witness to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome also.”

Acts 23:11 LSB

Imagine — the Lord Jesus Christ, who had been crucified twenty-seven years ago — the same risen Lord who had appeared in a vision of great glory twenty years ago — stands beside the Apostle and now sends him to Rome!

So of course, Paul is emboldened when he is brought to trial before the Roman court the next day.

Meanwhile, more than forty of the jews made a plot to murder Paul (outside of the jurisdiction of the Roman authorities).

They went to the chief priests and elders and said,

“We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

The Plot Thickens

Paul’s jewish nephew hears of the plot of these forty men, so the young man heads to the Roman fortress to try to warn Paul.

Paulos — the Roman citizen held in protective custody after the big hubbub of the jewish crowds — instructs his guards to go to the man in charge.

Paul called one of the centurions and said,

“Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.”

Acts 23:17 ESV

The tribune [Claudius Lysias] took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”
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Note the gentleness of this tribune, Claudius Lysias - a man in charge of the centurions of Antonia Fortress as he seeks to get to the truth of the matter. 
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The young son of Paul’s sister responds:

“The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.

But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

Acs 23:21b-22 ESV

“Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

An Imposed Authority of Roman Justice

“Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.[9 pm]

Caesarea – (Caesar’s Palace in Judea

Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”
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This military escort of a Roman citizen Paulos is most unlike the handling of Jesus the king of the Jews sent to the Pontius Pilate, governor of that time, (who happened to be in Jeruslem rather than Caesarea). 
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Official Orders sent with Paul

“Claudius Lysias,

to his Excellency the governor Felix,

greetings.

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

Acts 23:26-30 ESV
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You might call this 'the official COURT record.' 
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Of course — ALL follow orders and the next scene with, with Roman effeciency, take place in Caesarea.

Marcus Antonius Felix
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Antonius Felix, served as the Roman procurator of Judea from ~AD 52-58. He was appointed by the Emperor Claudius and was known for his harsh and often corrupt administration. Felix was a freedman of Claudius' mother, Antonia. - source: BibleHub 
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When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him.

The Governor inquires about jurisdiction – that is, in effect – Am I the appropriate judge of this case?

And when he learned that he [Paulos] was from Cilicia, he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he [Antonius Felix] commanded him [the Centurian in charge of Paul’s escort] to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium [there in Caesarea].

Acts of the Apostles 23:35 ESV [with names of prepositions]

Justice – a Case to be continued

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Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
June 30, 2025
First Corinthians Synopsis- Do everything in love
Love — exceeds wisdom, but does not exclude it.

Would you say that this pretty much sums up Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church?

You desire wisdom (and some of you have it), but seek the love of God available to us through our Lord Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16:
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I recommend that you read 1 Cor 16 here [in the link above], since I will not detail much of this closing chapter (into which of course Paul's letters were not divided) in this brief synopsis. 
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Paul closes his epistle to the Corinthian saints first by asking for their charity to help the struggling and persecuted church in Jerusalem. (Their regimen should be like what the Apostle set in place for the Galatian churches.

Part of the collection of gifts and delivery of other epistles (letters) always depends upon who may be available at the time.

Paul is not in person, which is why he writes, and neither is Apollos.

The Apostle closes his letter with several detailed instructions, explanations of where and why they travel with the Gospel, and specific mention of several individuals (to whom we will get after looking back at Paul’s entire epistle to the Corinthians).

Basically, this is his personal closing like any of us would end a personal letter to loved ones.

Corrective Behavior – Guided by Love

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love [agapē] — but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 Christian Standard Bible
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We addressed this central theme of agape love in 1 Corinthians 13. 
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To have and to hold Christian Love

John MacArthur introduces Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:

Although the major thrust of this epistle is corrective of behavior rather than of doctrine, Paul gives seminal teaching on many doctrines that directly relate to the matters of sin and righteousness.

In one way or another, wrong living always stems from wrong belief.

John MacArthur :: Bible Introductions – 1 Corinthians

Another introduction to Paul’s first epistle put’s it this way:

Summary: 1 Corinthians addresses issues within the Corinthian church, emphasizing unity, moral integrity, and spiritual gifts.

Paul advises on matters like divisions, immorality, and worship practices, highlighting love as the greatest virtue.

He confirms the resurrection of Christ and its implications for believers.

1 Corinthians Overview – Theme: Christian Living
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We might note Paul's caution in the verses preceding our opening verse here. 

Many of you know this and understand that it has little to do with age and more to application of Christ's love in your mortal life. 
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When I was a child,

I spoke like a child,

I thought like a child,

I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man, I put aside childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:11 CSB

The Apostle’s entire letter to worshipping saints of the church in Corinth sought to correct childish morals with the firm and gentle love of God.

megas agapē – the Greatest Love

In addition to Paul, advice on LOVE also proceeds from the words of Jesus.

“Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.

Gospel of Matthew 24:12 CSB

Christ is prophesying signs of the end of the age.

Let the Common Era reader understand.

Like the Apostles Paul, John and others, Jesus also addresses His followers (any disciples) as “little children.”

“Little children, I am with you a little while longer…

.. you are also to love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Gospel of John 13:33a,34c-35 CSB

Paul’s great dilemma in ‘fathering’ the Corinthians was to correct some of these disobedient children in the faith with the love Christ commands for each of us who claim Jesus as Lord.

The Wisdom of Mature Love in Christ

What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

1 Corinthians 4:21 CSB

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up...

But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.

1 Corinthians 8:1,3 CSB

Speaking of human wisdom, Paul compares it by saying that ‘knowledge makes arrogant’ [KJV] gnōsis physioō;

while agapē Love edifies [KJV].

Idols – Stumbling in Christian Liberty – 1 Corinthians 8
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Grow-up from the wisdom of an arrogant child, beloved believer, into the love and faith in Christ Jesus who loved us so much as to have died for us. 
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And we all know and many can quote some translation of Paul’s famous ‘love chapter’ 13 highlighted above.

If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal…

13-1 CSB
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How many clanging christians in our Common Evangelicalism claim Jesus without love? 
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Love – ἀγάπη -agapē

suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up…

13:4 NKJV

Synopsis of 1 Corinthians

The opening and closing of Paul’s epistle both appeal to the individual love [agapē] of the Corinthians the Apostle knew and loved so well.

He contrasted the morals and behaviors of those who challenged their faith in Christ Jesus to the childish ways of the wisdom of the world worshipping SELF — even with the crowds in Corinth’s temples of worship of myths and wisdom of the logic of mythological man-created gods and goddesses.

Wisdom of the Cross *a few points
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* from ROAD MAPS for the PAULINE EPISTLES - Kress Biblical Resources
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- The church must deal with unrepentant sin. (5)
- The church must deal with disputes among its members. (6)
- Stay focuses on serving Christ whether married or single. (7)
- The right practice and purpose of the Lord’s Supper (11)
- Spiritual gifts should unify and build up the church (12)
- Spiritual gifts should prioritize the proclamation of the truth to others in an orderly manner — not pacification of self. (14)
Our Imperishable Resurrection Body Raised in Glory and Power
- The RESURRECTION is certain
- The RESURRECTION is supernatural
- The RESURRECTION is our sure hope and motivation
HOW IS YOUR CHURCH DOING WITH THESE?

Paul loved the Corinthian saints as Christ has loved us.

The Apostle closes his epistle with these important points:
- Plans and communication are important for and effective gospel ministry.
- Personal relationships and communication are important for and effective gospel ministry.
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In closing, let's look at what the Apostle writes to the leaders and saints of Corinth — and to the pastors and Sunday sheep of our Common Era christian flocks. 

After all, when you write to someone you love, don't you want to leave them with a final thought about you and what you write to them? 
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Final Exhortation

16:13

γρηγορέω – Be alert

“Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.[in which the Son of Man is coming.]

Gospel of Matthew 25:13

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, [NASB]

στήκω – stand firm in πίστις – the faith

Then he said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith? ”

And they were terrified[filled with awe] and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him! ”

Gospel of Mark 4:40-41 CSB

ἀνδρίζομαι – act like a man [be courageous]

andrizomai – Middle voice from ἀνήρ (G435) – man, husband, sir, fellow (not a boy or woman)

κραταιόω – be strong.

The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.

Gospel of Luke 2:40 CSB

6:14

Let all that you do be done in love.
1 CORINTHIANS 16:14 ESV – Paul’s closing appeal to the CHURCH

Paul’s talking AGAPE here.

Other translations read:
- Let all your things be done with charity. – KJV
- And do everything with love. – NLT
- All that you do must be done in love. – NASB20
One FINAL WARNING

Whoever does not love our Lord Yeshua The Messiah,

let him be damned. our Lord has come.

1 Corinthians 16:22 – Aramaic Bible in Plain English

Quite a CONVICTING affirmation!

Other translations use simply Lord, or ‘the Lord Jesus Christ’ but the Person of their intent is the same Lord and God NONE dare oppose!

1 Corinthians 16:22 Translations
- let him be Anathema
  - accursed
- that person is cursed
- let that person be cursed!
  - tis & eimi (here) are not specific to males
- a curse be on him.
- Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed.
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Don't get to hung up on the specific words — or English parts of speech. 
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The seriousness of the Apostle’s line-in-the-sand for Christians cannot be missed.

The term “curse” translates from the Greek “anathema,” meaning something devoted to destruction.

In the Jewish context, it referred to things set apart for God, often through destruction, as seen in Joshua 6:17 with the fall of Jericho.

Paul uses strong language to stress the seriousness of rejecting Christ,

aligning with Galatians 1:8-9, where he condemns any gospel contrary to the one he preached. This reflects the early church’s struggle against false teachings and the necessity of maintaining doctrinal purity.

Biblehub.com Study Bible – 1 Corinthians 16:22

a FINAL word

Unfamiliar to MOST Common Era christians, Paul uses the words: μαράνα θά — marana tha – [English: “Maranatha“]

Most English translations substitute its meaning — an invitation worthy of our most serious consideration.

Of Aramaic origin (meaning our Lord has come).

The Apostle concludes his epistle to the Corinthian church:

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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And thus do I conclude our study of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, joining the Apostle in His love for all of you. 
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Talk of JESUS . com

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
May 31, 2025