Playing Politics
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Pastoral Prayer
Pray for God’s glory to shine in our church family.
Pray for our PM.
Pray for VBS
half way through summer
[SLIDE 1] Introduction
If you have your Bible, then please turn to Acts 25:1-27.
We are in the latter of part of Acts whereby Paul was arrested and became a prisoner from Acts 21 until the end.
It’s not because Paul committed any crimes, but he was falsely accused by the Jewish leaders for breaking laws that he did not do.
Today, I have titled this message, “Playing Politics.”
Yesterday, I told my friends about the title, and they laughed so hard because they thought it was “Playing PAULatics.”
Of course, the Apostle Paul is involved in politics in a sense. (talk about no pun intended)
This chapter that we’re going to unfold is filled with dramas, tensions, and ironies.
I don’t know how many of you have played games that require you to think, strategize, and make good choices because every decision you make in the present can impact future outcomes.
[SLIDE 2] Illustration
By way of illustrating the picture of this chapter, let me talk to you about Chess.
It’s a strategy board game. I use to play it a lot when I was young.
Perhaps, most of you may have played chess at least once in your life.
Perhaps, a few of you may have been a professional chessplayer.
You know all the different possible movements and can actually predict the next move of your opponent.
Most of you may know the rules of chess.
Your objective is to checkmate your opponent’s king.
But, to do that, you have to control your 16 chesspieces.
The game of chess is filled with intrigue, ambition, and complex maneuvers.
Each move you make has consequences, and there is no turning back.
The Chessboard itself can symbolize the political and religious landscape of the time. While playing chess maybe fun, playing politics, however, is not.
What we will learn in the exposition of this chapter is that every character in this story is stratgetically plotting their moves to achieve their desired outcome.
The Jews wanted Paul dead.
Paul is fighting for his own life.
Festus, the new guy in town, is like the middle man in between all the characters.
Biblical Theology
Context
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s remember the context that led up to Acts 25.
Paul is in prison for some of the charges and accusations that are falsely laid against him by the Jews.
We recall the Apostle Paul was sent from Jerusalem to Caesarea by Claudius Lysias.
Paul successfully made his defense before Felix the governor and the Sanhedrin. However, Felix, being the procrastinator, delayed his decision on Paul’s case.
Afterwards, Felix heard the gospel from the Apostle Paul, but he delayed in placing his faith in Jesus.
Two years later, Felix left Paul in prison in Herod’s praetorium and Porcius Festus became the new governor of Judea.
Perhaps, it’s more accurate to say that Paul is in custody since he’s not locked inside a dark dungeon.
Certainly, Felix left a problem for Festus to deal with, which is Paul (Acts 25:14). Not only that, Festus inherited the political problems by his predecessor.
In case you do not know Festus, he was different from Felix’s callousness and cruelty.
Festus seems to be active in acquainting himself in the province of Judea after taking office.
Josephus, a Roman-Jewish historican in the 1st century, had favourable things to say about Festus.
He was fair and reasonable. Festus seemed like a man who wanted to govern the province well unlike Felix.
Yet, Festus was new to his position.
As an inexperience governor, he immediately faced a lot of challenges, and we’ll get to that in a bit.
So, in this chapter, we’ll uncover four scenes in this political atmosphere.
Exposition
[SLIDE 3]
The Unforgiveness Of The Jews (vv. 1-6).
1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.
In verse 1, Festus went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea to have a meeting with the Jews.
Immediately, after becoming the new governor, Festus wants to get to know the people, and the leaders in Jerusalem.
Just as Festus lost no time in visiting Jerusalem, the Jews lost no time in bringing up Paul’s case.
2 years have passed since the scenario in Acts 23.
You may remember that 40 Jews told Claudius that they wanted another trial to make sure that Paul’s case was reviewed accurately.
But they used that as an excuse to ambush and kill Paul while going from the barracks to the Jerusalem temple.
After 2 years, these Jews get an opportunity to talk to Festus the new governor.
They know that the Apostle Paul is held as a prisoner in Caesarea.
They laid out their case against the Apostle Paul.
They made it visible and known to him.
It would have been the same (false) charges given in the previous chapters.
So, they urged Festus. They were asking Festus to do them a favour; that is, Festus summons Paul to Jerusalem (on trial).
However, Luke notes that it’s because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way, just like the foiled plan from 2 years before.
They didn’t let go of the Apostle Paul (even though he’s so far away).
However, Festus saw no reason to comply to their demands since Paul was in Caesarea.
He only hears one side of the story, but he knows nothing about the Apostle Paul and his side of the story.
Always hearing two sides of the story is a wise and good mindset to have in our daily lives.
Plus, Lukes, writes later on in verse 16 when Festus was reporting to King Agrippa...
[SLIDE 4]
16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.
Festus was proud to uphold the tradition of Roman justice.
The reason is that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused (Paul) met the accusers (Sanhedrin) face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.
[SLIDE 5] We continue the narrative...
4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.” 6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
In verse 4, Festus replied to the Jews that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and he plans to return shortly.
So, in verse 5, to expedite the process, Festus told the Jews to bring their influential and powerful leaders to go down to Caesarea with him and lay their charges against the Apostle Paul if they there anything wrong about him.
Festus did have the desire to conciliate the Sanhedrin (or stop them from being angry), yet he also did not want to give them what they wanted.
Festus may have been new to his job, but he wouldn’t be exploited.
Again, Festus did not know much about the Apostle Paul. He only knew that he’s a prisoner left by Felix.
So, Festus wanted to find out more about Paul that the Jews were talking about through a trial.
So, in verse 6, Festus stayed in Jerusalem for no more than 8 or 10 days, and then returned to Caearea afterwards, bringing the Jews with him so that he can set up an official Roman trial the next day.
Unlike Felix, Festus was a man of action and a man of his words. He did not delay the trial after arriving in Caesarea.
Festus would sit on the tribunal (the judgment seat) as the judge of the trial.
And he ordered Paul to be brought.
And I’ll say this in passing. I wonder how many of you are like the Jews. Still harbouring bitterness and unforgiveness towards someone, especially after many years.
[SLIDE 6] Let me remind you of the words of Jesus.
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
As Christians, we absolutely do not deserve any forgiveness from God because we have fallen short of the glory of God.
But God in His grace and love made a way for sinners to have their sins forgiven through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Because of God’s grace, we’re instructed to forgive others precisely because we’ve been forgiven much by God when we have trusted in the person and work of Jesus.
[SLIDE 7] 2. The Unfolding Of Paul’s Strategy (vv.7-12)
As Paul is brought before the tribunal, I want you to imagine what Paul may be thinking at this moment.
He’s been in custody for two years.
Throughout his time, he may be wondering how the promise of Jesus would be fulfilled in Acts 23:11, which is to testify in Rome.
He thought he was going to Rome, but that process was delayed for 2 years.
So, for two years, he’s been waiting and waiting.
After the time has passed, he faces another trial.
Nonetheless, even after 2 years, there are things that time did not change for the Apostle Paul.
He’s innocent.
The truth was on his side.
There’s no evidence to charge him.
Our story continues:
7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.”
We see that the Jews stood around Paul.
Paul here is the center of attention.
They’re surrounding him. Not that this happened, but imagine they’re circling around him.
The Jews brought many and serious charges.
You can imagine the tone in that setting.
It was confrontational.
It was heated.
It was loud.
It was angry.
Sometimes, you may see that in the Canadian parliament (if you ever watch any of them).
However, just like before, they do not have evidence or proof of their charge.
Since they have no proof, Paul makes his defense against the many and serious charges (v.8).
He did not commit any offense against:
The law of the Jews: This is in reference to the Old Testament or the law of Moses.
The temple: Again, Paul was accused of defiling the temple in Jerusalem in Acts 21, but he didn’t do it.
Now, they added a new charge not mentioned before. They charged Paul of committing treason against Caesar (which would have been one of the many and serious charges). If this were so, Paul would have been executed and beheaded by Rome.
Again, the Jews have zero evidence of their charges; therefore, Paul is innocent and guiltless.
As we have been learning about Paul’s trial before the Jews, I can’t help but be reminded of the words of Jesus again and again.
How should Christians respond when others persecute us and falsely accuse us? [SLIDE 8]
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Just as Jesus experienced opposition and persecution, we as believers should expect the same.
Whoever desires to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will experience persecution.
Knowing that Paul is innocent, Festus could make a final decision on the trial to pronounce Paul as innocent and perhaps safely send Paul far away from danger.
Festus knows the truth and facts.
But, this is where I think Festus slips in his administration of justice.
[SLIDE 9] This is where Festus plays politics over someone’s human life so that he can gain something.
9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”
The Jews earlier asked Festus for a favour, which was to summon Paul to Jerusalem. He didn’t do that at first.
Now, he’s wishing to do them a favour. He perhaps knows that if he releases Paul, he would not be in good favour with the Jews, and they may cause problems.
So, Festus asks Paul if he wants to go to Jerusalem and be tried on those charges before him.
If Paul were to go to Jerusalem, then Festus can win the approval of the Jews.
Releasing Paul would have made the Jewish leaders hate him.
However, Festus did not know that by sending Paul to Jerusalem, he could jeapordize Paul’s life since Festus did not know the intention of the Jews.
Because if Paul were to go to Jerusalem, then the Jews would have a chance to ambush and kill him.
Regardless, Festus will score some political points.
This happens too often in politics, yet I think we’re all may be guilty of this to a certain degree.
We know what’s the right thing to do, but we don’t do it.
Instead, perhaps motivated by fear of men and convenience, we may compromise on our Christian ethics and principles so that we could win approval, gain benefits from the crowd.
And for the politicians, they can earn more votes.
[SLIDE 10] However, Paul wisely responds to Festus in verses 10-11.
10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
By saying that he standing before Caesar’s tribunal, Paul is probably reminding Festus that he is a representative of the Roman emperor as an official agent.
Paul reminds Festus that he himself knows very well that Paul hasn’t done anything wrong to the Jews.
If Paul were guilty of the charges, then he would not escape death since he knows he deserves to die. He’s at least very honest.
But since Paul is innocent, no one can give him up to them (or hand him over to the Jews).
By saying that, Paul seems to know something is not right.
It should not be a surprise that Paul doesn’t want to go to Jerusalem because he seems intuitively aware of the danger that lies ahead of him.
Perhaps, he also thinks that being tried in Jerusalem would put him in an unfair disadvantage because more Jews can make false accusation against him; perhaps, forcing and pressuring Festus - the new governor - to hand Paul over to a death-sentence, just like Pontius Pilate did to Jesus.
Perhaps, he knows that he’s suppose to go to Rome, not backtrack to Jerusalem.
So, here’s Paul’s strategy.
Paul throws down his trump card again, which is taking advantage of his Roman citizenship by appealing to Caesar, the Roman Emperor.
This strategic response from Paul would accomplish three things.
First, he would escape from the danger of heading towards Jerusalem.
Second, he would legally be protected by the Romans.
Third, appealing to Caesar would be his fast lane towards Rome.
And Paul will then stand before Caesar on trial to render a final verdict or judgment upon Paul’s case.
Paul wisely considers his choices, and he chooses to preserve his life and find safety from being falsely charged.
As Christians, what we can learn from Paul is that it is okay to escape from persecution.
There is a difference between being thrown into the lions den versus sticking your own head inside the lion’s mouth.
Furthermore, we have the Canadian Constitution - the charters of rights and freedom - that should protect our basic and fundamental rights as Canadians, such as freedom of conscience and religion.
While this may be a rare case, but if you ever experience what the world calls, “The Cancel Culture,” for expressing our Christian faith, you have the freedom to express what the Bible teaches.
After consulting with his council, Paul’s request to appeal to Caesar has been granted by Festus. [SLIDE 11]
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”
By appealing to Caesar, the case is then taken out from the governor’s (and also the Jew) hands and be transferred to the emperor.
So, Festus was no longer responsible for Paul. The thorny problem is dealt with. But before Paul goes to Rome, we run across the 3rd scene.
[SLIDE 12] 3. The Unexpected Consultation (vv. 13-22).
13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
Some days have passed after Paul appealed to Caesar. We’re introduced to two new characters:
King Agrippa and Bernice. Who are they?
Both of them were siblings.
They’re also the sibling of Drusilla (Felix’s wife).
King Agrippa is also known as Herod Agrippa II.
His father murdered James and died in Acts 12.
During the years of his reign, he ruled over various regions to the North and East of Judea.
His full name was Marcus Julius Agrippa.
He was considered by Rome to be an expert on the Jewish religion, similar to Drusilla who was Jewish.
According to history, Agrippa II would be the last line of the Herod dynasty.
Bernice was married to her uncle, Herod of Chalcis.
After he died, Agrippa II was appointed king in his uncle’s place.
Since then, Bernice and Agrippa II lived together, and it was believed by many that they had an incestuous relationship.
So, King Agrippa and Bernice visited Caesarea to greet the new governor, Festus.
[SLIDE 13] And Festus told the king about Paul’s case. Festus summarizes and recounts Paul’s situation.
14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.
He was left as a prison by the previous governor, Felix (v.14b)
The Sanhedrin laid their serious charges against Paul and want to condemn Paul to death (v.15).
[SLIDE 14]
16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.
Festus took action immediately and began the trial for Paul (whom he didn’t know too much at the time, so he called him the man until verse 19). (v. 17).
[SLIDE 15]
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
Festus thought the charges against Paul were very serious (like a treason).
He was interested in hearing about it.
However, Festus came to the conclusion that those charges against Paul weren’t even evil from his perspective.
Rather, those charges are purely religious reasons.
They were accusing Paul about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
This is probably an important point to note.
Festus did not know Jesus. Festus just heard of him, but he didn’t know him.
He was probably not around during Jesus’ ministry.
[SLIDE 16]
20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”
Because of the religious charge, Festus did not know how to investigate the questions or such matters (v.20).
So, Festus asked Paul if he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried by him.
And I think this is where Festus may be disengenuous in his report.
Luke, by the power of the Holy Spirit, noted his true intention of sending Paul back to Jerusalem, which was to do the Jews a favour.
Certainly, we can sympathize that as a new and inexperienced governor, he was at a loss.
He was uncertain and perplex.
He was probably telling Agrippa to be sympathetic in understanding the complexity of his dilemma.
If we’re ever in a situation where we’re a loss, it would be wise to receive counsel from others.
However, instead of going to Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar and eventually go to Rome. (v.21).
That’s summary and recount of Paul’s situation to Agrippa II.
All of the sudden, King Agrippa was interested in Paul’s case (v.22). [SLIDE 17]
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”
So, they’re going to set up a hearing the next day. (cf. Luke 23:6-12).
King Agrippa may have longed to hear Paul.
So, we come to the part 1 of the last scene.
I say part 1 because this scene is connected from verse 23 all the way to the end of chapter 26.
[SLIDE 18] 4. The Unravelling of Paul’s Circumstances (vv. 23-27).
Just letting you know that this is not another trial, but a hearing of Paul. So, this scene begins like this:
23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
As promised, the next day, there was great pomp as Agrippa and Bernice came into the audience hall.
This was a pageantry.
It was big show. It’s like the coronation.
The king has entered into the scene with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city.
There would have been thousands of soldiers in this scene.
Although Agrippa was trying to throw a show for himself in his entrance, the real focus is actually not on him, but on the Apostle Paul.
Ironically, Paul is the One who is going to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to them.
Furthermore, there are two texts in the New Testament that this event fulfills.
First, it’s Acts 9:15. Paul will stand before kings.
Second, it’s Luke 21:12. Way before Jesus was arrested, crucified, resurrected, and ascended. Jesus prophesied this for His apostles.
12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.
Now, in verses 24-27, Festus is going to summarize the nature of this hearing to King Agrippa and all the prominent men and tribune and representatives.
[SLIDE 19-20]
24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”
Festus calls everyone attention on Paul
This is perhaps the most striking contrast in this environment.
Everyone was decked out with their royal attire, and you have Paul.
An unimpressive and perhaps not so charming man.
However, one pastor notes, “History has judge Paul to be one of the most noble and powerful men who ever lived - and the crowd to be a collection of pompous fools.”
Festus actually recognizes that there is nothing that Paul did that was deserving of death. He didn’t break Roman laws.
Luke keeps coming back again and again.
Paul is innocent.
There is no evidence of him committing a crime.
He doesn’t deserve death.
We see how the Apostle Paul is an imitator of Christ who is now sharing in the suffering of Jesus.
Our Lord Jesus was the blameless and perfect Lamb of God, yet He died for it.
Brothers and sisters, is your Christian life blameless in the sight of God?
Scripture teaches us that God will present us blameless before Him, but we need to live this earthly life in light of that future reality.
While Festus decided to accept Paul’s appeal, he is caught in a conundrum (vv. 26-27).
He doesn’t know what to write for the emperor regarding Paul as an official report.
He doesn’t want to send Paul to Caesar without a good reason. Since, this was a religious issue, he doesn’t know what’s at stake (v.27).
So, he wants to know what Paul is actually being charged with so that Caesar is aware of the charge.
The irony is that Festus has nothing to write because Paul is innocent.
But he’s sort of fishing for a credible charge (and he doesn’t get any).
This hearing would serve to help Festus to write an official report.
So, our message ends with a cliff hanger. It ends as the screen fades black. And you will have to wait several weeks later until we cover Acts 26.
Gospel
[SLIDE 21] Application / Conclusion
1. The Unforgiveness Of The Jews
2. The Unfolding Of Paul’s Strategy
3. The Unexpected Consultation
4. The Unravelling of Paul’s Circumstances
As I slowly wrap up, I want to return to a line that Festus said that I think is appropriate as we transition to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. [SLIDE 22]
Festus said to Agrippa in Acts 25:19
19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
There are some important questions that we need to ask.
Who was Jesus and was he raised from the dead?
Was Paul telling the truth about this “certain Jesus” who was dead and is now alive?
Brothers and sisters, there are many people who you know who may not know this “certain Jesus.”
They may have heard about him, but don’t know him too well.
Jesus has given us the Great Commission, which is to make disciples. He has given us the responsibility to be His witnesses to those who haven’t heard about him.
My friends, you may have heard about this “certain Jesus,” but you don’t know Him.
Jesus was crucified and died on that bloody cross to save sinners and free them from the enslavement of Satan and sin.
However, Jesus is no longer in the tomb. He is indeed alive.
He appeared to at least 500 witnesses. During Paul’s time, Festus could have went and interviewed those witnesses, and they would testify that they saw the Risen Jesus.
Now, why should the Risen Jesus matter to you?
If Jesus wasn’t raised from the dead, then you don’t need to care about the Christian faith.
However, if (or since) Jesus was raised from the dead, then you need to take His words seriously.
He claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.
He claimed that He and the Father are One, which means that He is God.
He claimed to be the Messiah, the Saviour who came to take away sin.
He claimed that “if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
He claimed to be the giver of eternal and abundant life.
[SLIDE 23] The question is, “What will you do with this ‘certain’ Jesus whom Paul asserted to be alive?”
Lord’s Supper
READ: 1 Corinthians 11:23-27
Brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper of the body and blood of Christ, we are grateful to remember that our Lord instituted this ordinance:
To always remember how much He sacrificed for us and how much He loves us.
To strengthen our connection with Him and each other as members of the body of Christ.
To show that He has given us His special and unmerited favor
To renew our joy and commitment to obey Him teachings and deepen our relationship with Him.
To be reminded that He is with us whenever we gather in His name.
To proclaim that He will come back in the future.
This special time at the Lord's Table is for people who believe in and trust the death and resurrection of Christ.
If you're not a believer yet, please refrain from participating until you have faith in Christ.
Once you believe, you can joyfully join others in partaking.
We encourage believers to examine their hearts before participating, making sure they are ready.
BENEVOLENT FUND
As today is the 1st Sunday of the month, whenever we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, I want to encourage you to consider making a donation to the benevolent fund, in addition to your offerings.
OBC has an established benevolent fund which the elders and pastors disperse to those who find themselves in need.
But this fund has decreased to being almost empty, so we as a church family would want to replenish that fund.
If you’re able and cheerfully generous, you can give by marking your envelope accordingly or leave a brief message with your e-transfer, indicating “Benevolent Fund.”
BENEDICTION
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.