Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive

“Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges.” (ACTS 25: 19-20)

Paul’s trial was a good opportunity for evangelization, but Paul wanted to use the occasion to appeal to a wider audience and to go to the capital of his world, so he “appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.” And there is only one reason for Paul’s request:  “Jesus who had died” is alive. This is the central truth of our faith. And Paul knows how important it is to proclaim this truth everywhere.

“The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.” (Gospel Acclamation)