1 Chronicles 14-16; Acts 24;

1 Chronicles 14-16: David begins his reign over united Israel with a significant victory over the Philistines, a nation that had long been a problem for the Israelites. When the Israelites turned away from God, the Philistines often served as instruments of God's punishment for them. David recognizes that his victory comes from the Lord (1 Chronicles 14:11).

David learns from his first attempt to move the ark, understanding that God requires the utmost seriousness in matters concerning Him and His work. He commands the Levite leaders to sanctify themselves and their brothers before transporting the ark to the place he had prepared for it:

“…and said to them, 'You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it. 13 For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.' 14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel” (1 Chronicles 15:12-14).

1 Chronicles 16 presents the first psalm written by David. It is entirely dedicated to God. Focusing on God is the main essence of worship. David calls to praise God, proclaim His name among the nations (1 Chronicles 16:8), seek the Lord, and remember His marvelous works, wonders, and judgments (1 Chronicles 16:11-12). The main part of the psalm recounts the history of God's blessings shown to His people from the very beginning of their existence.

Acts 24: To persuade the Roman governor Felix to sentence Paul to death, the Jews hired a rhetorician, a specialist capable of manipulating facts. He accuses Paul before the governor, claiming that Paul defiled the temple, which he did not, and asserting that the Jews intended to judge Paul according to their law when, in reality, they were in a rage and wanted to stone him without any trial.

In response, Paul presents a detailed explanation of the baselessness of the accusations against him, arguing that the Jews cannot provide evidence for their charges.

Felix decides to postpone the case until the arrival of Lysias, the commander from Jerusalem who had rescued Paul from the furious Jews on that day in the temple.

Apparently, Lysias never arrived for some reason, causing Paul to remain under arrest in Caesarea for two years. During this time, Felix would occasionally summon Paul to hear him speak about faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 24:24), hoping to receive a bribe from Paul.