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Isaiah declares God’s anger against Israel and judgment on Assyria
Woe to those Israelites who perpetuate social injustice, making unjust laws, oppressive decrees, denying the poor of their rights, and taking advantage of widows and orphans
God would punish Israel by the hands of Assyria, who would kill, take captive, and loot what these oppressors had gathered
But Assyria, which is only like an ax or saw in the hand of a craftsman, will become arrogant, and aim at defeating Jerusalem like they did Samaria
He assumes the God of Israel is like the gods of other lands he has conquered, and that he had gained victory by his strength and wisdom
Hence, when God has finished his work against Israel, he will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and send a plague among the Assyrian troops
The second lesson presents the appearance of Paul before the court under Felix, the Roman governor
While Paul was on trial, he defended himself against his Jewish accusers and also gained the opportunity to bear witness to Jesus
In his defense, he refutes the charges of sedition and confirms his credentials as a Jew faithful to his God and his heritage
Paul also denies that he tried to defile the temple or cause any disturbance, but he was there to perform purification rites, and his visit to Jerusalem was to present his gifts to the poor
Felix could not find anything against Paul; he was also familiar with the Christian movement and knew the Christians were not violent insurrectionists
Yet, he delayed by adjourning the proceedings because by keeping Paul in custody, he would continue to please the Jews, giving him a political advantage, as he also expected a bribe offer from Paul
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