Blindness - Acts 26:22-23

"I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen--that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead as a light to Jews and Gentiles alike." Acts 26:22-23

This is what I just don't get: the Jews KNOW prophecy; they know that the Messiah will return for both Jews AND Gentiles. Why do they fail to recognize that Jesus is the fulfillment of those prophecies? How would they EVER recognize the Messiah if they could not see him in the person of Jesus? Why would they deny Paul's experience given his education and background? Why would they go so far as to make up lies in an attempt to have him killed? Have they no fear of the God they are claiming to defend? It just shows how deep Satan's deception runs. If those who were eye-witnesses cannot believe, without the Holy Spirit, what chance do we have?

God, what an incredible defender of the faith did you create when you created Paul! I pray that you give me his courage and his words when the situation demands it.

Today's reading: Job 17; Acts 24-26