As Deuteronomy 2 and 3 open Moses recounts that after fighting the Amorites they went through the land of the descendants of Esau. They did not inherit any of their land since God promised it to Esau’s descendants. Moses reminds the people that God has always blessed them and has provided for them through out their journey through the wilderness. They have not lacked for anything.

Moses recounts that they passed by Moab also because God had promised it to the descendants of Lot. They were waiting until that generation passed before they could take over any land. They arrived at the land of King Sihon. They had asked for safe travels through his land but he refused. God gave them the land of Sihon.  They triumphed over Gilead and Bashan as well. God gave them everything in these lands.

Moses recounts how the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the Manassites took as their inheritance some of this land to the east of the Jordan River. He recounts telling Joshua that just as God has delivered these kings into the hands of the Israelites He will deliver the kingdoms on the other side of the Jordan. He reminded Joshua not to be afraid because the Lord his God fights for him. Moses tells them that he asked God again if he could go into the Promised Land but God refused him. God allowed him to go up Mt. Pisgah and see the land but he was to charge Joshua to be the head of the people who would cross the Jordan.

In Acts 26 Agrippa has heard the accusations of the Jews and now gives Paul permission to speak. Paul knows that King Agrippa is familiar with Jewish custom. He gives an account of his history as a Pharisee and of his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. He recounts that Jesus told him that he is being sent to the Jews and Gentiles “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Paul proclaims that he has been faithful to the vision declaring to Jews and Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance. This is why the Jews are against him. He then entreats Agrippa to believe as well as any others who are listening. Agrippa, Festus and Bernice agree that Paul has done nothing wrong. Ironically, because Paul appealed to the emperor he is not able to be set free.

Paul states so well what the good news is all about: turning from darkness to light, receiving forgiveness and afterward doing deeds consistent with repentance. This is only possible through Jesus Christ. It is news that is hard for some to accept and challenges their senses and logic, but it is the only way to salvation.