At a women’s retreat, years ago, the speaker asked, “In the light of eternity, does it really matter?” She was attempting to get us to let go of offences and move toward forgiveness. I took her advice and forgave . . . .

I chuckle every time I read this verse. The Roman governor, Festus, was perplexed as to what to do with the apostle Paul, who had been left in prison. When Festus assumed command, he expected the Jewish leaders to accuse Paul of some vicious crimes. Instead, they argued about “their religion” and about some dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I chuckle because this Roman governor unknowingly speaks the crux of the Gospel in one sentence. . . .