Update 1199

On March 14, 2026, Norbert link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy, March 14, 2026,” and the sermon, titled, “Faith in God’s Promise of Healing.”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

The phrase “We create our own demons” is heard in the movie “Iron Man.” It does not originate from the Bible. But it is surprising that it contains a thought that comes close to biblical Truth.

Most people believe that their problems primarily come from outside sources, such as circumstances, other people, or the world. However, the Bible reveals a deeper problem. Jesus Christ explained, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…” (Matthew 15:19).

The real battle takes place within the human heart.

The Bible does not deny the existence of spiritual powers; on the contrary, it clearly shows that there is an invisible influence that tries to deceive true Christians and lead them away from God’s Way of Life. Scripture clearly names this influence: Satan and his demons.

But it also shows just as clearly that destruction usually does not begin with an outward act; it begins with a thought.

Thoughts can take root, gain ground, and ultimately determine our lives. In this sense, thoughts are “planted” – but the decisive factor is whether we give them space.

Thoughts shape attitudes. Attitudes shape actions. And actions ultimately shape character.

What we accept, what we allow, repeat, and justify, that is what we nurture, and that is what gains power over us.

What a person thinks repeatedly eventually becomes part of his or her being. The Bible describes this process with clarity:

“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15).

Let us note the sequence. Sin does not begin with the act. It begins in the mind.

This is a Truth that most people do not want to see. It is easier to recognize the faults of others than our own. We expect patience, justice, and understanding from others, but are often unwilling to give the same in return.

This is how human nature works. It tends to justify itself and shift the blame onto others.

But this is precisely where many of the “inner demons” arise that can destroy a Christian’s life: bitterness, pride, envy, and the refusal to forgive.

In the beginning, they are just thoughts or feelings. But if they are not recognized and countered, they grow. They begin to influence our thinking, poison our relationships, and harden our hearts.

The good news, however, is that we do not have to remain in this captivity.

Jesus Christ said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

But this freedom requires an uncomfortable Truth: we must be willing to face ourselves honestly and see the Truth about our own lives. For God’s Word is like a mirror; it shows us who we really are.

But God does not leave us alone in this inner struggle. He gives us the help and strength to overcome evil if we allow Him to.

As Scripture testifies: “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

The Son of God came to destroy the power of the devil and free us from spiritual bondage so that we can find the way to God and His kingdom.

We do not create evil out of ourselves. But when we feed wrong thoughts and attitudes, we open the door to it.

And again: thoughts shape attitudes, attitudes shape actions, and actions ultimately shape character.

However, when we begin to accept God’s Truth, recognize our own faults, and are willing to repent, real change sets in. Then bitterness, pride, and hatred lose their power over our hearts, and God’s Spirit begins to renew our minds.

For God has not called us to remain prisoners of our human nature. He has called us to be transformed. Through His Spirit, our minds can be renewed, our hearts can be softened, and our character can be shaped step by step according to God’s measure.

And that is precisely why Jesus Christ came, so that we might find entrance into His Kingdom.

(Initial Translation from the German: Daniel Blasinger)

By Norbert Link

In this issue, we concentrate on expert opinions and developments regarding the Iran war.

We also stress the misleading propaganda about the war in the American press, in conservative news channels, and in announcements from President Trump and his administration, and a potential rift between the USA and Israel because of different goals to be achieved in Iran. We also speak on Trump’s naive and unrealistic expectations pertaining to regime change and his wishes to rule Iran, as well as his incredible claim that the USA and Israel have already won the war.

Finally, we point out strong critical reactions domestically and overseas, and rising gas prices and the danger of another American recession.

Please view our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “The Curse of the Iran War.” 

Please view our most recent StandingWatch program, titled, “The Iran War and the Third Temple” 

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.    

Trump’s Unjust War

Judge Andrew Napolitano wrote on March 5 on the Ron Paul Institute:

“Over the past weekend, some apologists for President Donald Trump’s recently ordered attacks on Iran argued that because Trump’s plans call for a quick strike, the attacks do not constitute a war… These apologists believe that calling a war something else means it is not a war, and so moral and constitutional justifications are unnecessary.

No rational observer looking at 2,000-pound bombs being dropped on military targets and thousands of missiles being fired indiscriminately at both civilians and military personnel in Iran can conclude that these events constitute anything but a war… 

“Trump’s war… was not commenced by a legitimate authority as Congress has not declared war on Iran. The president and his folks have not identified any imminent violence Iran was about to inflict upon the US. They have confused the public on the war’s purpose…

“Only Congress can declare war and only the president can wage war. This is the power to initiate war, not to ratify it after the president has initiated it. The president can request of Congress a declaration of war, but the decision to start one is textually confined solely to Congress…

“… the administration has not articulated with credibility any imminent threat. The secretary of defense has said, at best, that Iran has ambitions to attack the US one day. That is hardly an imminent threat… the statute requires that the president report in writing the reasons for war to the full Congress so it can approve or disapprove…

“What’s going on is an immoral, unconstitutional and illegal war of choice… These are dangerous times and this is a dangerous war — for the moral order, for constitutional government and for personal freedom. If the president can get away with killing people abroad under a scheme that meets no accepted moral or legal standards and violates the plain language of the Constitution, what can he get away with at home?”

This is a very important question. 

“The Trump Administration Is Lying”

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 7:

“Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to downplay US casualties after seven days of war in the Persian Gulf, clues are appearing on the internet that indicate the US has suffered more combat losses than reported… on March 4, 2026 the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany—the largest US Department of Defense hospital outside the United States and the primary overseas trauma/evacuation hub for injured service members from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—sent out a memo announcing the temporary suspension of its labor and delivery services ‘until further notice.’

“The memo did not explicitly define the ‘primary objective,’ but LRMC’s core role is treating combat- and training-related injuries. It also is the main medical evacuation point for wounded troops from ongoing operations. A knowledgeable friend who supervised DOD’s Wounded Warrior Program during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and worked with personnel at the LRMC, learned today that there is a flood of casualties arriving at the hospital. The numbers are so large that the hospital could no longer continue to spend resources on birthing babies…

“It is not a stretch to conclude that Iran’s attacks on the US bases in the Persian Gulf produced more than a few casualties. DOD/DOW [Department of War/Dow Jones] is working hard to keep this information from the public. Most Americans do not support the unprovoked war…” 

Note the next article in this regard. 

Over 200 US Personnel Killed or Wounded? 

The Times of India wrote on March 8:

“A dramatic escalation has unfolded in the growing conflict between Iran and the United States, with Iranian officials claiming hundreds of American troops were killed or wounded in coordinated retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. 

“According to Iranian military spokesperson Ibrahim Zolfaghari, attacks targeted key U.S. military assets, including the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the strategic Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Iranian sources claim 220 U.S. personnel were killed or injured in the strikes, marking a major escalation.” 

By now, it was admitted that at least 150 American troops have been injured.

CNN Being Attacked for Report on Iran 

The New York Post wrote on March 6:

“CNN was accused of pushing out ‘pro-Iran regime propaganda’ by the Trump administration on Thursday after a reporter for the network said it appeared daily life was continuing [in Iran] despite the ongoing war.   

“Senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen said during a segment that all the shelves in shops are stocked, ‘even with fresh things,’ as he casually held a cup of coffee. ‘Fuel seems readily available, and you just don’t see any degree of panic anywhere,’ he said.”

On the other hand, there are many reports with videos showing devastation in Israel from Iran’s strikes which are usually suppressed by the mass media, classified as fake news or claimed to be AI-generated. 

Iranian Missiles Across Middle East

The Daily Mail wrote on March 6:

“Iran has unleashed a series of furious retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, launching attacks on Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel in a series of assaults that have left the region in flames. Drones have struck oil facilities and airports in Iraq as US-led troops gunned down several potential attacks over the Kurdish city of Erbil amid warnings of possible attacks on hotels… 

“A network of Iranian-backed Shia factions, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed it launched an attack on a US military base near Baghdad Airport…”

Iran Retaliates 

Daily Mail wrote on March 8: 

“Iran has launched a series of ballistic missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates and Israel as it furiously retaliates after an overnight bombardment which left Tehran burning. Explosions have been heard over Tel Aviv, with missile warnings in the UAE, as Iran hits out following the Israeli attack on oil depots which caused a ‘river of fire’ to engulf its capital…” 

Iran is not at this time defeated… 

Iran More and More Defiant

The Guardian wrote on March 10: 

“Iran has spurned two messages from Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, seeking a ceasefire as its leaders sense it is not losing the war and the US president is at the minimum feeling the political pressure… The foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has further said a unilateral declaration from Trump that the US had won the war would not bring an end to the conflict…. 

“Iran believes there can be no end to the conflict until it believes Trump has been shown the economic, political and military cost is so high that it is not worth repeating. It is instead insisting on a permanent deal that includes a US commitment not to attack Iran again… But the overall mood among Iranian regime figures is that it is going to survive and should not at this stage seek any agreement.” 

Devastating Effect on Oil Prices 

The New York Post wrote on March 7: 

“A commercial oil tanker was set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz after it was struck by an Iranian suicide drone… with a US Navy mission to safeguard ships through the region possibly still weeks away. The IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] claimed the tanker — the Prima, sailing under a Maltese flag — had ignored repeated warnings not to enter the strait… The flow of oil through the strait — one of the world’s most vital energy arteries connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea which sees roughly 20 million barrels of oil, about 20% of global supply, pass through it daily — has ground to a near-total halt since Iran declared it closed at the start of the war. 

“As a result, US oil prices shot up $20 a barrel in just a week, surging to $90 a barrel Friday, sparking recession fears if the US doesn’t neutralize the IRGC’s threat in the region soon… The president wouldn’t directly say what steps, if any, he planned to take to tackle rising gas and oil prices… But even once a US Navy convoy arrives, escorting the hundreds of ships that are stuck is a months-long mission… With pressure on oil prices continuing to mount, the US would need to find alternative ways to procure oil to avoid a serious economic downturn…” 

Trump Denial—The Strait of Hormuz

 Reuters wrote on March 12:

“Two tankers were ablaze in Iraqi waters on Thursday after what appeared to be Iranian strikes, the latest wave of attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East, as Iran warned the world should be ready for oil to hit $200 a barrel…. So far there has been no sign that ships can safely sail through the Strait of Hormuz…

“On Wednesday, an Iranian military spokesperson said the Strait was ‘undoubtedly’ under Iran’s control and the G7 group of nations – the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, Germany and France – agreed to examine the option of providing escort for ships so they can navigate freely in the Gulf….

“[Trump] said… ‘The straits are in great shape…’ Trump said earlier ships ‘should’ transit through the strait but sources said Iran had deployed about a dozen mines in the channel, further complicating the blockade.”

Strait of Hormuz in great shape and safe? This is so ridiculous. 

Only Two More Days of Stored Gas 

The Telegraph wrote on March 8: 

“Shrinking reserves could spark potential crisis with UK now paying highest wholesale price in Europe. Britain has as little as two days of gas stored up, raising fears of a potential crisis as supplies from the Middle East dry up…”

The End of the Dollar? 

Ron Paul wrote in the Ron Paul Institute on March 9: 

“The war has caused a big rise in gasoline prices… The increased costs will do more than raise prices at the pump. An increase in gas prices brings increased transportation costs that will be passed along to consumers. Prices of a variety of goods, including food, will increase… No wonder Energy Secretary Chris Wright, White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, and other Trump administration officials are frantically working to develop policies to lower gas prices. One possibility under consideration is deploying US troops to try to ensure ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This could turn into a permanent deployment of US troops. 

“According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the US government is spending about 891.4 million dollars a day on the Iran War. These costs are likely to increase as the war drags on and the US increases its military presence… 

“These factors could also accelerate the increasing rejection of the dollar’s world reserve currency status. A loss of the reserve currency status will cause a dollar crisis, leading to an economic crash worse than the Great Depression.”

Trump has not even ruled out bringing back the draft. All of this contributes to the inevitable downfall of the USA. 

Gas Prices Will Never Go Back Down Much Again 

Forbes wrote on March 9: 

“Today, conflict with Iran has blocked the passage of oil and LNG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz… the effect is to block up to 20 million barrels a day of oil that passes through the [Strait], out of about 107 million barrels of world production. How long this will last, or what will become of it, is still an open question. But one thing that I think will happen, and which is not expected yet, is that oil prices will go up to wherever they go, but they will not come back down much…. 

“The root cause of all this is the chronic decline in the value of our currency. The dollar today is a floating fiat currency. Its value goes up and down – over time, mostly down…. We didn’t have this problem in the past, because we didn’t have a currency that loses value. The value of the dollar was fixed to gold. An ‘oil crisis’ – or.. a World War like World War I — might lead to soaring prices for commodities including oil… We are going to have a flood of Don’t-Blame-Me excuse-making from the Washington elite types … But remember that the real cause of persistent price rises is a decline in the value of our money…” 

Trump said Americans will have to live with higher gas prices for a short while, for America’s good, and then they will come down again. Incredible! 

Biggest Oil Disruption in History

CNN wrote on March 9:

“A historic disruption to the world’s oil production sent crude prices smashing through the $100 barrier Monday for the first time in nearly four years.

“Both US oil and Brent, the international benchmark, are hovering around their biggest single-day increase in dollars per barrel in history… The war with Iran has sent oil prices higher for two primary reasons: a near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and a slowdown in oil production in the Middle East… The war has also effectively wiped out the spare capacity, because Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been cut off from global oil markets…

“As oil prices have surged, so too have gasoline prices. US gas prices have risen about 50 cents in a week…, higher than at any point in either of President Donald Trump’s terms…. Meanwhile, absent a compelling solution to the strait’s closure, oil prices will continue to march higher….” 

Economic Consequences of the Iran War 

The Washington Post wrote on or about March 8: 

“Iranian missile and drone attacks have disrupted the flow of commerce through one of the global economy’s most critical hubs, paralyzing much of the ocean and air traffic that carries goods between Asia and Europe while punishing investors in faraway financial markets… the war’s economic casualties extend well beyond the oil and natural gas shipments that normally transit the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of several international airports in the conflict zone, including the world’s busiest in Dubai, idled nearly one-fifth of global airfreight capacity, interrupting shipments of consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals and precious metals… The cost of shipping goods by air from Asia to Europe is up 45 percent since the war began… 

“The war is hitting the economies of Europe and Asia harder and faster than it is striking the United States… That does not mean Americans will escape unscathed… Farmers face higher bills for critical crop nutrients, and additional supply chain headaches are certain… But for now, economies such as Italy, Belgium, China, India and South Korea, which are the most dependent on oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, are feeling some of the worst effects.”

The War Has Been Won??? 

Mediaite wrote on March 8: 

“President Donald Trump told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer his help is not needed in the war against Iran on Saturday, saying ‘We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!’ 

“Trump posted the following on Truth Social about it: ‘The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!’” 

Trump’s naivety—if it’s not just intentionally wrong political propaganda—is mind boggling. 

War Pretty Much Complete? No Way! 

The Sun wrote on March 10: 

“DONALD Trump has declared his war with Iran is ‘very complete, pretty much’ – and claimed Tehran would have attacked the US ‘within a week, 100 per cent”’.. His surprise statement [including floating a takeover of the Strait of Hormuz] saw global oil prices tumble below $90 following a day of highs where a barrel of crude neared $120…. He went on: ‘We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough’… Asked if the war would end as early as this week, Trump replied: ‘No… but soon, I think soon, very soon.’.. 

“Trump also held a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Monday… The Russian leader said he wanted to be ‘helpful’ in resolving the crisis, Trump claimed… US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has also vowed that Donald Trump is prepared to ‘go as far as we need’ to achieve America and Israel’s goals in the Middle East.” 

To start with the last comment by Hegseth, nobody really knows what America’s goals are, only that they don’t seem to be in harmony with Israel’s goals.  Trump’s claim that Iran would have attacked the USA within a week is utter nonsense… unless he was afraid of it because of Israel’s attacks and Iran’s retaliation; something that Trump previously denied. To talk to Putin (!) to help him to resolve the crisis is mind boggling in the extreme. If Putin was so anxious to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, why is he not ending the war with Ukraine which he illegally occupied, and why is he not withdrawing his troops? The temporary decrease in oil prices due to Trump’s “announcement” will only hold if Trump’s words are followed by actions. His statement that the war will not end this week is also a detrimental admission. Subsequently, the oil prices rose again due to some of Trump’s “announcements.” 

Impending Dispute Between the US and Israel 

Bild Online wrote on March 6: 

“How things will proceed in Iran is currently completely open. For a week now, Israel and the US have been fighting the mullah regime in Tehran together. At the same time, a war is raging throughout the Gulf region… But now, according to Germany’s former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (54), a dispute is threatening to erupt between the allies!… 

“’The strategies of the US government and Israel are anything but congruent. The Israeli government is aiming for the complete destruction of the revolutionary instruments of power, including the Revolutionary Guard and the proxy networks.’ The US plan is different: ‘In Washington, on the other hand, they are following a more functional understanding of regime change, similar to Venezuela… This may sound similar, but it certainly harbors potential for friction between the two partners.'” 

Trump Furious with Israel 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 9: 

“Trump also backed off his earlier threat to send US troops to destroy Iran’s uranium stockpile at a secret nuclear facility near Tehran.. . The remarks directly contradict earlier statements in which Trump said he was considering deploying soldiers as the war spiraled across the Middle East…. 

“The President was reportedly left furious over the weekend after Israel targeted Iran’s oil depots in a blitz that shocked the White House. A planned summit between the US and Israel was scrapped on Monday in the first open disagreement between the allies since the war broke out. 

“Thirty Iranian fuel depots were obliterated over the weekend, with apocalyptic images showing fires leaping into the sky, vast columns of smoke and black oily rain.  White House officials were stunned by the scale of Israel’s bombardment and concerned that images of burning oil would anger Americans facing increased gas prices. ‘The president doesn’t like the attack. He wants to save the oil. He doesn’t want to burn it. And it reminds people of higher gas prices,’ a Trump adviser told Axios. An Israeli official said the message from the US was stark: ‘What the f***’.” 

Trump feels the pressure and the overwhelming reaction of the American people regarding his Iran adventure. But in light of his ongoing shifting explanations, can one trust his words? Is he serious, or just trying to deceive the people, buying time? We will see. 

Hezbollah Attacks Israel

The New York Post wrote on March 11:

“Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon on Wednesday launched 100 rockets at Israel — overloading Israel’s lauded Iron Dome system so much that only half were shot down…

“In response, the IDF is preparing a ground invasion into Lebanon…”

Violation of International Law by Israel? 

Focus wrote on March 9: 

“Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of illegally using white phosphorus in an attack on a residential area in southern Lebanon last week. The organization was able to verify and geographically locate seven images, according to a report. A staff member spoke of severe consequences for civilians. The incendiary properties of white phosphorus can lead to death or serious injuries resulting in lifelong suffering. 

“White phosphorus ignites upon contact with oxygen in the air and continues to burn until either nothing remains or the oxygen supply is cut off. An additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions on the Law of War prohibits the use of phosphorus weapons when there is a risk that they will primarily affect civilians.” 

It’s alright then to use them against enemy soldiers! What a corrupt and evil world we are living in. 

The Iran War in Connection With the Third Temple? 

Israel 365 News wrote on March 8: 

“Commentator Tucker Carlson triggered a storm this week after accusing the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement [a major, dynamic Hasidic movement within Orthodox Judaism] of secretly pushing for the destruction of the Islamic shrines on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount and the construction of a Third Jewish Temple… Carlson… used his program to present the war as part of a Jewish religious agenda, claiming that Chabad has been quietly working to advance plans to remove the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to rebuild the Temple.

“Carlson opened his broadcast by asserting that ‘key players involved in this war’ believe the conflict will lead to the destruction of the Islamic structures on the Temple Mount and the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. He then singled out Chabad, stating that the movement has been ‘pushing in a pretty subtle way’ for such a development… 

“Carlson framed the current war as a ‘global religious war’ allegedly triggered by Jewish ambitions regarding the Temple Mount. … Carlson’s remarks also revived an accusation that has fueled violence for nearly a century: the claim that Jews are plotting to destroy the Islamic shrines on the Temple Mount… 

“The hope for a restored Temple is a central belief in traditional Jewish faith, rooted directly in the Bible… The medieval sage Maimonides codified belief in the coming of the Messiah and the rebuilding of the Temple as one of Judaism’s core principles of faith… Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, Chabad’s social media director, noted that belief in the Temple and the Messianic era is shared across the entire Jewish world…. The Temple Mount remains the holiest site in Judaism and a focal point of intense political and religious tension.” 

Carlson’s critical views against Israel’s policies under Netanyahu are well-known. His accusations against Chabad are unsupported and lack evidence. Still, his comments in general about the building of the Third Temple should not be ignored. 

Destroying Iran’s Nuclear Stockpile… an Almost Impossible Task

CNN wrote on March 10:

“Recovering Iran’s remaining highly enriched uranium stockpile believed to be sitting in a storage facility deep underground… would require a significant number of US ground troops beyond a small special operations footprint… 

“The US bombing campaign that struck three Iranian nuclear facilities last June did not destroy all of that country’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, the material needed to create a nuclear weapon. Much of it is believed to be at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site… President Donald Trump has made complete elimination of Iran’s nuclear capability one of his stated aims of the war. 

“If the Trump administration went ahead with an operation to retrieve the uranium, it could mark the first major commitment of US ground forces as part of the campaign, an escalation that would put a large number of troops in harm’s way as part of a complex mission to move or render safe tons of highly radioactive material.

“The uranium at Isfahan is accessible to the Iranians, who had been working for months after the US military strikes last year to clear the rubble of the facility’s aboveground structures and access the underground tunnels where the uranium was hidden… UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday that around 200 kilograms of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is probably still at Isfahan, with some also at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility… 

“US military airstrikes alone can’t penetrate the Isfahan tunnels, primarily because the facility does not have ventilation shaft openings like some of Iran’s other nuclear sites, which serve as weak points for a storage structure. That has led to discussions within the Trump administration about deploying elite units within the US military’s Joint Special Operations Command, potentially in coordination with Israeli commando forces, to physically infiltrate the tunnels and secure or destroy the enriched uranium…

“A mission like that, however, would require dozens if not hundreds of additional troops on the ground to help support the core special operations team tasked with finding the uranium…, particularly given the Iranian military’s continued control over the sites and surrounding area. That support could entail not just troops to secure the area, but also logistical support given the challenges of working with nuclear material deep underground… ‘The logistics and risk involved would be prohibitive, to say the least,’ said one person familiar with the discussions…” 

So, if regime change and destroying Iran’s stockpile of uranium were part of the goals of Trump’s strikes, then they have NOT been achieved. 

Catastrophic Lack of Sulfur 

On March 9, Naturalnews published the following article by Mike Adams: 

“The devastating attacks on critical Gulf infrastructure have not merely disrupted markets; they have severed the global supply of elemental sulfur and its derivative, sulfuric acid. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz… coupled with the systematic destruction of storage and refining facilities in Iran, means zero spot sulfur is available on the global market. This is not a crisis about to begin; it has already been unleashed. The chemical cascade of industrial collapse is now irreversible 

“Reports of thick, choking smoke over Tehran following strikes on oil facilities are a grim foreshadowing of the acid rain and atmospheric poisoning to come, but they pale in comparison to the economic and biological warfare now underway… Sulfuric acid is the irreplaceable ‘lifeblood’ of modern industrial civilization. No single chemical has a more urgent, cascading impact across every critical sector… Without sulfur, there is no fertilizer. Without fertilizer, there is no food on an industrial scale. This is not a hypothetical supply chain hiccup; it is a guaranteed trigger for mass starvation… 

“The secondary uses of sulfuric acid are what weave the fabric of modern life: it is essential for leaching critical metals like copper, zinc, and nickel from ore; for the vulcanization of rubber in every car and truck tire; for producing battery acid; and for manufacturing… antibiotics, industrial explosives, and synthetic textiles. Every one of these chains is now broken… 

“Even if the war ended tomorrow, the crisis is locked in for years. The specialized refineries, storage tanks, and port facilities are destroyed. Rebuilding this infrastructure is a multi-year endeavor, and we do not have years… Governments and captured institutions are lying about the timeline and severity. The mainstream corporate media narrative is one of manageable disruption and future recovery. The reality is irreversible industrial collapse… 

“This is not doom on steroids; it is the factual, unflinching consequence of severing civilization’s chemical backbone… The centralized, just-in-time systems for food, medicine, and goods are failing in real-time… Relying on the corrupt, centralized medical system — which profits from sickness and has long suppressed natural, nutritional, and herbal solutions — is a guaranteed path to suffering…” 

If only a portion of what was said in this article was true, we would all be in serious trouble, caused by the stupidity of war. 

Trump’s Iran War Faces Disaster? 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 7: 

“A leaked classified report by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) has shed an unfavorable light on Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran, warning that military involvement could be disastrous…. a report completed by the NIC just a week before raised doubts about the US’s ability to overthrow the regime… 

“NIC members bridge 18 intelligence agencies with policymakers to provide analytical assessments…. Iran would likely respond to Khamenei’s death by following protocols to preserve the regime. Sources said it was ‘unlikely’ that Iran’s opposition would seize control.” 

This was so clear from the outset. “Making Iran Great Again”—as pronounced by Trump—is an incredible pipe dream. We are facing another “never-ending” war, or Trump stops the strikes with the tail between his legs. In any event, America is NOT going to win. 

Trump Will Lose the War 

Daily Mail wrote on March 8: 

“Jiang is a Beijing-based educator and writer. He is also on the research team for Harvard’s Global Education Innovation Initiative…  in 2024 he posted a lesson titled ‘The Iran Trap.’ … the professor said he believed that the US would lose the war… During a recent interview, Jiang said he stood by his initial prediction… 

“He explained that American military strategy is designed for ‘muscle flexing’ and is not sustainable, adding that the worst calamity for the US would be to send ground troops to Iran… ‘If there’s a war going on and you can delay elections and you have emergency war powers and people rally around the flag, then he probably will get a third term,’ Jiang predicted.” 

Regime Change Won’t Happen

VG wrote on March 10:

“For over a century, countries have attempted to overthrow hostile regimes using air power alone… it has never worked…

“First, you achieve… one hundred percent tactical success. You hit your targets perfectly. You kill leaders, destroy buildings, knock out airfields. The bombing appears to be successful on the tactical level… The perspective narrows, and you begin to underestimate the enemy.

“But then the political situation changes. Instead of the regime collapsing, the opposite happens. You either get a slightly reorganized regime that continues as before, or – even worse – a much more radicalized regime that is willing to take greater risks…

“Iran has been an ‘industrial factory for drones’ for Putin in Ukraine over the past year. In 2025 alone, over 55,000 Iranian drones have been used by Putin in Ukraine… Iran’s strategy will therefore be to drag out conflicts over time… so that the real cost is ultimately paid politically at home in the United States.”

US intelligence indicates that Iran’s leadership is still largely intact and is not at risk of collapse any time soon (compare Reuters, March 12). 

Using the Mother of All Bombs? 

Geo News wrote on March 6: 

“Experts told the outlet that the U.S. could potentially use the ‘mother of all bombs’ against Iran to obliterate the underground tunnels, bunkers and missile launching sites. [It] is considered the deadliest non-nuclear weapon developed by the U.S. 

“It is a 21,000 pound explosive which creates a 1,000 ft hole in the ground, taking out underground targets…” 

MOAB has been used once before in 2017 in Afghanistan. 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 6: 

“The United States may choose to drop its largest non-nuclear weapon in the coming days and weeks. It is known as the ‘Mother Of All Bombs’ – a play on ‘MOAB,’ an acronym that stands for ‘Massive Ordnance Air Burst.’ A crater left by the blast is believed to be more than 100ft wide. Anyone at the blast site is vaporised… President Trump has long told reporters at the White House how ‘very proud’ he is of it.” 

God will deal with his “pride” very soon.

Trump Wants to Be Involved in Choice of New Iranian Leader 

BBC wrote on March 6: 

“Donald Trump says he also wants to choose who will rule Iran… That seems unthinkable for a clerical regime rooted in deep distrust of America… There has long been division between factions known as reformers and pragmatists, and the hardliners who call themselves Principlists in their defence of their revolution. But they are united on one goal: the survival of the system which keeps them in power… the US president then made it clear that he would only choose a GREAT AND ACCEPTABLE leader’… There is no sign of that… 

“The president’s comments reflected ‘the depth of the enemy’s malicious objectives in this battle’, according to the conservative Mehr News Agency, which carried a rebuke from members of the interim Leadership Council now in charge until a new leader is announced. ‘The great Iranian nation will never allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs and its right to determine its own destiny,’ it declared in the fiery war of words…” 

That did not work. 

Mojtaba Khamenei Succeeds His Father 

Reuters wrote on March 9: 

“Iran’s clerical leadership chose confrontation over compromise in appointing Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, a move regional officials say is a direct rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, who had declared the son ‘unacceptable’…. The appointment of Mojtaba as his successor by the Assembly of Experts locks hardliners firmly in control in Tehran… ‘Having Mojtaba take over is the same playbook,’ said Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. ‘It’s a big humiliation for the United States to carry out an operation of this scale, risk so much, and end up killing an 86-year-old man, only to have him replaced by his hardline son.’ 

“Analysts say the choice of Mojtaba, a deeply hardline cleric whose wife, mother and other family members were also killed in U.S.–Israeli strikes – sends an unequivocal message: Iran’s leadership has rejected any prospect of compromise to preserve the system and sees no path forward except confrontation, revenge and endurance…. ‘Mojtaba is even worse and more hardline than his father,’ said Alan Eyre, former U.S. diplomat and Iran specialist.” 

Iran Is Not Venezuela 

Ynet wrote on March 6: 

“Encouraged by the operation that captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump now wants a say in choosing Iran’s next leader, but experts warn the Shiite theocracy is built to survive pressure — not become a US-backed puppet… 

“Diplomats and analysts around the world are skeptical of that expectation, stressing that the Islamic Republic differs greatly from the South American oil power and warning that Trump is mistaken if he believes the same methods can be applied…. [They] warn that drawing parallels between Venezuela and Iran is a serious mistake.” 

Unconditional Surrender and the Day After 

ABC News wrote on March 6: 

“Trump, in a social media post on Friday, demanded ‘unconditional surrender’ from Tehran, after which he said would come the selection of ‘acceptable’ new leaders and a rebuilding of the Middle Eastern nation… Trump told Axios in a phone interview: ‘Unconditional surrender could be that [the Iranians] announce it. But it could also be when they can’t fight any longer because they don’t have anyone or anything to fight with.’… 

“But on what comes after for civilians in Iran, particularly who will take control…, Trump and his team have sent mixed messages… On Friday, in an interview with CNN, Trump elaborated somewhat on his vision, saying Iran does not need to become a democratic state and that he is open to a religious leader ruling the country.” 

Iran Could Attack California

The New York Post wrote on March 11:

“Iran could use drones to make a deadly strike on California at any time, a top US Army expert says — and we’re nowhere near ready for what could happen… America’s enemy is almost certainly trying to launch an attack on California shores with drones…. Iran doubtless has in its possession thousands of attack drones that can be controlled from thousands of miles away and can fly hundreds of miles before striking their targets… such drones could be launched… from unmanned drone ships…

“Iran’s connections with Mexico and nations in South America mean that drone attacks could also be launched from south of the border… Sporting events, hotels, office buildings, government offices and military bases are all possible targets… the drones used to attack California would carry explosives to their targets with pinpoint accuracy, needing only GPS coordinates to set their aim.”

Russia Assists Iran 

Newsmax wrote on March 6: 

“Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack U.S. troops and military assets in the Middle East, an American defense official confirmed to Newsmax on Friday. First reported by The Washington Post, the development puts one of the United States’ chief nuclear-armed competitors in the rapidly expanding conflict. 

“Iran has, for years, provided Russia with its Shahed drones to attack Ukraine, and now Russian intelligence is returning the favor by aiding Iran in its retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.” 

When a Fox reporter asked Trump about this, he castigated him, saying this was a stupid question. How was this important question stupid??? Subsequently, Trump called Putin to discuss ending the war! Incredible! 

Russia’s “Unwavering” Support 

The New York Post wrote on March 9, 2026: 

“Putin declared ‘unwavering support’ for Iran as he congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on being tapped as the Islamic Republic’s new leader. Putin fired off a telegram to Khamenei — the son of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — on Monday, vowing the Kremlin would remain a ‘reliable partner’ to Iran amid the ongoing war. 

“‘At a time when Iran is opposing armed aggression, your tenure in this high post will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,’ Putin’s message said. ‘I am sure that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people.’” 

Until now, Putin has done nothing for Iran, except provide them with intelligence. But this may change. 

Not Enough European Support? 

DNYUZ wrote on March 7: 

“President Donald Trump’s administration spent the past year dismissing Europeans as pathetic and irrelevant. Now, as he wages a war alongside Israel to force regime change in Iran, he wants Europe to cheer him on… But the European moves so far fall short of the applause Trump is seeking for an assault without [a]clear end that is violently reshaping the region… 

“The White House is not exactly trying to forge a coalition of the unwilling. Washington did not consult European allies before the attack and has not asked them to join in bombing Tehran… Trump is rebuking countries that don’t offer unflinching support… ‘The war in Iran began “unbeknownst to the world” and was not a decision’ shared by anyone,’ Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told lawmakers in Rome on Thursday. ‘Of course, it was well outside the rules of international law. We don’t need to say it.’… 

“Trump has praised one European leader, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Washington this week after he declared there was little use ‘lecturing’ about the illegality of war. Back home, however, Merz faced European criticism for abandoning support of international law, which he has touted on Ukraine and Greenland, and for not defending Spain from Trump’s criticism in the Oval Office…” 

“For European politicians, joining a U.S. war will be unpopular after the stained legacies of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, and the deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan. Following Israel into war will also be divisive in many European nations, with some European officials having accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.” 

The alienation between Europe and the USA is continuing. 

EU Vows Strong Response to Trump’s Spain Threat 

Tempo wrote on March 6: 

“The European Union (EU) will deliver a ‘strong and swift’ response if United States President Donald Trump imposes additional tariffs or discriminatory trade measures on Spain, stated a spokesperson for the European Commission. ‘If President Trump was to unfairly target Spanish imports into the US for extra tariff treatment or whatever, then that would be considered a very serious escalation, and I think you would certainly see a strong and swift response from the EU side,’ the spokesperson said on Thursday… 

“The statement came after Trump threatened to impose a total trade embargo on Spain for refusing to grant permission for the U.S. military to use its base in operations against Iran. The spokesperson emphasized that although the U.S. statements so far have only been threats, any step to impose additional tariffs on Spanish goods would trigger a coordinated response from the European Union…. 

“A day earlier, President of the European Council Antonio Costa expressed ‘full solidarity’ of the European Union to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez following the United States’ threat over Madrid’s stance on Iran.” 

Will Trump’s threats and actions bring the core nations of Europe closer together? 

Merz’s Shifting Opinions 

Die Welt wrote on March 6: 

“Friedrich Merz (CDU) has warned of uncontrollable consequences from a protracted war in Iran… Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe… ‘The Iranian people have the right to freely decide their own destiny,’ the Chancellor emphasized. ‘An endless war is not in our interest…’… 

“At his meeting with Donald Trump this week, Merz had still emphasized Germany’s agreement with the US on Iran policy… With the warning against a protracted war, Merz is now acting more defensively. Together with France, Great Britain, and partners in the Gulf region, Germany is working on a perspective for ending the hostilities.” 

Merz is just a weak leader, and under pressure, he will cave and give in. Note the next article.

“This Is Not Our War” 

Nius wrote on March 7: 

“Lars Klingbeil (SPD) expressed sharp criticism of Trump’s Iran war. The Vice Chancellor told the editorial network Germany (RND): ‘I say very clearly: This is not our war. We will not take part in this war.’ 

“Klingbeil further explained that he sees ‘the great danger that we will slip ever more into a world in which there are no more rules. We do not want to live in a world in which only the law of the strongest applies.’ He also has ‘great doubts that this war is legitimized under international law’. This statement contains enormous explosives for the government coalition…. 

“Klingbeil explained that he also considers the mullahs in Tehran to be a ‘terrorist regime’. He literally said: ‘I don’t shed a tear for the mullah leadership that was killed in the attacks. This regime is a terrorist regime that threatens Israel and the entire region.’ However, he doubted that the attacks could really lead to a regime change: ‘Just because leading people in the regime have been eliminated does not mean that this regime is over. On the contrary: we hear that successors are available for many leaders.’ 

“He fears that the regime is ‘quite consolidated’, which is why he doesn’t believe that anything is improving for the population in Iran.” 

Merz Under Critic 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 9: 

“Friedrich Merz is displaying a type of quiet tolerance of Trump’s approach. He does not fully approve of it, expresses doubts, but does not condemn it… This approach has not been well-received across German politics, even within the governing coalition… In an interview with the private NTV channel, Tino Chrupalla, the co-leader of Germany’s largest opposition party, the far-right Alternative for Germany [AfD], clearly distanced himself from the attack by the US and Israel, also criticizing President Donald Trump. He said Trump started out as a peace president, but would end up as a ‘war president.’” 

Britain Has Become Trump’s Enemy 

Newsbreak wrote on or about March 9: 

“Trump’s White House increasingly resembles a madhouse. War aims shift daily… Trump is now at war with US allies… Britain and Europe mostly want no part of it, but are being sucked in anyway… It’s long been obvious Trump is no friend to Britain. But this latest act… shows he and his administration must now be considered an enemy…. 

“This is Trump’s war of choice. But Britain has choices, too. Two hundred and fifty years after the American colonists broke free of [the] empire, it’s time for a British declaration of independence.” 

Popular MAGA Voices Turn Against Trump 

ABC News wrote on March 7: 

“President Donald Trump’s decision to carry out strikes on Iran has further exposed a fracture among some of the president’s fiercest supporters inside MAGA world — one that many supporters say will only widen with every week the conflict continues. 

“Since the first strike last week, Trump’s actions in Iran have faced stark criticism from some of the most popular voices in MAGA media who helped boost his 2024 campaign, ranging from longtime adviser Steve Bannon to more recent converts like conservative media personalities Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly.” 

Not to forget Marjorie Greene. 

Stephen Miller an Embarrassment 

The Independent wrote on March 8: 

“A GOP senator tore into Stephen Miller, the architect of Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign, on Sunday and said that the two-time White House official was ‘out of his depth.’ 

“Sen. Thom Tillis, a retiring Republican lawmaker… has become one of the… critics of the president within his own party on the Hill. But the tone of his attacks against Miller in particular shifted in the wake of the shootings of two Americans killed while protesting ICE and DHS agents in Minneapolis in early 2026, and the senator has come to assert that the president’s mass deportation program is riddled with incompetent leadership… ‘It was Stephen Miller who said it was the position of the United States that we should go after Greenland. It’s Stephen Miller that’s been repeatedly responsible for embarrassments for the president of the United States, speaking first and asking questions later.’ 

“The senator went on to trash Miller for having an ‘outsized influence on the Cabinet’… ‘He’s a big problem in this administration, he has been from the beginning.’” 

Tillis is correct in his criticism of Miller. He should have been fired a long time ago; in fact, he should never have been in the position of “advisor” to Trump. But this is also true for many others in Trump’s cabinet.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

In the last four Q&As, we covered Paul’s first and second missionary journeys, and we also began to cover his third journey. We focused on events in Ephesus and will continue to describe what happened there. We are informed in Acts 19:20 that the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed in the city, and so Paul was desirous of going to Jerusalem and Rome (verse 21). Reaching both destinations would not happen right away; in fact, we read in the letter to the Romans that he had planned to go to Rome on several occasions, but was hindered from doing so (Romans 1:13).  

We read that Paul stayed for a time in Ephesus, and because of the great impact of Christianity, a riot occurred there. Acts 19:24-28 tells us:

“For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: ‘Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.’ Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, ‘Great is Diana of the Ephesians!’”

Demetrius and the other silversmiths were angry, not necessarily because goddess Diana or Artemis was “desecrated,” but they were in danger of losing a lot of money. Pilgrims who came to Ephesus bought little model shrines or other idols as souvenirs which had been made by the silversmiths. They declared outrage because Diana was not being honored, but in truth, they were concerned that they would be suffering monetary loss. So they instigated a riot.

We are informed that they seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s travel companions from Macedonia, and brought them to the theater. Paul wanted to go there as well, but the disciples and some officials of Asia who were his friends would “not allow him” or “pleaded” with him not to go.

At the theater, the assembly was in disarray, and, as is so often the case during a riot, “some cried one thing and some another… and most of them did not know why they had come together” (Acts 19:32). They then “drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, ‘Great is Diana of the Ephesians!’”

It appears that Alexander later joined God’s Church. But sad developments ensued. We read in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 that Paul charged Timothy to have “faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” In other words, Paul had disfellowshipped them. Paul also wrote this about Alexander, in 2 Timothy 4:14: “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.”

Some claim that this Alexander was probably not the same as the one mentioned in Acts 19, because he is allegedly referred to there as a silversmith, and here as a coppersmith. However, this argument is not convincing because Alexander is nowhere described as a silversmith in Acts 19.

The city clerk “quieted the crowd” (Acts 19:35), stating: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?”

Not much is known about the image that fell down from Zeus or Jupiter. It might have been a meteor which became somehow associated with Diana—not unlike the “Black Stone” in the Kaaba in Mecca which Muslims believe to have fallen from heaven. The city clerk had great authority and since this assembly was unauthorized, he was concerned that the Romans could intervene, not tolerating civil disorder. He said: “‘For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.’ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly” (Acts 19:40-41).

So the city clerk was moved by God to save Paul and his companions, even though he was more concerned to maintain and save his own position.

After that, Paul departed and went to Greece where he stayed three months. Again, Jews were plotting against him, and so he and some of his companions went to Troas. Other companions (including Luke) joined him at Troas. Acts 20:6 reads: “But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them [Paul and his companions] at Troas, where we stayed seven days.”

The reference to the Days of Unleavened Bread is remarkable. Luke wrote the book of Acts to Theophilus, a Gentile and Roman official. The fact that Luke mentions the Days of Unleavened Bread proves again that the disciples observed God’s Holy Days many years after Christ’s crucifixion… and Christ’s disciples must do so today as well.

Acts 20:7 is probably one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible. We read: “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” The Ryrie Study Bible states: “This became the regular day of worship for Christians in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday.” But Christ was not resurrected on Sunday, but on Saturday, shortly before sunset. Also, when the disciples broke bread, they just had an ordinary meal together; not the “Lord’s Supper” or “communion,” as some claim. Acts 27:33-38; Acts 2:42, 46; Luke 24:30,25 all prove that breaking bread simply means to consume food.

Incredibly, some translations pervert the Scriptures so much that they read: “On the first day of the week, we gathered to observe the Lord’s Supper.” Such blasphemy is difficult to swallow.

Furthermore, the activities took place on Saturday evening and Paul continued his preaching until midnight [we would say today, Saturday night].  Remember that days begin and end at sunset. This was not a religious service per se.

During his long preaching, a young man fell asleep and fell from the third floor and died. But Paul brought him back to life, and “when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed…  Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot” (Acts 20:11, 13).

Paul was en route from Greece to Jerusalem (Acts 20:2-3, 16). Since he did not know when he would see the brethren again, he wanted to teach them as much as possible. The people were more than willing to listen. So, after the Sabbath, Paul remained behind, teaching the brethren, while his ship sailed around the peninsula (verse 13). He remained talking with them till midnight and continued after a short meal until daybreak (verse 11). We see too in verse 11, that “breaking bread” just means, taking a meal. Then, after Paul had stayed as long as he could, he left them to walk across the peninsula to meet the boat (verses 13-14). He worked on that Sunday by taking this long walk of some 19 miles!

Paul met up with companions at Assos (20 miles away from Troas by road and 30 miles away by sea), went to Mitylene and ultimately to Miletus. Acts 20:16 reads: “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.” He wanted to keep the Feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem, showing again that he still observed God’s Holy Days.

While in Miletus, he called for the elders of the Church in Ephesus, and when they had arrived, he gave one of his most moving and important speeches. This farewell speech is recorded in Acts 20:18-35:

“You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “

Let’s note some of his moving and sobering statements. He said he kept nothing back from them in regard to repentance, faith in Jesus, the gospel of grace and the Kingdom of God, and that he was therefore innocent of the blood of all men, because he declared to them the whole counsel of God. He was alluding to the warning that if we do not warn and teach the people of coming disaster and if we do not preach to them repentance and all the doctrines of God (the whole council), we will be guilty of their blood when they die because of their sins. They will surely die, but we would be responsible too; God would require their blood at our hands—their blood would be on our heads (Ezekiel 33:2-9).

Paul also stated that it is by the grace of God that we can inherit the Kingdom of God and eternal life (compare Ephesians 2:8). He emphasized that he had received his ministry from God; he did not make himself a minister but Christ ordained him to that office (Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1). He also wrote in Hebrews 5:4: “And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God…” He reminded the elders that God, through His Spirit, made them overseers or ministers of the flock, but that the members were not theirs. They belong to Christ, who purchased them with His own blood.

He stated that he wanted to finish his race with joy, and he was therefore not afraid about what would await him in Jerusalem, even though God told him in every city, apparently through people or prophets who were inspired by God to proclaim this, that he would become a captive in Jerusalem.  

He referred to the Church of God. That name is used in the New Testament on several additional occasions (1 Corinthians 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; Galatians 1:13; 1 Timothy 3:5; 3:15). The name was also used in connection with a location (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1). The name of several congregations was mentioned as “the churches of God” in 1 Corinthians 11:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4.

Note especially 1 Timothy 3:15. There, the Church of God is referred to as the “church of the living God.” We are called today the Church of the Eternal God.

Paul’s sobering and timeless warning is remarkable. He told the elders of Ephesus that he had warned them for three years with tears, that after his departure, “savage wolves will come in among you” and even “from among” them, evil men would arise, preaching perverse things. He commanded the elders to watch and be prepared to withstand those evildoers and deceivers. He concluded with the famous saying of Christ: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

When Paul stated that the elders of Ephesus would see him now more, this does not mean that he would die soon. He would be arrested in Jerusalem and sent as a captive to Felix and Festus, where he was held for over two years. He was then transported to Rome, where he would stay as a prisoner for two years. After his release, he would continue to work as an Apostle, until he was finally arrested again and killed under Nero.

The record in Acts 20 concludes with verses 36-38:

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.”

Paul and his company (including Luke) sailed to Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Syria and finally Cyprus. Cyprus was a large island of the Mediterranean with the city of Paphos as its capital. Paul had been in Cyprus before, where he had confronted a false prophet and sorcerer (Acts 13:4-12).

Acts 21:4 states that in Cyprus, “finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.” This passage must not be understood as if God, through His Spirit, told Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Rather, God revealed to the disciples what would await Paul there, and this warning caused the disciples to discourage Paul from going. But Paul had already determined to go (Acts 20:22), and later, Jesus encouraged Paul that “as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome” (Acts 23:11). Nothing could persuade Paul not to go, being fully convinced that this was God’s Will for him.

The disciples accepted his decision. We read in Acts 21:5: “When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed.”

They sailed from Cyprus to Tyre and Ptolemais, where they “greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day” (verse 7). Then, on “the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him” (Acts 21:8).

Caesarea served as the Judean capital under the Roman procurators. Paul had been there before (Acts 18:22). “One of the seven” refers to the ordination of seven disciples as deacons (Acts 6:3, 5-6). Now, about 20 years later, Philip had become an Evangelist.

Acts 21:9 continues: “Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.” This does not mean that they were ministers or prophetesses. The Bible only says that they “prophesied.” They spoke because God inspired them. There is no biblical record that women were ordained to an office of prophetess in the New Testament Church. In fact, God does not permit a woman to preach or to prophesy in Church services. Paul makes this statement: “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:12). Also, Paul explains: “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says” (1 Corinthians 14:34).

While Paul was staying with Philip for many days, the prophet Agabus came from Judea to tell Paul that he would become a captive in Jerusalem (verses 10-11). When the disciples heard this, they “pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem” (verse 12). But Paul was determined to go. He responded: “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (verse 13). The reaction of the disciples was interesting: “So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, ‘The will of the Lord be done’” (verse 14). Nothing “happens” to us against God’s Will. And Paul knew that it was God’s Will for him to go to Jerusalem, even though he would become a prisoner there. It is for us to understand and prove what God’s Will is for us.

Paul’s third journey concludes with his arrival in Jerusalem. We read in verses 15 to 17: “And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.”

Commentaries tell us that Paul’s third journey lasted for 4 to 5 years, running roughly from AD 53 to AD 57 or AD 58. It covered about 2,700 miles.

Before concluding this series, we would like to point out that Paul might have undertaken another journey after his release from Roman prison. According to early Church tradition, which is supported by Clement of Rome, Paul visited Great Britain. Paul fulfilled his desire to travel to Spain (Romans 15:22-24), and subsequently to Britain. Some cite an alleged connection between Paul and the British royal family in Rome (including Caractacus, Claudia and Linus), suggesting he accompanied them back to Britain.  

The three journeys, recorded in the Bible, show the tremendous faith, energy, zeal and dedication of the Apostle Paul—a tremendous example for us today. He could clearly say with sincerity and veracity: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1; New International Version).

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Iran War and the Third Temple,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Could there be any connection between these two events? There might be, but perhaps not in the suggested or expected way. However, we should be able to see how biblical prophecy is being fulfilled in our times.

“Der Iran-Krieg und der Dritte Tempel,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

The 2026 Ministerial Conference for the Church of the Eternal God and its Affiliates will be conducted in California on May 14^th and 15^th.

“Joseph’s Revelation to His Brothers – Part 3” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

“Die Liebe Gottes – Von vielen falsch verstanden,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Marc Völler, is now posted. Title in English: “The Love of God – Often Misunderstood.”

“Don’t Be Late,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted.

Here is the summary:

What does God require of us to make sure that we overcome when surrounded by difficulties? Knowing what God promises, do we take Him for granted, and are we earnestly prepared for what is just ahead of us?

“Thoughts We Allow,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Our thoughts are powerful and shape who we become. Modern neuroscience and the Bible affirm that what we repeatedly think can transform our minds and actions. As Christians, we must intentionally guard and guide our thoughts by bringing every thought into captivity to Christ so that our words, actions, and character reflect God’s ways rather than the natural tendencies of the human heart.