November 4, 2012
Lesson: Acts 26:19-32;
Golden Text: “But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:25).
INTRODUCTION.Have you ever wondered why God placed you in that particular classroom with that wonderful Christian teacher?What about that church with that particular pastor?God had a special plan in mind for you when He did that.God puts us in different places and positions us to meet different people so that we can influence them for our Lord. In this week’s lesson,we will see how God placed Paul before kings and governors so that he could share the good news with them.However, Paul knew that following and trusting Jesus comes with a price tag.Genuine faith is costly, and we must be prepared to pay the price if we seek to follow Jesus and share the good news about Him with others.
II. PAUL’S REVIEW OF HIS MINISTRY (Acts 26:19-23). The background for our lesson takes place after Paul completed his third missionary journey. He had returned to Jerusalem delivering a financial gift the Gentile churches had collected for the saints at Jerusalem (see Acts 24:17). While in the temple, he was assaulted by unbelieving Jews, who accused him of bringing Gentiles into the temple (see Acts 21:26-31). Paul was rescued from this mob by Roman soldiers, and to keep him safe, he was taken to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea (see Acts 21:36-39; 23:16-35). While there, Paul defended himself against Jewish charges before Felix, the Roman procurator. Although the charges were false, Felix kept Paul imprisoned to satisfy the Jews (see Acts 24:10-26). After two years, Festus succeeded Felix, to whom Paul appealed his case to Caesar realizing that he could not get justice in Judea (see Acts 24:27; 25:1-12). Festus granted Paul’s request, but before he was taken to Rome, Festus invited Herod Agrippa II, a local king who made a courtesy visit to Festus, to hear Paul’s case as well (see Acts 25:13-21). The next day king Agrippa, along with his sister Bernice and all the local high ranking officials gathered to hear Paul speak (see Acts 25:23-27).
A. Paul reviews his early ministry (Acts 26:19-20). In Acts 26:1, King Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak for himself. Paul then reviewed his previous life in Judaism and his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus including how the Lord had commissioned him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (see Acts 26:2-18).
1. (vs. 19). Now in our first verse, Paul said “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” In other words, once Paul had seen the risen and ascended Christ, he obediently submitted to Him completely. At that point Paul became a slave to Christ.
2. (vs. 20). Paul continued to say “But (I) shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Paul was saying that after he had the vision of the risen Lord, he quickly began to share the gospel message that Christ had entrusted to him “first unto them of Damascus.” These were Jews he preached to in the synagogues before he had to escape Damascus after the Jews threatened to kill him (see Acts 9:19-25). He then returned and preached “at Jerusalem” arousing opposition, but still he boldly spoke in the synagogues (see Acts 9:26-29). Paul’s ministry “throughout all the coasts of Judaea” did not happen immediately. It was part of his outreach to the Jews later on (see Galatians 1:21-22). Finally, Paul said he then preached “to the Gentiles” which was most of his later ministry (see Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:8). To all of these groups, Paul preached the same message, “that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” In other words, Paul’s message was that everyone he preached to should “repent,” or have a complete change of mind about sin and “turn to God.” The phrase “and do works meet for repentance” means that they should prove that their repentance was genuine by their deeds.Note: In essence, repentance involves a change of mind about sin, followed by turning to God through faith in Christ, resulting in a transformed or changed life.For sure salvation is by grace alone, but saving faith will produce good works (see Ephesians 2:8-10).B. Paul reviews his encounter with opposition (Acts 26:21). Paul here says “For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.” The apostle made it clear that the “causes” or reason the Jews took him in the temple and tried to kill him was because of his obedience to Christ’s commission to preach the gospel. Even after Paul was rescued by the Romans, the Jews still tried to kill him while he was on his way to an inquiry (see Acts 23:12-22). Even after he was carried away to Caesarea for his safety after this incident, the Jewish officials conspired to kill him (see Acts 25:1-3). Paul knew that his obedience to Christ led to his present situation.
C. Paul reviews his perseverance (Acts 26:22-23).
1. (vs. 22). Paul went on to say to Agrippa “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.” Paul was able to overcome all the plots against him because he “obtained help of God.” Even though the Romans rescued him, it was God who worked through them to do it. God’s help made it possible for Paul to “continue unto this day” meaning that with God’s help he was able to survive attempts against his life and continue to “stand” firm as a witness for the Lord. Paul was able to continue “witnessing both to small and great.” In other words, Paul witnessed to all social classes from the lowest to the highest, understanding that everyone has the same spiritual needs and everyone depends on the same single means of salvation (see Romans 3:22-23; Colossians 3:11). He said he preached “none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.” This means that Paul preached the same thing that the prophets and Moses had prophesied which is the meaning of “did say should come.” The entire Old Testament, including the Prophets and even the Law, had pointed to the coming of Christ and what He would do.
2. (vs. 23). In this verse, Paul was more specific. He said he preached “That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” The Old Testament Scriptures predicted “that Christ should suffer” (see Isaiah 53). The fact that “he (Christ) should be the first that should rise from the dead” reminds us that others will be resurrected later (see I Corinthians 15:20-23). Paul also preached that Christ would be a “light unto the people” referring to the Jews as well a light “to the Gentiles” or non-Jews, all the nations of the world.
III. PAUL’S RESPONSE TO FESTUS (Acts 26:24-26)
A. Paul charged with being mad (Acts 26:24). Now Luke writes “And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” So far in his address, Paul was speaking directly to King Agrippa, because he thought Agrippa was familiar with the Jewish religion since he had a Jewish background. However, Festus, being Roman, thought the ideas Paul had presented regarding Christ were insane. He accused Paul of being insane when he interrupted the apostle and shouted out “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” No doubt Festus couldn’t believe that any sane person could believe in a bodily resurrection. In Festus’ mind all of Paul’s learning had made him crazy instead of smarter.
B. Paul answers with soberness (Acts 26:25-26). 1. (vs. 25). Paul replied to Festus saying “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” The apostle was both polite and frank in responding to Festus as he referred to him as “most noble Festus.” Paul respected the governor’s position on resurrection but he totally disagreed with his conclusion that Paul was “mad” or crazy. The apostle firmly stated “I am not mad… but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” Paul was saying that everything he had said to those listening was the truth and he said them “in soberness” or with a clear mind. Paul could not deny his personal experience of seeing the resurrected Jesus on his way to Damascus. Yes, Jesus had indeed risen from the dead!
2. (vs. 26). At this point Paul turned to back to Agrippa and said “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.” Undoubtedly Paul was expecting support from King Agrippa because he reminded him that he already knew the things of which Paul spoke. Therefore Paul felt that he could “speak freely.” In addition, Paul was aware of the king’s knowledge of Jewish beliefs so he said “for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden” from you. Surely the king was aware of Jesus’ ministry and death, as well as the claims of His followers that He had risen. There were proofs of Jesus’ resurrection and in just under thirty years, the number of His followers had grown tremendously. All of this led Paul to remind the king “for this thing was not done in a corner.” In other words, anyone who lived in Judea in the last thirty years knew all about Jesus and His ministry.
IV. PAUL’S APPEAL TO AGRIPPA (Acts 26:27-29)
A. Agrippa’s reply to Paul (Acts 26:27-28).
1. (vs.27). Paul then boldly asked the king “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” Paul could say that he knew the king believed the prophets because Agrippa was part Jewish and educated in Jewish traditions. As far as Paul was concerned belief in the prophets and what they said logically led to Christ. No doubt Paul desired deeply that the king would not only understand his position, but would also follow him in faith. Truth be told, the Apostle Paul was not defending himself before the King and the governor, he was seeking converts to Christ.
2. (vs. 28). This verse says “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Regardless of what the king believed, he couldn’t reveal it in front of all the people gathered there. So he said to Paul “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” At first reading it appears that King Agrippa was admitting that he was on the verge of becoming a Christian, but was not there yet. Some Bible scholars see the king’s reply as an attempt to make fun of Paul, but the text appears to be a more sincere response. It’s quite probable that Paul’s remarks were causing King Agrippa to seriously consider all that he was saying.
B. Paul’s heartfelt desire (Acts 26:29). In response to Agrippa Paul said “I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” We can’t be sure of the intent of Agrippa’s remark in the previous verse, but Paul took it seriously as if Agrippa was actually on the verge of becoming saved. The phrase “I would to God” means “I pray to God.” In essence, Paul was saying “My prayer is that not only you King Agrippa, but everyone present here today was not just “almost” saved, but “altogether” or completely saved. Paul’s desire was that Agrippa would go beyond mere interest in Christ to complete trust and commitment. The phrase “all that hear me this day” included the governor Festus, Bernice (Agrippa’s sister) and all the visiting dignitaries (see Acts 25:23-24). He didn’t see any of these people as political or military leaders; he only saw people for whom Jesus died. Paul went on to say that he wished his audience was “such as I am, except these bonds.” The apostle was standing before all these people in chains and his prayer was that they could all be saved like he was and not in chains.Note: This indicates that Paul was realistic about the consequences associated with serving Christ which included being jailed.However, that does not mean he enjoyed it.But what is important is that Paul was more concerned about others being saved than he was about being bound with chains. That should be our testimony as well.
V. PAUL’S INNOCENCE OF THE CHARGES (Acts 26:30-32)
A. The rulers’ exit (Acts 26:30). Here Luke writes “And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them.” After hearing Paul’s final words, the group exited the area. They left the room in order of importance with the king leaving first followed by Festus, then Bernice and finally by the rest of the dignitaries.
B. The rulers’ judgment (Acts 26:31-32).
1. (vs. 31). This verse says “And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” The phrase “And when they were gone aside,” appears to refer to King Agrippa and Festus separating themselves from the others. They were the only ones who needed to make a judgment about Paul. However, it’s quite possible that all the dignitaries were privy to the conversation. After hearing all that Paul had spoken the only conclusion they could reach was “This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” In other words, it was agreed that Paul was innocent. But would he be set free? The next verse gives us the answer.
2. (vs. 32). Our final verse says “Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” The king said that Paul would have been set free “if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” Earlier when Festus questioned Paul before Agrippa’s visit (see Acts 24:1,4-5,10), he could find no reason to condemn Paul, but he refused to let him go hoping to receive a bribe from Paul (see Acts 24:26) and he also wanted to please the Jews (see Acts 25:9). Realizing that he could not get a fair hearing, Paul appealed to a higher authority, Caesar. Note: In appealing to be heard before Caesar, Paul was exercising a right that every Roman citizen had (see Acts 22:25-29; 25:10-12). Festus had already granted his request to appeal to Caesar so regardless of what he and King Agrippa decided, Paul’s fate was no longer in their hands. The appeal had to be carried out and Paul must go to Rome as God had previously shown to him (see Acts 23:11).
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