CSSA 1-5-22 - PAUL DEFENDS THE TRUTH BEFORE AGRIPPA

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122. PAUL DEFENDS THE TRUTH BEFORE AGRIPPA

"Now I stand and am, judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers"

Aim

To show how Paul defended the Truth and God worked in his life to bring the apostle to Rome that he might preach the Gospel there too.

Acts 25:13-27; 26

KING AGRIPPA AND BERNICE VISIT FESTUS (25:13-23)

Soon after Festus became Governor he received a visit from King Agrippa and his sister Bernice. They were the son and daughter of that wicked Herod Agrippa, who had put James to death (Acts 12). The Romans had made him king over a small part of Palestine and Agrippa was paying a visit to the new governor at Caesarea. This visit worked out well for Festus, because Paul's case was quite a problem to him. The apostle had appealed to Caesar and Festus had to send a letter to Rome explaining what charges were made against him. But Festus did not know what to write. Since Agrippa knew of the Jews, Festus hoped he could get some help in what to say about Paul.

When Agrippa said he would like to hear Paul for himself, Festus arranged for a meeting the next day. It was a colourful occasion, as Agrippa and Bernice entered, dressed in their royal robes. The Chief men of the city and the officers of the Roman army were there too. Agrippa sat on the judgment seat and when all was ready Paul was brought in and introduced by Festus. What a contrast there would have been between the prisoner Paul and the colourful gathering around him.

PAUL IS INVITED TO SPEAK (25:24-27; 26:1)

All the important people gathered there were probably very curious about this man before them. No one could say what he had done wrong and yet he had been in prison for more than two years and now appealed to Caesar in Rome. Even Agrippa later said: "This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds" (26:31). But this meeting before Agrippa was not a trial. No one was there to accuse him that day. Agrippa simply wanted to hear for himself what Paul had to say. He turned to the prisoner and said: "Thou art permitted to speak for thyself (26:1). Paul was glad of this opportunity to make his defence, to explain his whole life and work.

A DEFENCE OF THE FAITH (26:2-32)

In simple, clear language Paul began his story. Agrippa knew the beliefs and customs of the Jews; so Paul was happy to present his story to him (vv. 2-3). All the Jews knew of his behaviour from his early years. They knew full well that he had always lived obedient to the Law, as a strict Pharisee. He believed what all Jews believed - the promises God had made to the fathers (vv. 4-7). As for the resurrection of the dead, it was not a new thing. There were many examples of it in the Scriptures. But it was the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth that caused the stir among the Jews (v. 8). Paul and the disciples were preaching that Jesus was alive and at God's right hand.

Paul then went on to tell how he had persecuted the disciples of Christ and punished them (vv. 9-11), but he was converted on the road to Damascus by Jesus Christ himself, whom God had raised from the dead (vv. 12-15). He had been given a work to do - to preach the Gospel to Gentiles, that they, too, could have a hope of the resurrection, just as the Jews did, through faith in Jesus Christ (vv. 16-20). He finished his speech by repeating what he had said, that his teaching was no different from what all the prophets and Moses had said about Messiah (that is, Christ).

(1) "that Christ should suffer, and that

(2) he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and

(3) should show light unto the people (the Jews), and

(4) to the Gentiles" (vv. 22-23).

When he had said these words, Festus shouted out, "Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad" (v. 24). But Paul was by no means mad. The words he spoke were true. Turning to Agrippa, Paul asked: "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest?" (v. 27) Agrippa was obviously embarrassed. Paul had spoken well and he did not know how to answer. So he replied: "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (v. 28). How glad Paul would have been if Agrippa had really meant it. All this imprisonment would have been worthwhile. Later, Agrippa admitted to Festus: "This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar" (v. 32).

LESSON FOR US

Back in prison Paul would remember the words of the Lord Jesus: "Thou must bear witness also at Rome" (23:11). As we have seen before, Paul was suffering in the service of Christ, just as Christ had suffered himself. Paul always knew that danger lay ahead but he was prepared to sacrifice his own comfort and even his own life, as long as the Gospel was preached. So he could say to the Corinthians, "Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ" (1. Cor. 11:1). Let us use all our energy and time in serving God, as Paul did.

QUESTIONS

Short Answers

1. Who came to visit Festus?

2. Why was Festus glad of their visit?

3. Where did Paul say he wanted to be sent?

4. On what belief did Paul and the Jews both agree?

5. Who did Paul say converted him?

6. What work had the Lord Jesus Christ given him, to do?

7. What did Festus say when Paul finished speaking?

8. What did Agrippa say when Paul said: "I know thou believest the prophets"?

9. When the meeting was over what did Agrippa say to Festus?

10. Whose example was Paul following?