TOPIC: PAUL’S DEFENSE BEFORE AGRIPPA
TEXT: Acts 26:19-26(NKJV)
- 26:19. ” Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
- 26:20. “but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
- 26:21. “For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill [me.]
- 26:22. “Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come —
- 26:23. “that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles.”
- 26:24. Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
- 26:25. But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.
- 26:26. “For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.
STUDY:
Paul testified before Agrippa how he became obedient to his heavenly vision by preaching Christ in Damascus. The Jews at one occasion seized Paul in the temple and tried to kill him because of his evangelistic activities.
However, God helped him and kept him alive to preach the gospel to all and sundry concerning Christ’s suffering, death, resurrection, and bringing light to both the Jews and Gentiles. During Paul’s defense, Governor Festus accused him of being mad due to his much learning but Paul gently rejected that accusation and said he was speaking words of truth and reason as he knew that King Agrippa understood what he had said.
Some people are shy, fearful or intimidated when asked to speak before dignitaries like kings, governors, presidents, bishops and very influential people. However, Paul was very bold, articulate, and logical in his defense before the king. Have you ever boldly preached the gospel before your superiors or those in authority?
When someone distracts you while you are speaking, do you get distracted and attack the person, or do you quietly address what is said and continue with what you are saying? Ask God to grant you boldness as you witness for Christ (Prov. 28:1b; 2Tim. 1:7).
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, may your Spirit grant me utterance whenever I witness for Christ, Amen!
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