May 13, 2012
Morning Service

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

 

We are coming to an end  of our study on the life of Paul.  We have seen the man, and his messages.  We have seen God use him is a mighty way.  Since Paul’s dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he has been a mighty voice for the Lord Jesus.  We have seen his successes, and persecutions.  We have seen how God sent him out from the church at Antioch of Syria to evangelize the areas of Turkey, and Greece.

            Paul is now back in the Jerusalem area.  He was told, through prophecy, that he would be arrested when he went to Jerusalem.  He said he must go regardless of the outcome.  He is now arrested, and is facing his accusers in defense of his actions.

So far:

• Acts 22, he makes his defense before the crowd.
• Before a Centurion.
• Acts 23, Before the chief Priests, and council.
• Acts 24, he is tried before Governor Felix.
• Acts 25, After two years, he is tried before another Governor, Festus.

 

This brings us to where we are this morning, Paul’s defense before King Agrippa.

If you recall, this is what the Lord told Ananias;

Act 9:15-16 KJVR  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  (16)  For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

HERE HE IS STANDING, AND SPEAKING TO A KING.

 

Act 26:1-11 KJVR  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:  (2)  I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:  (3)  Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews:

• The King’s wife, Bernice, is Jewish.

wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.  (4)  My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;  (5)  Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.  (6)  And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:  (7)  Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.  (8)  Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?  (9)  I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  (10)  Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.  (11)  And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

• Paul is painting a not so pretty picture of himself, BC.  Before Christ.

THEN VS’S 12 – 18;  Paul again shares his testimony.  This is the third time here in the book of Acts that he tells it.

 

PAUL CONTINUES;

Act 26:19-28 KJVR  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 

• Again showing where he gets his authority to do what he is doing.

(20)  But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 

(21)  For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 

• Jews first, and then to the gentiles.

 

(22)  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 uses the Scriptures often to persuade his listeners.
• Deu 18:15 KJVR  The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

(23)  That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. 

• Christ, or the Messiah, should suffer.  Isa. 53. 
• He should be the first to rise from the dead. 

Psa 16:9-11 KJVR  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.  (10)  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  (11)  Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

(24)  And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.  (25)  But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but I speak forth the words of truth and soberness.  (26)  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. 

• Not done in a corner.  The trial, and crucifixion of Jesus was very well known.  At the time of Paul saying this, probably 30 years have passed, but it is not going away.
• Almost 2000 years have gone by, and this story, and plan of salvation is still being preached, and believed by many.

(27)  King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.  (28)  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

• Paul’s reply to Agrippa.

Act 26:29 KJVR  And 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.

 

1. Paul gives his life’s story before accepting Jesus as Lord, and then after his conversion;
2. Uses the Scriptures to prove his arguments that Jesus of Nazareth is the one that suffered, died, and was resurrected, just as the Prophets of old said would happen to the Messiah.

 

Paul makes this statement when addressing the council;

Act 23:1 KJVR  And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God unto this day.

 

We have no account of what Agrippa did with this knowledge concerning Jesus. 

The main question this morning is what will your answer be to God?  Are you almost persuaded to become a Christian, or are you altogether convinced?

 

May God add his blessing to His Word.