Opening: What has been the hardest thing you have gone through in life; an
experience, event, accident, or tragedy?
Scripture: Read Acts 25:23-26:32.
Insights:
- This is Paul’s big moment. He’s called to testify not just to Roman appointees, but to Agrippa II. Amid considerable pomp, Paul testified before the Agrippa II, whom Paul calls “King” and expert in Jewish laws and politics.
- This is more than legal testimony for Paul. He always treated these occasions as opportunities to share his faith. Of the three “defense” speeches (Acts 22, 24, 26), this one before Agrippa gives the most detailed exposition of the gospel.
- It makes you wonder if Paul made a tactical error when making his appeal to Rome. According to verse 31-32, King Agrippa, Governor Festus and Bernice all agree: Paul is innocent and should go free. The key is that they did not offer Paul the option of withdrawing his appeal to Rome based upon their judgment. So in essence, they passed the buck and sent Paul on his way.
Life
Questions:
- Jesus had said, "You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake" (see Matthew 10:18). The hard prophecy had come true; but the promise of help (see Matthew 10:19) was also to come abundantly true. Are you going through a situation that is difficult, and you are holding on to God’s promise of help? Maybe you could do some research and searching for Scriptures that talk about God’s promises.
- Both Festus and Agrippa put up barriers to Paul’s message. “You’re crazy” and “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” were their defense. But note something. Paul was the prisoner; he was the one on trial. Yet in reality, the tables are turned; it is Festus and Agrippa who are on trial, confronted with the truth of the Gospel. Each time we hear the Gospel message, we are responsible to act upon it. Have you put up barriers to God’s message to you like Festus and Agrippa did? Or have you accepted it like millions and millions have?
Prayer
Focus: That we would break down the barriers and accept
God’s message of salvation and purpose for our lives.
