Overview of: ActsToday's Reading:
Acts 25:23 – 26:32
"Paul before Agrippa"
Focus Verses: Acts 26:22-27
22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." 24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
Insight:
When Paul testifies before King Agrippa, he explains that belief in the possibility of resurrection does not contradict his own Jewish beliefs or background. Even as a Pharisee Paul would have accepted that possibility. He admits that early on, he too opposed the Christians, in fact he was obsessed with opposing them, until one day he came face to face with the resurrected Jesus himself. Paul tells Agrippa that he is now convinced that the suffering, death, burial, and resurrection are exactly what Moses and prophets said would happen. What's more, Paul says that he is sure Agrippa is already familiar with the accounts of Jesus' resurrection, because none of the things he was describing were "done in a corner."
Response and Action:
What could turn a Pharisee who opposed the followers of Jesus to become an ambassador for Jesus? 1) The realization that Jesus' resurrection was consistent with his faith in God; 2) seeing that the suffering and resurrection of Jesus were consistent with Jewish prophecy; 3) a face-to-face personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus; and, 4) the wide-spread testimony of many others who had also seen and encountered the resurrected Christ.
O God, I believe that you have the power of life and death. Resurrection is not too difficult for you. I see from reading scripture that Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection are perfectly consistent with prophecy. My own walk with Jesus has confirmed and strengthened my faith. The countless testimonies of people throughout history and around the world serve to increase my belief. May the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead raise and transform my life. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 53:1-2
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
In Context: Psalm 53
Proverb for Today: Prov. 14:15
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Recommended Reading:
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics
by William Lane Craig
