Lesson January, Paul s Testimony Before Agrippa. Lesson Scope: Acts 26 References in brackets refer to Acts 26 unless otherwise specified

Transcription

1 Lesson January, 2019 Paul s Testimony Before Agrippa Lesson Scope: Acts 26 References in brackets refer to Acts 26 unless otherwise specified Lesson Focus Paul suffered many things from the Jews as well as the Romans. He faced a formal court trial on earlier occasions at least three times: before the Sanhedrin (22:30-23:10), before Felix (24:1-22), and before Festus (25:6-12). The first trial ended when there arose a great dissension among the Sanhedrin and the Roman captain rescued Paul from being pulled in pieces of them. The second trial ended with Felix apparently knowing full well that Paul should have been set at liberty, yet for political reasons Felix left Paul bound. The third trial ended with Paul, a Roman citizen, exercising the right of all Romans to appeal to Caesar. Today s lesson draws directly from the third trial. Felix had been recalled to Rome. Festus, the newly appointed Roman governor, inherited Paul s case but was at a loss what to do. He could not send Paul to Caesar without a clearly written accusation against him. When Agrippa and Bernice came to welcome Festus, he sought the input of someone who maybe could understand the situation. Paul used this hearing as another opportunity to witness for Christ. We are ambassadors for Christ to every person we meet. Our personal testimony and our focus on God and His Word should call others to a commitment to truth. Paul s defense before Herod Agrippa II is somewhat unique. No prosecutors appear to be present; no charge is stated. The defendant is simply to declare his story. During this fullest of defenses Paul conveys no tone of resentment against his accusers. His relationship was so focused on Christ that he does not complain about his circumstances. Rather, he seizes this opportunity to preach Christ, his motivating force. How is your relationship with the Lord Jesus? Are you finding the joy of the LORD [as] your strength? What is your attitude toward those who are less fortunate? How often do you speak a word for the Lord? This lesson should remind us of what we are really here for. We

2 are not of this world; we are ambassadors for Christ. What is the driving passion of our life? Is it to run a good business and to make much money, or is it to build a relationship with the Lord Jesus that drives us to win souls for Christ? Lesson Aim: To present principles for effective personal evangelism. Theme Verse: Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Lesson Text A Personal Testimony Acts 26: (KJV) 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: 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. 12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from

3 heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, 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. 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. A Pointed Challenge Acts 26: (KJV) 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 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. 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. 29 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.

4 Questions for Study A Personal Testimony 1. What was the value of Paul recounting his past life? 2. What are some practical applications of approaching others graciously and respectfully? 3. Why is a personal testimony often effective in witnessing? 4. Why is obedience to God s commands an important aspect of witnessing? 5. How can we witness to people of varied levels of understanding? A Pointed Challenge 6. How did Paul demonstrate a proper response to the ridicule and rejection of Festus? 7. What are some ways we can awaken people to their personal responsibility? 8. How can we make the way of truth attractive to the world? Analysing the Passage Notice the shifts in the people that Paul addressed. He addressed King Agrippa (26:2-23). When Festus interrupted (26:24), Paul replied to him (26:25-26) before shifting his focus back to Agrippa (26:27-29). The word answer in verse 2 comes from the Greek word apologia which suggests a formal defense. The words thou art beside thyself (26:24) and the two occurrences of mad come from the closely related words that signify craziness. Festus tried to pass off Paul s testimony by accusing him of having lost his right mind. Even though Festus addressed Paul thus, Paul responded in a noteworthy way (26:25-26). Paul addressed him as most noble Festus. Speak forth translates a Greek verb for dignified and elevated discourse. Soberness means soundness of mind and is a direct antonym to madness. Freely means frank in utterance or confident in spirit and demeanour. Note how the prisoner has become the judge, and the judges have become the defendants. Paul s pointed question (26:27) created a dilemma for King Agrippa. As a practicing Jew, he wanted to remain in the good graces of the Jewish religious leaders. He could not answer Paul negatively about the prophets, and he could not answer positively without agreeing with Paul

5 that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets. So Agrippa went only so far in his reply. Almost means puny (in extent, degree, number, duration, or value). Almost does not suffice as a commitment to God. Principles and Applications A Personal Testimony I. We should be ready to give a simple, forthright explanation of our faith and life (26:1-3). When the world observes our life, they should see our joy and peace. When we have joy and peace while the world is in turmoil, they will ask a reason of the hope that is in you. Let us be drawing from the fountain of Christ so that we may always be ready to answer those who are searching. 2. Our approach to others should be gracious and respectful (26:2-3). Paul established personal contact by addressing King Agrippa by name. He expressed simple appreciation without falling into the snare of flattery. We need to overcome negative feelings toward those who are less than desirable to witness to. To witness effectively, we must meet where they are. 3. When facing accusation, we should keep the focus clearly on Gospel (26:6-8). We do well in our witnessing to point people to so thing they can relate to. We then move them from that premise to Scriptures. Sometimes people especially notice our plain dress. We should be prepared to tell them that we dress this way because the Christian is to be separate from the world. Our traditions must be rooted in the word of God for them to see Christ. The Gospel message is our rallying point 4. Any rehearsal of our past ungodliness should be brief and matter offact (26:9-12). Paul did not embellish his past as a persecutor. He did not go into much detail; instead, he gave a simple explanation of his past. He also put his past in a bad light and did not glory in his actions. We are to be careful that we do not allow the retelling of our past, sinful life to be used for entertainment. 5. Any recounting of our conversion should remain strongly focused on the Lord s work on our behalf (26:13-17).

6 The blind man that healed stated simply, Whereas I was blind, now I see (John 9:25). The glory of a sinner saved should be directed toward Christ. It is only through Christ s provisions that anyone can be saved. Our boasting should be in the saving power of Christ. 6. A life of obedience to God and His Word is essential for effective personal evangelism (26:19-22). The world is watching our conduct. They can tell whether we enjoy walking in the way or if the world holds more attraction. If they see inconsistencies, it could raise questions as to whether we have anything to offer that is different than what they have. A Pointed Challenge 7. By God s grace, we should seek to share the truth calmly confidently even when tensions run high (26:24-26). We need not to be intimidated by the reactions of others when we share our faith. When our testimony is from God s Word, we know that it is truth, even though they may reject it and belittle us. The people of the world are expecting us to react the same way they do; when we do not, they may hear us even better. 8. Effective personal evangelism must ultimately challenge an individual with his personal responsibility (26:27-28). The seeker s confidence in the Christian life as well as his spiritual understanding may need patient nurturing. We must strive to bring him to a fuller knowledge of the truth. When a person knows the truth, we ought to be ready to appeal to that knowledge. 9. Our personal evangelism can be effective if we can sincerely call others to a way of life that we have found worthwhile (26:29). Paul had found the way very satisfying and fervently wished that others could experience the joy of the Lord. When others can tell from our lives that we find joy in serving the Lord, that is the best testimony that can be given. May our relationship with Jesus Christ be such that the joy of the Lord will be evident to everyone we meet. Important Teachings 1. We should be ready to give a simple, forthright explanation of our faith and life (26:1-3). 2. Our approach to others should be gracious and respectful (26:2-3).

7 3. When facing accusation, we should keep the focus clearly on the Gospel (26:6-8). 4. Any rehearsal of our past ungodliness should be brief and matter- offact (26:9-12). 5. Any recounting of our conversion should remain strongly focused on the Lord s work on our behalf (26:13-17). 6. A life of obedience to God and His Word is essential for effective personal evangelism (26:19-22). 7. By God s grace, we should seek to share the truth calmly and confidently even when tensions run high (26:24-26). 8. Effective personal evangelism must ultimately challenge an individual with his personal responsibility (26:27-28). 9. Our personal evangelism can be effective if we can sincerely call others to a way of life that we have found worthwhile (26:29). Answers to Questions 1. What was the value of Paul recounting his past life? Paul s past life was a premise that the Jews could easily understand. His past life helped the Jews to identify with him. This also helped to establish a trail of thought that could be followed in a logical way to the things that he was going to share that made a difference in his life. 2. What are some practical applications of approaching others graciously and respectfully? We need to ask God to give us Wisdom as we approach individuals. We need to have the love of God in our hearts for them. We must override any negative attitudes about someone. People can soon tell whether we think that they are below us or not. We need to have tact as we talk to them. We should establish a personal relationship with them. Try to find some common ground or something that will make the conversation comfortable for both parties. Take an interest in their life. While we have an important message to share with them, the message will be received much better if they can sense that we are interested in their lives. We need to respect the differences in cultures between us and the person or persons that we are witnessing to. 3. Why is a personal testimony often effective in witnessing? We may appear to the World as abnormal people. They may have a false impression that we always were this way because of our upbring-

8 ing. Our personal testimony helps them to understand that we are human just as they; but for the grace of God, We would be where they are. Relationships are built by individuals who are able to find common ground between themselves. 4. Why is obedience to God s commands an important aspect of witnessing? If we are not following all of God s commands, people can rightly question whether our lives are really any different from theirs. Our actions will speak much louder than our words will. Only through total obedience can God bless our lives with the grace that we need for the everyday living that the world needs to see. Our reputation is probably the strongest deterrent or magnet for Christ. Any inconsistency will be a way for ungodly people to point their finger to excuse themselves. 5. How can we witness to people of varied levels of understanding? The Lord knows men s hearts. He knows the answers to each person s life. Ask God for help in relating to everyone you meet. Remember that everyone has a soul that will spend eternity somewhere. We need to try to gain an understanding of what a person knows through guided conversation. Once we know what someone understands, we can proceed from there. We can use personal or natural illustrations to help make our points clear. No matter if the individual is small or great in our eyes, we must be guided by love and compassion for him. 6. How did Paul demonstrate a proper response to the ridicule and rejection of Festus? Paul responded with respect, calling Festus noble. Paul does not appear to have raised his voice in response. He simply stated that he was in his right mind and was speaking in truth. He then continued appealing to Agrippa in a calm, logical way. 7. What are some ways we can awaken people to their personal responsibility? We should first develop a relationship that they can feel comfortable with. After we are sure that they understand truth, a simple question of belief and willingness to follow Christ is in order. To the backslider, in love and compassion, we should approach him or her with a sincere question about his or her readiness for eternity. Most of all, our lives should be examples that speak to such ones of their needs. 8. How can we make the way of truth attractive to the world?

9 This can only happen as the blood of Jesus has washed our hearts clean and His Spirit indwells us. If we are trying to do this to impress others, our hypocrisy will soon shine through. We can make the way attractive by allowing the love of Jesus into our everyday life (business, home, and suchlike). Our business transactions with the world should be a witness. Our response when wronged needs to have the Christ-light shining through our lives. We need to find joy ourselves in walking the way of righteousness. Summarizing the Lesson Personal evangelism is not an activity for a special few. Everyone who is a new creature in Christ has been given the ministry of reconciliation. To become a Christian is to become a citizen of the heavenly kingdom and an ambassador for Christ to this world (2 Corinthians 5: 17-20). This is a serious calling. The faithful ambassador must be willing to sacrifice and suffer, to love and labour. Only as we carefully employ Bible principles and consistently enjoy Holy Spirit direction can we expect to lead others to Jesus Christ. Research Guide 1. To gain an understanding of the setting of this lesson, read Acts 25 and Research Herod Agrippa II in a Bible dictionary.