A Faithful Witness
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Intro:
Intro:
AG:
TS: Paul’s case is heard multiple times and every time he should have been released, but instead was held. Sometimes the desire was for a bribe. At others, the one with the power, feared the Jews or wanted to appease them so they held Paul. It led Paul ultimately to appeal to Caessar.
8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.”
9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”
10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.
11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”
Acts 25:8
After that appeal, we have the account in where Paul stands before Agrippa. This is one of the most complete accounts of Paul’s sermon.
RS: While our situation is different today, we can glean much from the testimony of the faithful Apostle. Every believer ought to share the desire and commitment Paul had to the Gospel. As we consider the details revealed in Paul’s encounter, I pray we will be challenged to remain devoted to the Lord and the Gospel.
I want to preach on: A Faithful witness
The King and the Preacher
The King and the Preacher
1 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
1 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,
EX: Paul before the King
EX:
He was pleased to get to present his case to Agrippa
Agrippa- Familiar with and believed Jewish Law and Prophets
Of all the high officials residing in the country, nobody knew better than the king the history, principals, and passions that motivated the Jewish people.
Paul described Agrippa as an expert on those matters.
Of all government officials in the country, Agrippa could be expected to appreciate that Israel’s messianic hope had found its answer in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that the message Paul preached (no matter how hostile entrenched official opposition might be) was no strange cultish aberration but the consummation of Israel’s noblest and most deeply imbedded ideals.
Luke again emphasizes that Christianity is to be judged not as a new religion but as a particular community within Judaism (9:1-19; 18:13; 21:39; 23:6; 24:5, 14).
Festus might not be able to understand that, but Agrippa could.
Paul frames his defense to appeal to Agrippa’s knowledge and to call him to repentance
AP: We are often misunderstood.
Hopefully, we will never find ourselves facing a trial because of our witness.
However, we do face hostile people in society.
They want to never hear an opposing viewpoint
Speeches have been shut down and/or canceled due to students who riot and protest anything they don’t already believe.
usually, it is a demand for politically correct speech which reinforces preconceived ideas
The same hols true for the gospel
They want to be free from religion
They don’t want anyone to share the gospel with them unless that gospel preached is one which endorses their behavior (usually one of sin).
The Amazing Conversion
The Amazing Conversion
EX: Paul detailed his life, conversion and ministry
Before Christ
A. A Pharisee from youth
5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
Paul started down the path of traditionalism from a young age
He said the Jews could testify of his past
He belonged to the sect of Pharisees
Lived by their strict code of legalism
B. His attack on the Faith ()
9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.
He persecuted believers in Messiah.
9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.
11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
He persecuted believers in Messiah.
in Jerusalem
in foreign cities
After Christ
A. His Ministry () –
20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
Paul had taken his encounter with Christ and the calling he received to heart.
He immediately preached the Gospel at Damascus and then traveled to Jerusalem.
In the face of opposition and rejection, he then turned to the Gentiles.
While this was all within the plan of God, it also reveals Paul’s commitment to share the Truth with all who would listen.
He had been saved by grace and commissioned to proclaim the Gospel.
Most of us will never have the opportunity to kings as we travel the world.
What we can do is to remain faithful to share with those we do encounter every day.
We need the commitment of Paul to share our faith with anyone who will listen.
We must learn to view our communities and work places, or anywhere we encounter people as a mission field.
B. His Message ( ) –
20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
Paul’s message was consistent regardless of the audience.
He called all listeners to repent of sin, turn to God, and believe the Gospel.
He challenged them to live their lives in a way that would honor God and reveal their salvation in Christ.
He didn’t have one message tailored for the Jews and another adjusted for the Gentiles. Everywhere Paul went, he proclaimed the need for repentance and acceptance of the Gospel.
American culture no longer embraces the Gospel.
We are constantly pressured to abandon the truths of the faith and conform to the dictates of society.
The world desires a watered down message of acceptance and inclusion of all, regardless of their lifestyle or commitment to the Lord.
Like Paul, we must remain committed to the Gospel.
Jesus Christ remains the only “way, the truth and teh life.”
Unbelievers must repent of sin and believe in the finished work of Christ for salvation.
That isn’t popular, but it is Truth.
We dishonor the Lord and do the world an injustice if we proclaim a false gospel.
C. His Misery ( ) –
1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo.
4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed
6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.
8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”
12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law,
21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.
22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.
23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;
24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.
25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,
28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.”
29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.
32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.
34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.
35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd,
36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”
37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek?
38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”
39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.”
40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
Paul was not seeking sympathy from Agrippa; he just wanted him to know the Jews desired to kill him because he proclaimed truth.
Paul had suffered greatly for the cause of Christ.
His commitment to the Gospel was the sole reason he was bound in Caesarea.
(Serving the Lord often comes at a cost. You might as well prepare for, and expect, opposition. Those who reject and despise the Gospel will seek to hinder and defeat you as you serve the Lord.)
The Call to Repent
The Call to Repent
24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”
25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
The Call to Repent
The Call to Repent
Acts 26:
EX: Paul closed with a call to repentance
EX: Paul closed with a call to repentance
A. His Question (27) –
Paul questioned Agrippa regarding his belief in the Word of God, the writings of the prophets. \
He was tying Jesus to the prophesies about Him.
He challenged him to receive the Gospel and believe in Christ for salvation.
Paul refused to avoid any opportunity to present the Gospel and urged every hearer to respond.
Witnessing can be difficult.
Some possess the evangelistic gift and others are more fearful.
Surely we know those with whom we can share the Gospel. Once we share, we must encourage them to respond to what they have heard.
B. His Devotion ( ) –
29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Paul genuinely desired all people to have a personal relationship with Christ, including King Agrippa.
He wished all could experience the joy and peace found through a fulfilling relationship with Christ.
Except for the chains he was forced to wear, Paul wished all who heard him that day could be as he was.
As believers, we need to share Paul’s devotion to people, desiring that all would be saved and experience a fulfilling relationship with Christ.
May God create a desire in our hearts to see others come to faith in Christ. (
C. His Perception ) –
29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
While Paul desired all to know Christ, he was aware that many did not.
That is why he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel.
Witnessing was his reason for existence.
He had committed his life to sharing the Gospel with those who had yet to be saved. He was committed to reaching all he could in the time that remained.
We know this remains true, and it offers a sobering reminder.
Paul shared his faith because many were unsaved.
The world around us remains lost in sin.
I have no doubt we encounter someone almost daily who needs to respond to the Gospel.
We must not fail.
We must be willing to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to a world that desperately needs to hear!
AP:
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
I hope this passage serves as an encouragement and challenge for us to become enthusiastic in our witness.
Salvation in Christ is the greatest need for humanity.
We have the opportunity to share the Gospel and reach those who remain in sin.
Will you join me in a committed effort to reach them before it is eternally too late?