August 27th, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Help from God

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Generous Father, You are a giver of great things and small mercies. I bow before You and ask Your wisdom.

Read Acts 26:19-32

[19] “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. [20] First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. [21] That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. [22] But God has helped me to this very day; 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 Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of 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.” [28] Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” [29] Paul replied, “Short time or long-I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” [30] The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. [31] After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” [32] Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

“Paul was highly educated, intelligent, logical in his thinking. He knew some people had to struggle with tough questions before they came to Christ” (Bill Hybels).

Think Further

“Not disobedient to the vision from heaven” (19). What an understatement! Paul’s persecution of believers screeched to a halt and he began spreading good news everywhere!

As we return to Paul’s apologia before Agrippa, we see him warming to his task before a man who was knowledgeable and sympathetic. He shifts from the story of his conversion to the story of how he shared the story of forgiveness and new life. Lots is left out (and this may be a summary of what he said rather than a verbatim transcript) but let’s note what he regards as the essential core of his message. First, he stresses the continuity of the Gospel from the prophets and the Torah (22). It’s good to remember this, when anti-Semitism still runs deep, and the New Testament itself has been misrepresented as an anti-Semitic document. Even so, we have to admit that Luke’s emphasis contrasts the murderous intent of the Jews with the more restrained legality of the Romans—reflecting the trajectory of Paul’s life. There is a strain of universalism in the Old Testament: their God is not just another tribal God, but the one God, for everyone. Second, he stresses the suffering of the Messiah. Finally there comes the golden thread of apostolic preaching in Acts: Christ’s resurrection.

The response is fascinating. Festus is stirred, and reacts aggressively, accusing Paul of being mad. Agrippa, more restrained, realizes that Paul knows he believes the Scriptures. But what of the tone in v. 28? Drily dismissive? Or a quiet indication that Agrippa is close to the kingdom? People’s initial reaction to the Gospel is never predictable and, very often, the more aggressive response indicates something deeper. Our job is to be discerning, and to trust the Spirit.

Apply

Sharpen your understanding of the Faith by resolving to read a book on apologetics. Then, write a brief defense of your faith.

Closing prayer

Lord, today I pray for evangelists who serve in the academic arena. Use them, the apologists and other defenders of the Faith who seek to persuade people toward Christ.

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