Acts 26:1-11

Summary retelling of Acts 26:1-11

               

Herod Agrippa gives Paul permission to make his case.  Paul begins with a little flattery in confessing that Herod Agrippa is very familiar with the Jews and their customs.  Paul begins in confessing that he was a Pharisee and that fact is acknowledgeable by all who know Paul.  Paul speaks to the fact that the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead as God has promised to the Jews who came before him.  He questions Herod Agrippa as to why this is so inconceivable since this belief is commonly taught among the Jews – especially among the Pharisees.  Paul then speaks to the truth that he opposed Jesus of Nazareth, seeking to persecute His followers.  He speaks about how he was the impetus for many of them getting locked up as well as casting his vote among the others who sought their death.  He even confesses to tormenting them to the point of trying to make them blaspheme against God.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We’ve gone over Paul’s story a number of times now.  So rather than focus on the details, let’s focus on Paul himself at this point in the story.  Today I’m just going to ask questions rather than put up thoughts because most of what we can get out of this passage is reflective opinion.

Do you think that it was easy for Paul to speak about this point in his life?  If yes, why?  If no, where do you think Paul got the power to speak about it?

Second Thought:

Do you think Paul is particularly proud of this moment in his life?  If not, why does Paul talk about it as often as he does?

Third Thought:

What is necessary to take a person who once voted in favor of killing Christians and turn them into a person who taught others to be Christian?  Where does that come from?  Is it an easy process?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 26:12-23