Acts 26:24-32

Summary retelling of Acts 26:24-32

As Paul began to explain about Jesus, the vision, and the mission, Festus got up and told Paul that he is being driven mad by his intense academic study of the Law.  Paul returns that he is not out of his mind and that Festus needs to inquire from Herod Agrippa as to the truth of his claims about the Messiah and the resurrection.    Then Paul turns and directly asks Herod Agrippa if he believes in the prophets.  Herod Agrippa very deftly sidesteps making a confession of faith by asking Paul if Paul plans on making him a Christian in such a short amount of time.  Paul then confesses that his goal is that all who are willing would come to know God and Jesus Christ.  Herod Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice get up at this point and leave Paul’s presence.  However, once they are out of Paul’s presence Herod Agrippa tells Festus that Paul has done nothing worthy of being kept in custody.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Festus thinks Paul is out of his mind.  When you think logically about what it is that Christians proclaim, it is illogical.  We believe that God became man.  We believe that God was killed.  We believe that God was resurrected. We believe that God can and will resurrect us into new life.  On the whole, those are some pretty illogical claims.  But after all, that’s the purpose of faith!  As Paul says elsewhere in his writings, if we believe only is what we see, it is neither faith nor hope!

Why is it important to understand the somewhat illogical (from a human perspective) nature of Christianity?  How can that help us work with people like Festus who have a difficult time coming to grips with believing in what seems impossible?

Second Thought:

Paul turns and confronts both Festus and Herod Agrippa.  He puts them on the spot.  It is time for them to either believe or not believe.  Paul puts his neck on the line, but these men need to come face to face with the question: “Do they believe or not?”

Why is it important to ask that question of people?  What could happen if someone is never asked whether or not they believe?  How important is timing in asking that question? 

Third Thought:

Festus, Herod Agrippa, and Bernice leave rather than face Paul’s question.  They “escape the fire” so to speak.  This might seem like a defeat – and considering that they didn’t repent of their sins on the spot perhaps on some level it is a defeat.  However, neither did they argumentatively refute Paul’s claims and questions, either.  They are not so antagonistic to Paul that they are willing to rebuke him.  In that sense, this story is very much a victory.  Paul allowed God to use him to challenge Festus, Herod Agrippa, and Bernice and give them something about which they can think for the time to come.  In that sense, this story is absolutely a victory story.

Did you see this story as a potential victory when you initially read it?  Why is it important to learn to be able to shift our perspective to find the victory?  How can we also learn to shift our perspective to see things through God’s eyes rather than through our own eyes?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 27:1-12

Acts 26:12-23

Summary retelling of Acts 26:12-23

               

Paul then moves on to talk about his conversion story and his trip to Damascus.  He discusses how a bright light shone around him and how the voice of Jesus spoke from out of the light.  Jesus asks Paul (Saul) why he is persecuting Jesus.  After Paul asks Jesus who He is, Jesus tells Paul to get up.  Jesus tells Paul that He has appointed Paul as His servant and witness.  Jesus tells Paul that he will be delivered from both the Jews and the Gentiles as he goes about trying to help people turn from darkness to light.  All of this is done so that through Paul people might understand God’s forgiveness and know what it is like to be sanctified in Jesus.  Paul then goes on to explain to Herod Agrippa that he was seized for being obedient to the vision and speaking to repentance.  Paul finishes by explaining to Herod Agrippa that he has proclaimed what the prophets said would happen: the Messiah would come, suffer, and rise from the dead to proclaim hope to the world. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

I am always haunted by Jesus’ question.  “Why are you persecuting me?”  Note that technically, Paul never met Jesus in the flesh.  Paul never voted to harm Jesus.  What Paul did was to persecute Jesus’ followers.  The point of all of this is that what we do to the followers of Jesus we also do to Him.  When we persecute one another in the faith, we persecute Jesus directly.

Does that cause you to stop and think for a second?  What about all the people who are genuinely worshiping God but doing it in a manner that is foreign to you?  Do you make fun of them and the way they have constructed their faith?  If so, aren’t you really making fun of and persecuting Jesus?

Second Thought:

Jesus clearly tells Paul that he is to be a servant of Jesus.  He is to be the hands and the feet of the will of God.  God has chosen him to take a very important message into some very difficult places.  God has set Paul on a course that will be challenging, but it is at the request of God Himself!

Is it important to realize that God has a course of life picked out for us?  Why is it important to understand the personal nature of God’s call for each of us?

Third Thought:

Jesus talks to Paul about forgiveness and sanctification.  Notice the order.  Forgiveness comes first, sanctification comes after forgiveness.  Also, while we know about forgiveness, we don’t often know about sanctification.  This is a word that means “to be made holy.”  It is a process that takes time.  It is a process that God does in us.  We (the object) are the thing being sanctified, not the cause for the sanctification.  Jesus is the cause.

Why is it important to be forgiven?  Why is it important to understand that sanctification is a process?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 26:24-32

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

Acts 25:23-27

Summary retelling of Acts 25:23-27

               

On the next day, Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice came in with much fanfare and celebration.  Once Festus joined them, Paul was brought in for discussion.  Festus introduces Paul as the person over whom all the Jews were in an uproar and demanding that he be killed.  Festus couldn’t find anything about him deserving of death, so he was going to send him onto Rome.  But Festus confesses that he doesn’t have anything interesting to write to Rome about why he is sending Paul, so he is hoping that Herod Agrippa might be able to find some reason to send Paul on to Rome.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Herod comes in with an incredible amount of pomp and circumstance.  It’s all about the glory of their presence.  There is no humbleness, no genuine humility, and certainly no modesty.  The leaders of the world enjoy the power and wealth that they have in the world.  Surely, they have received their reward.

How could Herod and Bernice have acted that would have displayed some humbleness?

Second Thought:

Again we see Festus speaking honestly about the situation that he finds himself in.  He can’t find anything wrong with Paul.  The Jews do want him dead.  He knows that he’ll look like a fool if he sends Paul on to the Roman Emperor without a serious reason.  He is genuinely and honestly looking for help from Herod.

Does this portrayal of Festus increase or diminish your perspective of the governor?  In his honest portrayal of his situation, is it sad that he seems to completely miss that he might be able to learn something besides saving his own reputation?

Third Thought:

Festus gives no reason to be holding Paul in prison except that Paul had asked for his case to be officially heard in Rome.  In a sense, Paul is still in prison because he has asked to remain in custody until arriving in Rome.

Do you think Festus would have set Paul free if allowed?  Would this have been a good thing or a bad thing according to the plan that God has seemed to be telling Paul that he is to pursue?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 26:1-11

Acts 25:13-22

Summary retelling of Acts 25:13-22

               

While Festus is waiting to send Paul to Rome, Herod and his wife, Bernice, come to Caesarea.  Festus introduces the case of Paul to Herod and Bernice.  Festus indicates that the Jews were looking to condemn him but Festus would not pronounce judgment until his trial had been heard.  He also confesses that he didn’t waste any time bringing the case before him.  Festus reports that they had no real criminal charges against him; they only brought religious charges against him.  Festus reports that they seemed to argue over whether or not Jesus was dead or alive and Festus didn’t know how to investigate this point.  Festus tells Herod that Paul chose to go to Rome instead of going to face his charges in Jerusalem.  Herod Agrippa tells Festus that he would like to hear Paul, and Festus promises to arrange such a meeting the following day.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Festus has a moment of brilliance as he is waiting to send Paul away.  King Herod – a Jewish king but also a leader recognized by Rome – entered into Festus’ arena of influence.  Festus begins to talk to Herod in hopes that he might be able to gain some wisdom from Herod, who is far more familiar with dealing with the Jews.  This is a really smart move.  Festus is able to learn from the experience of others.

Why might Festus be concerned about making a mistake?  About how long has Festus been on the job at this point?  Why is being open to the experience of other people really a beneficial thing in our life?

Second Thought:

Festus is also very honest with Herod about how he has handled the case thus far.  Festus did not delay in hearing the case from the Jews.  He did give Paul the option of being tried in Rome or Jerusalem.  He honestly doesn’t have any empirical means for investigating whether Jesus is alive or dead.  He deserves credit for giving an honest trail of evidence to Herod.

Why is it important to be honest and forthcoming in life?  How does this trend seem to differ from his predecessor’s, Felix’s, method of ruling and judging over legal cases?

Third Thought:

There is a sad dynamic about this story.  Festus clearly hears about Jesus.  Festus is clearly presented with religious information.  Yet Festus seems unphased by it.  He seems uninterested.  To Festus, it seemed as though this was purely a legal claim.  How sad it is that like Felix, Festus has the greatest evangelist in his presence and he doesn’t seem to give much of a religious response at all.

Why do you think Festus wasn’t moved?  What is the danger of power, knowledge, and control – especially in the way those things interact with our willingness to learn from other people?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 25:23-27

Acts 25:1-12

Summary retelling of Acts 25:1-12

               

After two years of being in jail under Felix, a new governor – Festus – is appointed.  Three days after Festus arrives in Jerusalem, the chief priests are already talking to him about Paul.  They have a plot to kill Paul, so they ask Paul to be brought to Jerusalem.  Festus wisely indicates that he is going to Caesarea and since Paul is already there that they can meet with him in Caesarea instead.  When Festus goes to Caesarea, he orders Paul to be brought and to defend himself.  Paul does, but he senses that Festus is looking to do a favor for the Jews since he is new in power in the region.  Thus, when asked if he wants to go to Jerusalem, Paul opts instead to be tried in the court of Caesar in Rome.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Festus is not on the scene more than a few days before the Jews bring up Paul.  They are still furious about what Paul had been teaching and they still want him to die.  In fact, their anger is still so great that they continue to scheme against Paul.  Grudges die hard.

Why do we as human beings have trouble letting go of grudges?  Why do we let things become grudges in the first place?

Second Thought:

Festus seeks to do a favor for the Jews.  This is an indication of corruption.  Granted, I am sure that Festus understands that Jerusalem is notoriously one of the hardest places to govern – so he’s looking to start off on the right foot.  But ultimately, he is seeking to do people a favor so he can earn credit with them.  There isn’t any sense of righteousness or justice here.  Festus’ actions in dealing with Paul are all about politics and not about justice.

Why do politics creep their way into everything?

Third Thought:

Paul appeals to Caesar.  Paul can read the writing on the wall.  Festus isn’t interested in justice – only in gaining favor among the Jews.  If this is the case, then Paul needs to go somewhere that he can get a fair trial.  So he appeals to Rome.  Thus God’s Word is fulfilled and Paul will become God’s messenger before even the highest Gentile leader in the land: Caesar.

Do you think Paul was right in appealing to Caesar?  Why would you justify or condemn Paul’s choice to go Rome?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 25:13-22

Acts 24:22-27

Summary retelling of Acts 24:22-27

               

Felix was familiar with “The Way” – which is the term for what Christianity was originally called.  He put off judgment on the case until he could speak to the military leader in Jerusalem who had originally sent Paul to Caesarea.  Paul is ordered back into custody, although his custody was not to be strict and he was allowed to have visitors.  A few days later, Felix’s wife – a Jew – came and together Felix and his wife wanted to speak with Paul.  As Paul started to talk about spiritual disciplines, Felix asked Paul to stop and go away.  Ultimately, Felix did not decide Paul’s case because he was hoping for a bribe.  In the meantime, Felix and Paul talked often.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Yet again we hear about God’s provision for Paul in the midst of his trial.  Paul is kept under arrest, but it is clear that his arrest is not to be severe.  He is likely still kept in Herod’s old palace.  He is allowed to have friends.  {Remember all the people that Paul prayed with in Caesarea before going to Jerusalem?  They can come and see Paul!}  Clearly he is not kept under tight rules, because Felix and Paul seem to talk at length frequently.  Yes, Paul is arrested.  But he is comfortably resting in God’s care during the trial.

Isn’t God amazing?  What conditions de we deserve to live in – yet how has God blessed us like God blessed Paul?

Second Thought:

Felix seems to be internally curious about Christianity – although never enough to commit to following Jesus Christ as Lord.  On one hand, this is a neat story because it shows how God gives Felix opportunity after opportunity to know Him.  On the other hand, it is ultimately a tragic story because Felix has the ability to listen to the greatest evangelist to ever live (besides Jesus) and he still cannot bring himself to believe.

What is fundamentally necessary for us to believe in God?  Why do so many people with genuine access to God and His Word still not believe in Him?

Third Thought:

Ultimately, Felix wanted a bribe.  Of course, Felix wasn’t about to get one.  If Paul’s friends bribed Felix, then the Jews could say, “We were right, you only won because of a bribe.”  Likewise, if the Jews bribe Felix to do away with Paul, then the Christians would be able to claim that they were right and the Jews had to bribe Felix to get their way.  Unfortunately for Felix – who is just interested in increasing his bank account – neither side is willing to risk losing the ultimate battle by bribing Felix.

What does this dynamic ultimately tell us about Felix?  How does Felix’s looking for a bribe really help us answer the questions for the prior thought?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 25:1-12