Before Kings
Notes
Transcript
Before Kings
Before Kings
.Acts 25:1-26:32
Seal Training intro?
1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him,
3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.
4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.
5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”
A New Governor in Town
Felix the governor we met last week has now lost his position because of his poor governing.
So the Emperor Replaces him with Festus.
Festus wastes no time politicking.
After 3 days he goes to visit the Jewish Leaders in Jerusalem.
Why?
This was a natural thing for the new governor to do.
Jerusalem was the cultural and religious center of his territory.
Because the Jewish people were a large and influential section of the people he is in charge of.
So he wants to introduce himself to them so that they can start to build trust in him.
When Festus arrives in Jerusalem, the Chief Priest and important men meet with and lay out their case against Paul.
This is all new to Festus.
Paul has now be in prison for 2 years.
The hatred and animosity between the Jewish Leaders and Paul still runs deep.
And the Leaders believe that they can influence Festus to hand Paul over to them.
They ask a “Favor” of Festus.
This is like a “you scratch our back, we’ll scratch you back” type of request.
They still want to kill Paul.
So they plan to ambush Paul if Festus allows Paul to be transferred from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
Initially, Festus finds it more practical, prudent, and convenient for a trial to be held in Caesarea.
So he invites, the Jewish leaders to come and present their charges there.
6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.
7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.
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.”
Paul’s Bold Appeal
After between 8-10 days they all make their way down to Caesarea.
A tribunal is held and Paul is presented.
He is ordered once again to defend himself against some false charges.
Luke records that the Jews from Jerusalem stood around him.
They hovered around him to intimidate and pressure Paul.
They wanted him to feel the weight of the matter and that they were an ever present thorn in his side.
Luke tells us that they brought up some “serious charges” against Paul, but he doesn’t tell us what those charges actually were. v.7
It is assumed that they were the same charges brought against him when Felix was Governor.
Those being that he is a ringleader, trouble causer, and defiled the Temple.
That he is a plague and pest to both the empire and the people of God.
Paul responds with the fact that he has already stand accused and he hasn’t committed any such offense.
He is innocent of all charges.
Yet they still want him to stay in captivity.
Even Better they wanted him dead.
Festus didn’t know what to do.
But he was a politician.
So he wanted to gain favor from the Jews.
Since he whiffed the first time.
He wanted to offer a favor to the Jewish People.
That favor being a trial in Jerusalem, with Festus as overseer.
Here’s what this means though.
If Paul was taken back to Jerusalem, it would mean at least an attack on his life.
It could have been successful and that would have been the end of the story.
Paul isn’t having any of this.
Everyone present knows that this is all a charade.
But Festus wants to build bridges.
He doesn’t mind being held accountable if he is guilty.
But he isn’t guilty.
He doesn’t seek to escape death.
He is ready and willing to die, but this is too much.
The Jewish leaders are bearing false witness against him.
They are making him out to be a criminal.
But he is innocent, and he wants a chance to prove his innocence.
Not in a hostile environment.
Not at the risk of death.
So as a Roman Citizen, Paul had a privilege that not all people did.
He could appeal to have his case heard by Caesar himself.
This appeal will stop any and all current trials.
Festus is new on the scene, and even though he wants to have the Favor of the Jewish leaders.
If word gets out that he stopped a Roman Citizen from his appeal to Caesar, he will be removed from power and potentially face death.
So Festus concedes and grants Paul’s Appeal.
But Before Paul is shipped off to Rome another visitor arrives.
13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix,
15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.
16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.
17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.
19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”
Festus and Agrippa
King Agrippa steps on the Scene.
This is Agrippa II the son of King Agrippa that had James Beheaded in Acts 12.
Grandson of King Herod Antipas who heard Jesus trial before his crucifixion.
Great Grandson of King Herod the Great that hunted the babies during Jesus childhood.
So he comes from a messed up family that is familiar with the story of Jesus.
Much like his father’s before him. Agrippa tried to live according to Jewish Law.
Agrippa made his way to Caesarea to meet and greet the new governor, but he didn’t travel alone.
He was with his sister Bernice.
It was well known at the time that Herod and Bernice were more than Brother and sister.
They were having an incestuous relationship with one another after Bernice’s first husband died.
They traveled everywhere together.
So you will read over and over again, Agrippa and Bernice.
Festus is still a new governor and he still isn’t sure of himself, so when Agrippa comes to visit, he relays the story of Paul’s capture and imprisonment.
Here’s one thing we need to recognize, Paul is never found guilty in the eyes of the law.
Time after time he is brought before rulers and each time they don’t charge him with anything b/c he is innocent.
Each investigation. Each Trial. Each time he is brought before a ruler, he is found blameless.
Yet the Jewish People still want to find fault in him.
Festus even point this out in verse 19.
There are disputes about their religion, about Jesus, about the resurrection.
These are arguments that really have no bearing on the law of the land.
The religious are still trying to keep him down and would love to have his head on a silver platter.
Festus is in a pickle.
Paul wants to appeal to Caesar, but in order to do that Festus needs to write a letter to Caesar explaining the case.
But there really is no case to be found.
So Agrippa says that he would “like to hear the man myself.”
Festus arranges a meeting between Paul and Agrippa the next day.
23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.
26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.
27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”
Paul and Agrippa
The first thing I want you to see is that they gather with “great pomp”
The Greek word used here is where we get the word Fantasy.
There is a fantastical demonstration at play.
They are dressing up, because they are powerful, important, and want to be seen.
There are military personnel, prominent members of the city, governors, and kings present to hear Paul speak.
This isn’t a true trial.
They can’t have a trial b/c Paul has appealed to Caesar, but they can put on a show.
They can have fun at Paul’s expense.
But Paul is going to have the last laugh.
He is going to take this time to testify to God’s Goodness.
He is going to preach the gospel to all those present, but his main focus is going to be on Agrippa.
God has orchestrated it so that Paul is fulfilling what Jesus spoke about him in Acts 9:15 where Paul is going to be used by God to stand before the Gentiles, Children of Israel and Kings and bear witness of God’s Goodness.
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.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
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.
6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,
7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
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.
Paul’s Defense
Paul is given the floor to present his defense.
Beginning out of respect for Agrippa he claims that he is innocent of all the accusations presented by the Jewish leaders.
He again recounts the fact that from a young age he was a devote Jewish boy.
He was trained by the most revered Rabbi. Gamaliel.
He was known by and seen by the Jewish people as a lover of God and devoted to his Law.
He was devoted to the law so much that he became a Pharisee.
He was the strictest of Pharisees.
But since his arrival in Jerusalem 2 years ago he has been an enemy of the Jewish People.
He has been beaten and unjustly imprisoned.
Why has this happened?
Why do the People hate Paul?
Why do they wish to have Paul dead?
Because he is proclaiming the fulfillment of God’s promise.
6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,
7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
God promised that his people would be restored.
God promised that he would save and redeem his people.
What the Jewish people had longed for, prayed for, and waited for had now happened.
The Anointed and Appointed King of Israel had shown up and yet they were blinded by this truth.
They could not wrap their minds around the fact that God had raised Jesus from the dead.
They could not believe that the Jesus was the messiah, the holy one, their savior, and the savior of the world.
Because he wasn’t what they expected.
He wasn’t what they wanted.
He didn’t fit into the box they had believe that he should have fit into.
In Fact, many today still stand at the wailing wall in Jerusalem longing for their Savior, all the while missing the truth that he is here.
In fact, Paul knows their unbelief, b/c Paul was a part of their unbelief.
He didn’t believe that Jesus was who he said he was.
He couldn’t believe that the savior looked different, acted different, and taught differently than he had expected.
He believed that Jesus blasphemed the name of God.
He believed that the followers of Jesus were deceived and blasphemers.
So he sought to destroy them.
He sought to root out the movement.
Not just from the Holy City, Jerusalem.
But he wanted to go into the surrounding area and destroy the Way wherever it may turn up.
What’s interesting to me as I studied this is that Paul was so angry, frustrated, and determined against the followers of Jesus, but he stood by and did nothing against the idol worshippers.
There was something different about Jesus.
Something about Jesus that threatened his beliefs.
Something about Jesus that caused Paul to wish death on his followers.
Paul said that he had “raging fury against them”
And as he traveled to destroy the followers of Jesus something happened to him:
12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,
17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you
18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
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.
21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
Paul’s Testimony
Paul had an encounter with the Risen Lord.
Jesus revealed who he was on the road to Damascus.
In this retelling of Paul’s encounter with Jesus we have a greater picture of the interaction between Paul and Jesus.
There is more of a dialogue between Paul and Jesus this time around.
“It’s hard for you to kick against the Goads”
Goads were used to correct and lead animals
They were long stick with a point of the end.
If an animal didn’t like getting prodded with the Goad, sometimes they would kick against them.
Still getting hurt in the process.
Jesus is telling Saul that what he is fighting against is unstoppable.
You can’t get rid of the Jesus Movement.
You can’t fight against it.
It is going to keep moving forward.
And when the Greek people would have heard this phrase they would have interpreted it this way “why do you fight against you destiny?”
Paul was chosen for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the world.
He was going to serve as both a servant and a witness for Jesus Christ.
Paul’s task was to open the eyes of the blind.
To point them to the truth.
To deliver them from the domain of darkness into the power of the light.
To change and transform them into the image of Jesus.
To preach and teach God’s forgiveness.
That they may receive it and believe.
That they may be made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus.
This is the message of the gospel.
You are broken, sinful, and in rebellion against God.
You are his enemy.
You stand opposed to him.
But God, takes what is broken.
What is sinful, rebellious, and what is separated from him.
And he gives to you his righteousness.
He gives you right standing through Jesus Christ.
That Jesus came and suffered and died for your sins.
Because of your rebellion.
Because he wanted to make you alive.
But he didn’t just Die.
He rose again on the third day.
This is the crux of what we believe and hold fast to.
Jesus isn’t dead, he’s alive.
He was resurrected.
And when You trust in him, you are no longer dead in your sins and trespasses.
Rather you are made alive. You are brought into the light.
You are forgiven.
You are sanctified.
You will be glorified when you go to meet Jesus.
But you have to repent of your sin.
Turn away from your sin.
Which can only be done through faith in Jesus, and the grace he gives us.
Turn from your desires.
Turn from lust, greed, pride, arrogance, and idolatry.
Turn toward God.
Follow after Jesus.
Live as Jesus commanded us to wholly devoted to him.
Devoted to sacrificing daily to seek his face.
With all of your heart, mind, body, and spirit.
Love and embrace your neighbor.
If you don’t repent.
If you don’t turn toward Jesus.
If you don’t live a life chasing after him and Loving him.
Then you will spend eternity separated from him.
So if you believe, remember that God Saved you so that you could be with him.
Be grateful.
Be humble.
Be ready.
It was because of this message of Jesus’ resurrection and a call to repentance that Paul was seized by the Jews.
That they longed to murder him.
He preached a message that all could be saved.
Gentile and Jew.
The Jews didn’t like the fact that Paul taught that all people will be saved.
And if I’m being honest, do we as the church really believe that all people can be saved?
Do we believe that there are some people not worthy of God’s grace?
I was convicted a few weeks ago when I came across this video of guy that is currently serving in the military.
He’s a believer and his content really does glorify Christ.
This was right after all the craziness happened in Afghanistan.
People were hopping on the Pray for the church in Afghanistan (which I totally support).
But he posed the question…Are you praying for the Taliban?
That they would come to know Jesus.
That they would be saved.
That they would see the error of their ways.
Are you praying for others that sin differently than you?
The drunk, the addict, the abusive, the homosexual.
They are blind. They live in darkness. They are comfortable in their sin, b/c they are dead in their sin and trespasses.
We aren’t to be gatekeepers when it comes to Jesus.
We are to be the light.
The loving light that wants all people to turn from their sin and turn toward Jesus.
This means that we don’t get to make people villians.
Rather we hope that they see the grace of God through our witness to them.
Paul didn’t hold any grudges towards those that beat him and wanted him dead.
In fact, he would later right:
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
He would be willing to be cut off from Christ if it meant some of his fellow kinsmen would be saved.
Paul was passionate about preaching the gospel.
He took every opportunity to do so.
He longed for people to know and worship Jesus.
Whether he thought they deserved it or not.
Because the truth is no one deserves to know God.
It is a privilege to know and worship him.
To be called by him.
To be made alive by him.
To be in his light.
To serve him.
To love him.
Paul has given his defense and he has given his testimony, but he gets interuppted.
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.”
A Call to Repentance
Festus interrupts Paul’s speech.
He can’t believe his ears.
He thinks that Paul has gone crazy.
That he believes too deeply the things that he is saying.
Paul’s convictions are too strong for Festus
But Paul reassures him that he is of sound mind.
Paul is speaking true and rational words.
He knows what he has seen.
He knows what he has experienced.
He knows that Jesus is alive and well.
He knows that it is his mission to worship and serve God.
Then Paul does something unheard of.
Something bold.
He puts King Agrippa on the spot.
Backs him into a corner.
The prophets all spoke about what was to occur.
Agrippa after all knew and believed what the prophets wrote.
And if that was true then he should see Jesus for who he was.
And he should worship Jesus for who he is.
But Agrippa is a politician so naturally, he doesn’t answer the question.
Rather he is baffled that Paul would think that he could convince him to be a Christian in such a short time.
Paul then raises his hands.
Bound in chains.
And says… “whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Even as he suffers for Jesus
Paul’s desire is for all people t know the goodness of Jesus.
To know the love of Jesus.
To know the grace of Jesus.
Because to suffer for Jesus is greater than not knowing him at all.
Paul has given his final significant speech recorded in the book of Acts.
He has presented the gospel and his testimony clearly and accurately.
He has called for repentance and trust in Jesus.
He didn’t back down standing in front of royalty.
Standing in the room filled with oppulence.
Even as a spectacle, Paul stood firm on his convictions and stayed true to Jesus.
So as he finished Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, and all with them go to discuss Paul privately.
30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.
31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.”
32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Off to Rome
They all decide that Paul is innocent of all charges.
That there is no reason that he can’t be free.
He doesn’t need to be imprisoned or put to death.
And if it wasn’t b/c of his appeal to Caesar he would have been a free man.
But God had a plan and design that Paul would stand before Caesar, so he is off to Rome.
So Paul is about to start his Journey to Rome.
We will cover that next week.
What are some takeaways?
We need to love and respect those who we wish to share the gospel with.
There is no need for disrespect as we seek to accomplish what God has called us to do.
It’s important to share your testimony.
Its good to look back and see how God has changed you.
I would suggest that you have 3 different testimonies.
These are marked out for time sake.
Elevator Pitch
Car Ride Pitch
Nice Dinner Pitch
Remember that our lives as followers of Jesus are all about Jesus.
We need to be willing to give up all that we have, are, and ever hope to be to follow him.
Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe.
We should be willing to give just as much as he did.
In all that we do we need to rely on God’s grace, direction, and help.
He will give us the strength, insight, and words when we stand up for him.
Be ready to give a reason for your belief.
If you aren’t a follower of Jesus, he desires for you to be in a relationship with him.
He wants you to know him.
He wants you to turn from your sin and come towards the light of his love and grace.
He is calling out to you.
Will you answer him?