071 Almost Persuaded
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1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.”
So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
A deadly family genealogy!
A deadly family genealogy!
Founding father - Herod the Great
Founding father - Herod the Great
Tried to have Jesus killed. In the process killed thousands of baby boys 2 years old and younger.
Herod the Great’s son - Herod Antipas
Herod the Great’s son - Herod Antipas
Beheaded John the Baptist. Jesus also faced him during His trials.
Herod Antipas’ son- Herod Agrippa I
Herod Antipas’ son- Herod Agrippa I
Martyred James the son of Zebedee with a sword.
Herod Agrippa I’s son - Herod Agrippa II
Herod Agrippa I’s son - Herod Agrippa II
Hearing Paul’s case.
1. Paul’s opening statement.
1. Paul’s opening statement.
1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.”
So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
Agrippa has no questions for Paul.
He simply gives him the opportunity to speak.
Paul was not shy.
Paul was not timid.
Paul stretched out his hand and took control of the the room.
Paul was ready.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Paul answered for himself when asked.
Paul thanks Agrippa for the opportunity since Agrippa has a better understanding of Jewish law and customs than Festus.
2. Paul’s testimony.
2. Paul’s testimony.
(2) A. Paul’s life before Christ.
(2) A. Paul’s life before Christ.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Paul doesn’t spend a lot of time on his past.
He hints at his Jewish fame.
Thus Agrippa would have known him too.
He mentions his strict adherence to the law as a Pharisee.
He tells them that he is from the strictest sect of Pharisees and practiced since a child.
Paul even says that if people were brave enough there are many who could testify on my behalf about by Jewish upbringing.
Paul was just as Jewish as his accusers.
In fact he says he used to opposed this Jesus.
He voted guilty against Christians being put to death.
vs 9 says he was convinced that this was right!
Paul identifies with his accusers.
It is important to share our past when we share our testimony.
It is important for them to see we were one of them.
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
(2) B. Paul’s conversion.
(2) B. Paul’s conversion.
12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
Paul recounts his testimony much the same way he did in Acts 22 but there are some differences.
There are some things he emphasis here that he didn’t then.
Why?
His first audience was primarily Jews today it is gentiles.
We need to know our audience well enough to speak into their life.
Paul recounts the day Christ changed his life completely.
If we choose to witness by giving our testimony it should be abundantly clear that this story is not about you or me.
The story is all about CHRIST!!
We MUST be clear about the time we were humbled before God.
(2) C. Paul’s life with Christ.
(2) C. Paul’s life with Christ.
In this instance he doesn’t spend as much time but he also did this in chapter 22.
We need to share life with Christ.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Paul says he obeyed God’s commands and shared the gospel wherever he went!
Why is it important to share what life is like now?
So they understand the expectation to serve!
3. Paul’s invitation to receive Christ.
3. Paul’s invitation to receive Christ.
26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
We have to be careful but we also need a clear call to action.
“how do you believe”
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
The rich young ruler.
Nicodemus - you should know.
4. Festus’ reaction.
4. Festus’ reaction.
24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.
You are crazy!
You have spent too much time learning.
This is not an uncommon reaction today.
A flood that covered the world and only one family was saved.
A man thrown overboard and swallowed by a fish then the thrown up on the shore.
A baby born to a virgin.
The idea that a man was raised from the dead AND was predicted by the prophets for years seems crazy.
It is not crazy to tell the truth.
We must know what we believe and why we believe it.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
5. Agrippa’s reaction.
5. Agrippa’s reaction.
28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
“You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
“In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
Agrippa was curious but he did not come to this meeting planning on being confronted with Christ.
He was embarrassed - Paul made some undeniable arguments.
Paul was so direct with Agrippa that this was a way for him to save face in front of everyone.
To say he didn’t believe the prophets would upset the Jews.
To say he did believe would force him to face Christ!
It seems Agrippa was convicted.
Conviction does not make you a Christian.
Conviction must be followed by belief and repentance.
However, conviction is where it starts.
We cannot convict them of sin, the Holy Spirit does that.
So we use scripture.
This is a perfect example of why an ongoing relationship is the better choice.
Look at Jesus’ example...
36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”
They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”
39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
6. Paul’s response.
6. Paul’s response.
29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
Agrippa is ashamed of the gospel but Paul is not.
(6) A. Paul believed God’s promises.
(6) A. Paul believed God’s promises.
He gives one last gracious and heartfelt plea to Agrippa.
Paul is not giving up hope.
We know...
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
(6) B. Paul loved his enemies.
(6) B. Paul loved his enemies.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
This is what Jesus did for us. (while we were still sinners christ died)
Do we love them enough to give them the gospel?
He stood before Agrippa, Festus and the Jews pleading with them to receive Jesus!
This was his heartbeat.
This was all he cared about.
Let me illustrate...
Officer Richard Houston followed his father’s footsteps by serving as a police officer in a town outside of Dallas
He was a Godly man.
It was not uncommon for their to be a Bible and a devotional in the seat of his squad car.
On December 3 he was gunned down while responding to a domestic dispute in a grocery story parking lot.
Leaving behind a wife and 3 children.
Shelby Houston 18 years old.
I can remember having conversations with my dad about friends and coworkers he lost in the line of duty.
I have heard all the stories you can imagine, but I’ve always had a hard time with how the suspect is dealt with.
Not that I didn’t think justice should be served but my heart always ached for those who don’t know Jesus.
I was always told that I would feel differently if it happened to me. But as it has happened to my own father, I think I still feel the same.
There has been anger, sadness, grief and confusion. And part of me wished I could despise the man who did this to my father, but I can’t get any part of my heart to hate him.
All I can do is find myself hoping and praying for this man to truly know Jesus,"
I thought this might change if the man continued to live, but when I heard the news that he was in stable condition, part of me was relieved. My prayer is that someday down the road, I get to spend some time with the man who shot my father — not to scream at him, not to yell at him, not to scold him — but to simply to tell him about Jesus.
30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”