Acts 26:1 NLT
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.” So Paul, gesturing with his hand, started his defense:
Aside from Jesus Christ, the next on my list of men in the Bible, I would like to be more like is the Apostle Paul.
Next to Jesus Christ, Paul suffered tremendous persecution while advancing the Gospel.
And he never wasted an opportunity to witness what the Living Savior did for him. For Paul, it was always about Jesus. Period.
In this portion of scripture, we find Paul in the courts pleading his case before King Agrippa.
Let’s break down the attributes of a Godly witness.
‘“I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense today against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders, for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!’ Acts of the Apostles 26:2-3
It is good to know some things about the people we are addressing. When we take some time to get to know something about the people we are going to be talking to, this shows respect and caring about the other person.
Paul also exhibits a high degree of respect for the people he addresses, whether deserved or not. Paul knew that he was responsible for how he communicated and didn’t adjust how he did it based on how others talked to him. Paul knows that he is accountable for his actions to God and addressed people knowing that they were equally responsible to God for the way they communicated.
”As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem. If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion. Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors. In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope! Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead? Acts 26:4-8
Paul was an expert in religious law. He had memorized the Old Testament and was trained by some of the most respected teachers of his day.
Here, his opening part is to establish what he was trained to believe compared to what he now truly believes.
He also explores the fact that God can raise the dead. And why wouldn’t He be able to, He’s God, nothing is impossible with God.
Acts 26:9-11 NLT
”I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.
He goes on to explain how devoted he was to his religious beliefs and how he had to defend them through the persecution of those who believe in ”The Way.”
He was so good at it that the leading priests commissioned him to go out and stop it.
His accusers knew him and knew his enthusiastic nature, and knew he wouldn’t stop until the job was accomplished.
How often do we find ourselves having to defend God or help Him out a little? This comes in many forms.
”I got to let others know about what this person is doing so they don’t do it to someone else!”
”I wish so and so was here to listen to this message, they could sure use it.”
This list could go on and on.
But Jesus had other plans.
Acts 26:12-18 NLT
”One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’ ”Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’
Paul chose not to defend himself but wanted to glorify God and give Jesus Christ the glory in that courtroom.
It’s never about us. It is always about the saving hope we have in Jesus Christ that should be the center of our witness.
We’ve done nothing to deserve God’s saving grace, but through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, He calls us to Himself.
How do you respond?
More on this tomorrow…
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your grace, Lord.
I pray that with every passing minute that I keep my eyes on You and that through that focus, I look with compassion on those around me and look for ways to serve You by serving them.
I pray that Your Word dwells richly in my mind and that You allow it to affect my heart and change what I think, what I say, and what I do.
Thank You for Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
