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.” (Acts 26:19–23 (ESV)
Paul brought his message to King Agrippa II to a conclusion when he said, “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” Paul stated to the Sanhedrin that he lived before God in good conscience (Acts 23:1). He also said as much to Governor Felix (Acts 24:16). He maintained this perspective to Agrippa.
Paul’s obedience to Jesus Christ following his conversion became publically evident by his sharing the Gospel in Damascus, then in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and finally to the Gentiles. His message was succinct and clear: repent, turn to God, and perform good works which are complimentary with repentance.
Paul concluded that it was this message which incited the Jews to seize him in the temple and to attempt to kill him. The Jews were unable to accomplish their plan because of the sovereign providence of God in Paul’s life. It was therefore God’s will that Paul stood before King Agrippa, and the others in attendance, to share the truth from God’s Word.
It was a truth complimentary with both the Old Testament prophets and Moses and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It was He who fulfilled the prophecies that He would suffer on the sinner’s behalf, rise from the dead, and be the light of salvation for both Jew and Gentile.
Today’s text is an example of what Paul called his “good confession” (I Timothy 6:12-13). It was a message of truth.
Dr. R.C. Sproul writes, “Repent has always been the cry of God’s messengers, from the prophets through John the Baptist, Jesus, the apostles, and contemporary men of God. Repentance is turning from sin to God, as David did in Psalm 51. As such, it is never complete. Examine your life for sins from which you need to turn. Make repentance to your Lord.”
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 