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^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.” (Acts 26:24–29 (ESV)

What are some typical responses to the Gospel? Well, I have had people become angry at me, shut their front door in my face, dismiss me as making much ado about nothing, and/or tell me their hope for eternal life was that they were baptized as an infant. There have even been some who have repented of their sins and trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!

However, no one has ever told me I was crazy for believing the Gospel that I was either sharing or preaching. Maybe they thought it, but they did not say it. The same could not be said by Paul.

Governor Festus said, in an intense and loud voice, that Paul was insane or a raving lunatic. The governor reasoned that Paul’s great intelligence and education had driven him mad.

Paul rationally answered Festus by saying, “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.”

Paul backed King Agrippa II into a so-called corner. In other words, the king faced a moral dilemma. If he said that he did not believe the Old Testament prophets, he would make the Jews angry. If he said that he did, Paul would urge him to confess Jesus Christ as the Messiah, which would have angered the Jews even more.

Agrippa tried a delay tactic. He said, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” Repenting of one’s sin and trusting Christ as Lord and Savior does not require a lengthy discussion. Was Agrippa under conviction of his sin? Was he on the verge of conversion? Whatever his condition, he expressed the need to think. It does seem that Agrippa may have used the term “Christian” with a degree of sarcasm or scorn.

Paul responded by saying, “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.”

Paul’s desire was that for all those who heard the Gospel they would receive Christ and become a believer. This was his fervent hope. May it be our hope as well for all those to whom we share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!  

Philippi was originally known as Krenides (“The Little Fountains”) because of the numerous nearby springs, Philippi (“city of Philip”) received its name from Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great). Due to its nearby gold mines, Philip conquered the region in the fourth century B.C. In the second century B.C., Philippi became part of the Roman province of Macedonia.

Philippi existed in relative obscurity for the next two centuries until 42 B.C., when the forces of Antony and Octavian defeated those of Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi, thus ending the Roman Republic and ushering in the Roman Empire. After the battle, Philippi became a Roman colony (cf. Acts 16:12), and many veterans of the Roman army settled there.

One commentary states, “As a colony, Philippi had autonomy from the provincial government and the same rights granted to cities in Italy, including the use of Roman law, exemption from some taxes, and Roman citizenship for its residents (Acts 16:21). Being a colony was also the source of much civic pride for the Philippians, who used Latin as their official language, adopted Roman customs, and modeled their city government after that of Italian cities. Acts and Philippians both reflect Philippi’s status as a Roman colony.”

Paul’s description of Christians as citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20) was appropriate, because the Philippians prided themselves on being citizens of Rome (cf. Acts 16:21). The Philippians may well have known some of the members of the palace guard (Phil. 1:13) and Caesar’s household (4:22).

Philippi evidently had a very small Jewish population. Because there were not enough men to form a synagogue (the requirement was for 10 Jewish men who were heads of a household), some devout women met outside the city at a place of prayer (Acts 16:13) alongside the Gangites River. Paul preached the gospel to them and Lydia, a wealthy merchant dealing in expensive purple dyed goods (Acts 16:14), became a believer (Acts 16:14–15). It is likely that the Philippian church initially met in her large home.

More to come. I encourage you to read the Book of Philippians today. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

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!

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.’ (Acts 26:12–18 (ESV)

When Paul shared his personal testimony, before King Agrippa II, of his conversion to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, he revealed, by the Holy Spirit, several details not previously found in either Acts 9 or Acts 22. Why? Perhaps it was to show that the Apostle Paul’s conversion and calling to preach the Gospel was not unlike the conversions and calls to the Old Testament prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Frist, Paul mentioned that all the people who with him that fateful day fell to the ground when Gods’ glory shone around all of them (Acts 26:13-14). However, no one else was blinded like Paul was when they saw the light and no one else heard the voice of the Lord Jesus as Paul did (Acts 26:15; 22:9).

Second, Paul mentioned that Jesus spoke in the Hebrew language. Why does Paul contribute this detail? It could be because Hebrew was the language of the Old Testament prophets and Paul sought to show the complimentary relationship between their message and the Gospel.

Thirdly, unlike the two previous accounts (Acts 9 & 22), Paul indicated that Jesus instructed him regarding his future ministry. However, in the other accounts the Lord used Ananias to communicate this information. Paul most likely is condensing the account and leaving out the details regarding Ananias.

Fourthly, the language Paul used here is reminiscent of the conversions and callings of three major Old Testament prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. God told Paul to stand on his feet much as He did Ezekiel (Acts 26:16; Ezekiel 1:1-19). The Lord told Paul that He was sending him to the Gentiles (Acts 26:17) as He told Jeremiah and Ezekiel that He was sending them (Jeremiah 1:1-7; Ezekiel 2:1-3).

Finally, the Lord told Paul that he would open eyes, turn people from darkness to light, and turn them from the power of Satan so that they would receive forgiveness for their sins and be sanctified by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This commission is reminiscent of Isaiah 6:8-13 and Isaiah 42:1-7.

Like Paul, all believers in Christ are His instruments for a noble purpose: to share the Gospel and to build people up in the faith. May all of us submit to the Lord’s sovereign leading by accomplishing the task He has chosen for each of us.

Soli deo Gloria!

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.” (Acts 26:9–11 (ESV)

The idiom “in their shoes” or “in someone’s shoes” means to be in someone’s place or stead. It also means to be acting for another person or experiencing something as another person might experience. It is to be in another’s position or situation.

The Apostle Paul understood the animosity the Jews had for him; even to the point of them wanting to assassinate him. He had been in their shoes, or more culturally accurate, their sandals. In his pre-converted life as Saul of Tarsus, he too wanted to destroy all who were committed to, trusting in, dependent upon and worshiping Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

In sharing his personal testimony of faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the apostle articulated his hatred for the God who he now served. He spoke to Agrippa, and all others in attendance, that he opposed the Lord Jesus Christ. To oppose means to be hostile.

Paul’s hostility extended to not only his attitude towards Christians, but also in his actions. He related how he locked up many saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priests to do so. Additionally, when the members of the Sanhedrin Council voted to put the incarcerated Christians to death, Paul voted for their execution.

He sought to punish, or cause to suffer, all believers in Christ he found in all the synagogues, even those in foreign cities. He attempted to make them curse and slander the One, True God. Paul described himself as a man consumed with raging fury, bringing him to the point of insanity.

Paul labored in his recounting of his life before Christ so King Agrippa II would begin to grasp the significant change that had occurred in this once violent Pharisee. What Paul had shared would be but a set up to then recount what happened to him on the Damascus Road.

By using this explicit language, the former prosecutor and persecutor of the church not only admitted to the inflicted injuries he caused, but also described his victims as holy ones, or saints. Paul has moved from hatred to love for believers? Why? It is because he has become one. How? That is what we will examine when next we meet.

The Apostle John stated that one of the evidences of true, saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a love for one’s fellow believers (I John 3:11-15; 4:7-8). May it be said of us that we love one another with the love of Christ.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“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?”  (Acts 26:1–8 (ESV)

Governor Festus (24:37), the Roman procurator for Judea, assembled in Caesarea’s audience hall a great collection of dignitaries, including the Palestinian King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice, to come and hear the Apostle Paul. Festus did this in order to come to some consensus of what charges to bring against Paul, since the apostle appealed to an audience with Caesar because of the Jews’ unfounded accusations against him (Acts 25:21-22).

King Agrippa II did not ask Paul any specific questions, but rather gave him permission to speak. This scene was a fulfillment of Jesus’ words about Paul, in that he would speak the Gospel before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). Jesus said to his disciples not to fear such situations as this, because the Holy Spirit would provide the appropriate words (Matthew 10:19-20).

Paul spoke intelligently, logically, persuasively, and passionately about his personal faith in Jesus Christ. He began with his childhood, and being raised to become a Pharisee. Paul made it very clear that he was imprisoned and on trial because of the biblical truth of the resurrection of the dead.

Paul’s message to Agrippa paralleled what he shared with the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 22:1-21). The truth of the resurrection was reverently believed by the Pharisees and the Jewish people in general, but rejected by the more liberal and powerful Sadducees.

Are you familiar with the old hymn, “I Love to Tell the Story?” Paul loved to tell the story of his conversion and faith in Jesus Christ. Are you also glad to tell people what Jesus Christ has done for you? Doing so brings Him glory.

I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above
Of Jesus and his glory
Of Jesus and his love

I love to tell the story
Because I know ’tis true
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do

I love to tell the story
‘Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and his love

I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest

And when in scenes of glory
I sing the new, new song
‘Twill be the old, old story
That I have loved so long

I love to tell the story
‘Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and his love

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Four: Creation. Part 1.

1. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,^a for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness,^b in the beginning, to create or make of nothing the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.^c

a. Gen 1:2; Job 26:13; 33:4; John 1:2-3; Heb 1:2. • b. Psa 33:5-6; 104:24; Jer 10:12; Rom 1:20. • c. Gen 1 throughout; Acts 17:24; Col 1:16; Heb 11:3.

Take the time today to read each attribute along with its corresponding biblical reference. You will be blessed and edified.

Soli deo Gloria!

^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.” (Acts 25:23–27 (ESV)

One of my all-time favorite movies is The Adventures of Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland (1938). At the climax of the film, there is a scene in the great hall of Prince John. There is a tremendous amount of pomp and circumstance as he is about to be crowned King of England, until the ceremony is thwarted by Robin Hood and England’s true king: Richard I, the Lionheart.

Luke’s description of Paul’s audience with King Agrippa II is somewhat parallel because of the great pomp with which Agrippa and Bernice entered the audience hall. They were accompanied by military tribunes along with prominent men of the city of Caesarea.

In contrast to the majesty of the earthly king, is the Apostle Paul. He is a prisoner who is brought in at the command of Governor Festus. One can imagine Paul is dressed in tattered clothes from having been in prison for over two years (Acts 24:27). However, he represents the King of kings and the Lord of lords (I Timothy 6:15), who is sovereign over all.

Festus’ reasoning in presenting Paul before King Agrippa II was so that he might conclude some reason, or charge, against Paul in sending him to Rome, per Paul’s appeal to have his case heard by the Emperor Nero. While not a formal trial, it was an examination (Acts 25:26).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “To refer a Roman citizen’s case to the emperor rather than resolving it locally, entails some political jeopardy for a provincial governor. This is particularly true if he cannot articulate the crimes against the empire that warrant further legal process rather than the prisoner’s exoneration and release.”

That web of the Jews’ deception against the Apostle Paul has entangled Governor Festus. Festus hopes that King Agrippa will help to untie him from this political predicament involving Paul. The audience with Agrippa will provide Paul with one of his most personal and public testimonies of his faith in Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

^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.” (Acts 25:13–22 (ESV)

Paul remained in Roman custody for some time following his appearance before Governor Festus (Acts 25:1-12). Apparently, Festus was in no hurry to send Paul to Rome in order for the apostle to appear before Caesar. The Roman Caesar at this time was Nero.

Dr. R .C. Sproul writes, “Festus fully intends to honor his commitment to send Paul to Nero. But he has a problem. Paul’s appeal places the governor in the unenviable position of having to justify sending Paul to Nero without specific charges. Nero and his officials would not take kindly to a governor who showed incompetence in judging trivial matters. Festus was unable to formulate a charge against Paul because the accusations by the Jews pertained to religious matters having nothing to do with Roman law.”

As today’s text reveals, it was during this time that King Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice visited Festus. Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great (Matthew 2) and son of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12). Agrippa II ruled the northern half of Palestine. He was also known as an expert in Jewish customs (Acts 26:1-3) and he was familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures.

Festus discussed the case concerning the Apostle Paul with the visiting royal couple. Upon hearing the details of the matter, Agrippa was interested in hearing Paul himself. Festus was agreeable and the audience would occur the next day.

The setting was set for Paul to give one of his most personal messages. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus declared that Paul would share the Gospel to kings (Acts 9:15). Providentially, the Lord arranged for this to occur. God caused all things to work out for the good (Romans 8:28). He still does.

Soli deo Gloria!

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.” (Acts 25:6–12 (ESV)

Paul received a new trial. The Jews leveled the same accusations against him, but again they could not prove or provide evidence to their charges. Paul again defended himself and denied that he had violated Jewish law, desecrated the Jewish temple, or attempted either to threaten or overthrow Roman authority.

However, instead of Governor Felix presiding, it was Governor Festus. Festus, as a shrewd politician, endeavored to please the Jews by proposing that Paul stand trial in Jerusalem. He asked Paul, ““Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”

Paul had enough. He had been in jail for two years, and had endured two trials. He refused a third trial in Jerusalem, but rather invoked his right as a Roman citizen to have a trial in the capital city. He appealed his case to Caesar.

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains, “Though he is willing to be punished even by death if found guilty of a crime, Paul will not accept transfer to the Jewish authorities while his guilt is unproven. Impatient for a decision, indignant over his treatment, and perhaps fearful of the Jews’ malice, He takes the fateful step of appealing his case to the emperor.”

After Festus conferred with his council, he agreed to send Paul to Rome. He said, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Paul was a Roman citizen and possessed certain rights under Roman law. Depending upon the country you currently reside, you also have rights as a citizen of that country. However, we must all agree that no earthly court of law is perfect. Pray today that God would give justices, judges, lawyers and other legal offices a love for the truth.

Soli deo Gloria!