Acts 26 - BibleStudy.ph

These are the original teaching notes from this passage.

Appeal to Caesar…
- New Governor…
  - Because of corruption – Festus replaced Felix as the governor of Judea…
  - After THREE days he went UP to Jerusalem [Caesarea was the capitol – Jerusalem was the heart]
  - Paul was the number one issue the JEWS wanted to address with their new Governor…
  - Festus agreed to have Paul stand for a THIRD trial – but only in Caesarea!
- Third Trial…
  - Many Jews came and laid many HEAVY complaints against Paul – none they could PROVE…
  - Paul did NOT defend himself – because he had NOT committed any crime [ἁμαρτάνω]
  - Festus was WILLING [θέλω] to give the Jews GRACE [χάρις]
  - And asked if Paul would be willing to stand TRIAL [κρίνω] before him in Jerusalem…
  - Paul knew going back to Jerusalem was a DEATH sentence [the Jews would kill him]
  - Therefore he APPEALED [ἐπικαλέω] to Caesar!
- King Agrippa…
  - Herod Agrippa II – great grandson of Herod the Great – was King [ceremonial role]
  - When he came to congratulate Festus – they got talking and Paul came up…
  - Festus was surprised by the questions of the Jews – about SUPERSTITIONS they had [imperfect]
  - About one Jesus – who was DEAD – but Paul said was ALIVE…
  - The story was VERY interesting to Agrippa – so Festus arranged for him to meet Paul…
  - The next day – with lots of POMP [φαντασία] – Paul was brought in…
  - So that Agrippa could help give a reason why he was sending Paul to Caesar!
1^st – Because of Hope… vs. 1-8
- 1^st – King Agrippa… vs. 1-3
  - Freedom to speak… vs. 1
  - Then Agrippa said to Paul: You are permitted to speak for yourself!
  - King Agrippa turned to Paul and gave him [imperfect] permission to speak…
  - This trial was DIFFERENT from the other THREE…
  - The Jews were NOT there to accuse Paul of anything this time…
  - This was NOT a trial to decide if Paul was innocent of guilty…
  - This was an INQUIRY – so King Agrippa could hear the story of Paul…
  - Then perhaps the King could help Festus write a letter to go along with Paul to Caesar!
  - Good News… vs. 1
  - So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself!
  - Paul began to speak – with a sweeping gesture of his hand [perhaps still with chains]
  - Not to defend himself before a powerful King and influential men…
  - But to preach the Gospel message to sinners who needed Jesus…
  - Because Paul understood that any opportunity was a good one to talk about Jesus!
  - We should have the mentality that every conversation is a chance to share the Gospel…
  - No matter where we are – or who we are talking to – they need Jesus!
  - Expert… vs. 2-3
  - 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.
  - 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!
  - Paul was BLESSED [μακάριος] to stand before King Agrippa…
  - Because unlike his predecessors [Felix and Festus] King Agrippa was an EXPERT [γνώστης]
  - He knew ALL [πᾶς] of the customs of the Jews – and their questions…
  - He knew Bible prophesies – and was familiar with the promise of the Messiah…
  - And that background made it easier for Paul to share the Gospel with him!
  - It is important to know who we are sharing Jesus with…
  - We do not teach someone who is THREE – the same way we teach someone who is THIRTY…
  - We need to be flexible and share the Gospel message in a way everyone can understand!
- 2^nd – The Hope… vs. 4-8
  - Background… vs. 4-5
  - My manner of life from my youth which was spent from the beginning.
  - Among my own nation at Jerusalem – all the Jews know.
  - 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!
  - How Paul was raised [βίωσις] had been seen [οἶδα] of all [πᾶς] the Jews…
  - They all KNEW [προγινώσκω] him – if [subjunctive] they’d be willing to TESTIFY [μαρτυρέω]
  - From a young age he had been taught in Jerusalem…
  - And had lived according to the STRICKEST sent of their RELIGION as a Pharisee!
  - After the Jews gained independence from the Seleucids [Antiochus Epiphanes]
  - There was a debate on how to remain HOLY in a Hellenistic world [160 B.C.]
  - A group of men began to teach strict observance of the Law [תּוֹרָה]
  - This was the beginning of the PHARISEES [פָּרַשׁ] – those who were set apart!
  - Promise… vs. 6-8
  - Now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.
  - To this promise our twelve tribes earnestly serving God night and day hope to attain.
  - For this hopes sake – King Agrippa – I am accused by the Jews.
  - Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead!
  - Paul was NOT guilty of committing any CRIME…
  - He was being JUDGED [κρίνω] because of his HOPE [ἐλπίς] in the PROMISE of God…
  - This was NOT a new HOPE – it was the same HOPE the Twelve tribes had from the beginning…
  - It was the HOPE of the RESURRECITON that caused the Jews to ATTACK [accuse] Paul…
  - Why should Agrippa also NOT have FAITH [ἄπιστος] and become JUDGEMENTAL [passive]
  - SINCE [indicative] – it is a fact that [ὁ θεὸς] God does RAISE the dead!
  - All of us have asked this question at some point in our lives…
  - What happens when we take our last breath – is there really anything after death…
  - Is there really a heaven for those who believe – and hell for those who do not…
  - Since we have never DIED – we have NOT seen either!
  - The problem is if there is NO resurrection of the dead – then life has NO purpose…
  - If we ONLY have this life to live – then there are NO consequences for our actions…
  - We mind as well live it up: eat – drink – and have all the fun we can – I Corinthians 15:32
  - Because when it is OVER – there is NOTHING – we cease to EXIST…
  - This is how much world lives – and why they do NOT like to hear about the Gospel…
  - Because God proved the RESURRECTION [Jesus is risen] – therefore there is life after death…
  - Everyone will live forever – this life is just where we CHOSE our destination…
  - But the good news for those who have HOPE – is we will spend eternity with Jesus!
  - I Corinthians 15:20 – “Now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
2^nd – Finding Hope… vs. 9-18
- 1^st – Persecuted… vs. 9-11
  - Opposed to Jesus… vs. 9-10
  - Indeed I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
  - 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!
  - Indeed [μέν] – Paul could relate to the Jews…
  - He also thought he had to do many things AGAINST [ἔναντι] the NAME of Jesus…
  - He shut up many Christians in PRISON – even put some to DEATH for their faith…
  - He cast his STONE [ψῆφος] – in favor of the death penalty!
  - In Greek courts the jurors would have TWO stones [one white – one black]
  - When they were asked to give their verdict in a case – they would cast their STONE…
  - The WHITE pebble for acquittal – the BLACK one for condemnation…
  - Ironically Paul cast BLACK stones – but Jesus gave him a WHITE stone!
  - Revelation 2:17 – “To him who overcomes… I will give him a white stone [ψῆφος].”
  - We are sinners and deserve death – the BLACK stone – Romans 6:23
  - But through faith in Jesus Christ we instead are given the WHITE stone – forgiveness!
  - Showing the way… vs. 11
  - I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme.
  - Being exceedingly enraged against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
  - Paul did NOT just dislike Christians – it was a blind RAGE [ἐμμαίνομαι]
  - He went so far as to torture Christians to try and get them to DENY [βλασφημέω] Jesus!
  - And when he ran out of Christians in Jerusalem to persecute and imprison…
  - He went to the High Priest and asked for permission to hunt them in other cities!
  - Part of REACHING people with the Gospel – is RELATING to them…
  - Knowing the only difference between us and the world – is we have found the answer…
  - And because we UNDERSTAND have been where they are – we are also SINNERS…
  - We can a show them the way – our testimony lights the path for them to come to Jesus!
- 2^nd – Pursued… vs. 12-14
  - Hebrew… vs. 12-14
  - Thus occupied as I journeyed to Damascus with authority – commission from the chief priests.
  - 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.
  - And when we all had fallen to the ground I heard a voice speaking to me.
  - Saying in the Hebrew language: Saul – Saul why are you persecuting Me?
  - As Paul went with authority from the Chef Priests to persecute Christians in Damascus…
  - About noon – a bright LIGHT shone down from heaven on him…
  - Paul and those with him fell down – and Paul heard a voice speak in HEBREW!
  - Jesus spoke to Paul in Hebrew – perhaps as a way to relate to him…
  - ONLY place in the Bible where we are given the language when someone speaks from Heaven…
  - Perhaps giving us a hint as to what the language of heaven will be!
  - Kicking… vs. 14
  - It is hard for you to kick against the goads!
  - Jesus told SAUL – it was HARD for him to KICK [present] against the GOADS…
  - GOAD [κέντρον] – a stick used to drive an OX forward when plowing a field…
  - When the OX kicks a GOAD – it gets hurt – but the GOAD is unharmed…
  - In spite of everything Paul did he was NOT able to stop the church…
  - Just the opposite – the persecution he brought caused the church to grow!
  - Whether we believe in Jesus or not – God still reigns on His throne in heaven…
  - God ALWAYS wins – it is pointless to try and fight against Him…
  - The only question we have to answer is do we join Him and become winners…
  - Or do we oppose and resist Him – and end up hurting ourselves!
- 3^rd – Prepared… vs. 15-18
  - Chosen… vs. 15-16
  - So I said: Who are You Lord? And He said: I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
  - 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!
  - Paul asked who the Lord [κύριος] was – and Jesus introduced Himself [first time they met]
  - But [ἀλλά] then commanded [imperative] Paul to stand up…
  - Because Jesus had appeared to Paul to HAND pick [προχειρίζω] him…
  - That he would be a MINISTER [ὑπηρέτης] – under rower…
  - And he would be a WITNESS to what he had seen [Jesus] – and would be SHOWN to him!
  - After the ascension of Jesus into heaven – the disciples were told to WAIT…
  - But Peter stood up because they needed to replace Judas – Acts 1:20
  - They cast LOTS – and chose Mathias [chose of men] – but is never mentioned again…
  - In contrast Paul was HAND picked by Jesus – and went on to write THIRTEEN book of the NT!
  - When people are APPOINTED to a position – usually NOTHING happens…
  - The question is NOT who has the most talent – or the best ideas…
  - The question is whom has God called – who has God ANONTED to do the work!
  - Open eyes… vs. 17-18
  - I will deliver you from the Jewish people – as well as from the Gentiles to whom I now send you.
  - 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!
  - God would RESCUE [pluck out] Paul from the hand of the Jews – and the Gentiles…
  - Paul was NOT looking for Agrippa [or Caesar] to save him – God would do that…
  - To OPEN their eyes – and turn them from DARKNESS to LIGHT…
  - From the power of SATAN [שָׂטָן] – to the power of God…
  - So they would be FORGIVEN of their sins – and receive an INHERITANCE [heaven]
  - That they would be made HOLY [passive] – through FAITH in Jesus!
  - II Corinthians 4:3-4 – “If the Good News we preach is hidden from anyone it is a sign that they are perishing. Satan… has blinded the minds of those who do not believe.” [NLT]
  - One reason people reject the Gospel – is because they are BLIND…
  - The ENEMY has filled them with LIES that keep them from the TRUTH…
  - EDUCATION is the answer – MONEY solved everything – God is not real [evolution]
  - Which is why God sends us out – to OPEN their eyes…
  - So they can come out of the darkness – become HOLY through Faith in Christ!
3^rd – Spreading Hope… vs. 19-32
- 1^st – The message… vs. 19-23
  - Repent… vs. 19-20
  - Therefore – King Agrippa – I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
  - Declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea.
  - Then to the Gentiles – that they should repent – turn to God and do works befitting repentance!
  - Having given his TESTIMONY – Paul turns his attention to Agrippa…
  - Paul had been CONVINCED [πείθω] by the Heavenly vision…
  - And showed it by going to Damascus – Jerusalem – all of Judah – and finally to the Gentiles…
  - Giving them the MESSAGE [ἀπαγγέλλω] they should also REPENT and TURN to God…
  - But not just in their WORDS – they likewise must SHOW [ἄξιος] their REPENTANCE!
  - James 2:14 – “What does it profit if someone says he has faith but does not have works.”
  - If we SAY we are Christians – but are still acting like the world around us – where is Jesus…
  - Our lives after we BELIEVE in Jesus should be DIFFERENT – changed…
  - If we are wondering where our walk with the Lord is – we should EXAMINE ourselves!
  - II Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
  - Arrested… vs. 21
  - For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me!
  - The message of REPENTANCE – turning to God – showing a transformed life…
  - Is what got Paul in TROUBLE – this is why the Jews seized him in the Temple!
  - People do NOT have a problem with RELIGION…
  - Because if all we have is set of rules men come up with [religion] – there is NO conviction…
  - But when bring people to the TRUTH – show them they are SINNERS – Matthew 5:48
  - Tell them they need to REPENT – not just in words – but in ACTIONS…
  - Now we are going to get them UPSET – and they are going to want to SILENCE us!
  - Nothing new… vs. 22-23
  - 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.
  - 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 stood before both small and GREAT [kings – Caesar]
  - All because God had always been there to HELP [ἐπικουρία] – only here NT…
  - But Paul was NOT saying anything NEW…
  - He was just saying what the Law [Moses] and Prophets said [Old Testament]
  - That [εἰ] the Christ would SUFFER – that [εἰ] He would be the FIRST to rise…
  - And give the MESSAGE [καταγγέλλω] to light the way for BOTH Jews and Gentiles!
  - Why do we take the time to get into the Bible evert week…
  - Going back the studying the word written thousands of years ago…
  - The REASON is because problem does NOT change – and neither does the ASNWER…
  - From the beginning our sin has separated us from the Lord – Genesis 3:10
  - And it has always been the plan of God to save us through faith in Him!
- 2^nd – Truth and Reason… vs. 24-29
  - Not mad… vs. 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!
  - At the mention of the RESURRECTION of the Christ…
  - Remember that Festus consider this SUPERSITION [δεισιδαιμονία] – Acts 25:19
  - Therefore he cried out [imperfect] with a LOUD [μέγας] voice – Paul you are CRAZY [μανία]
  - He assumed all of his STUDY [γράμμα] had driven him MAD [μανία]!
  - There are people who REFUSE to go to the doctor…
  - Their logic is if they do NOT know – then they are healthy…
  - But the truth is they are at greater risk by AVOIDING the problem!
  - There are people who do NOT want to read the Bible…
  - Because they think if they do NOT know – then they have an excuse for their sin…
  - But ignorance will NOT get us into heaven – only a relationship with Jesus will…
  - So what is actually crazy is not getting to know Jesus through reading our Bible!
  - The challenge… vs. 25-27
  - But he said: I am not mad most noble Festus – but speak the words of truth and reason.
  - For the king before whom I also speak freely – knows these things.
  - I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention.
  - Since this thing was not done in a corner.
  - King Agrippa – do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe!
  - Paul responded he was NOT crazy – but [ἀλλά] spoke the TRUTH with a clean mind…
  - The reason why Paul was being so BOLD with his words…
  - Is because King Agrippa already KNEW all of these things…
  - The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus were NOT done in secret…
  - Looking at Agrippa – Paul stated he BELIEVED [indicative] the Prophets [OT]
  - He could SEE [εἴδω] that he did have FAITH [πιστεύω]
  - The question was would be take that FAITH and put it in Jesus!
  - Almost… vs. 28-29
  - Then Agrippa said to Paul: You almost persuade me to become a Christian.
  - 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 said [imperfect] – you persuade me a LITTLE [ὀλίγος] to become a Christian…
  - To which Paul was quick to come back – not just a LITTLE – a LOT [πολύς]
  - He wanted everyone [πᾶς] listening to be just like him – faith in Jesus [minus the chains]!
  - God made the Gospel simple because He wants everyone to be saved…
  - And He gave that message to us – so that we would share it with as many as we can…
  - Sharing the Gospel is as simple as giving them a choice…
  - It does not take a lot of words – we are all sinners in need of a savior…
  - Give people the opportunity – so they can be like us – headed for heaven!
- 3^rd – To Rome… vs. 30-31
  - When he had said these things the king stood up.
  - As well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them.
  - And when they had gone aside they talked among themselves saying:
  - This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.
  - Agrippa said to Festus: This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar!
  - Rather than believe in the RESURRECTION [ἀνίστημι]
  - Agrippa – Festus – Bernice – and all who sat with them STOOD up [ἀνέστη]
  - And went out and talked [imperfect] among themselves…
  - Paul had done NOTHING worthy of either death or chains…
  - If [indicative] he had NOT appealed to Caesar – he could have been [imperfect] set free…
  - What the King and Governor could not see – was the PLAN of God…
  - They were NOT sending Paul to ROME – God was – Acts 23:11