Good Saturday May thirtieth as we grow in faith by studying from God’s word.
The master of reasoning-
Paul, having once been an angered Pharisee, was able to understand his Jewish accusers for not seeing with spiritual eyes. Just as he was on his way outside of Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, his life was changed in a flash. Acts 9:4-6“He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” What Paul did was ask who was speaking to him and when he received the answer from heaven he was then given the opportunity to rethink what he was doing and who he was. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.” So Paul in front of King Agrippa and a full house finally has the opportunity to preach the gospel. Let’s read together from Acts26:1-3 “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: “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.” Remember Agrippa has come to examine Paul as a favor to Festus who has struggled to write a complaint to send to Caesar. Luke has given us information on Agrippa that Paul knew as he begins to present his case, Agrippa was half Jewish and half an Edomite, and Paul knew he had studied the Jewish religion, in fact it was well known that the Harrods had taken interests in Judaism. Paul like with the Sanhedrin knows his audience and the master begins to reason with Agrippa. Luke says Paul stretches out his hand, most likely an honorable salute giving respect to Agrippa as a king. Paul begins by saying “you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.” All pastors should learn something here from Paul, before they begin preaching let the audience know they are going to have to be patient as it’s going to be a long one. Paul says, Agrippa so glad it is you I am standing before, of all people you are an expert, Paul does not just drop words, as he knows Agrippa has a heritage and a deep understanding of the Jewish laws and customs. Now why would this be so important for Paul to remind Agrippa, because Agrippa is trying Paul to place a crime in order for Festus to write in a letter to send to Caesar in Rome. So Paul divides Agrippa as one who understands both the theological aspects of the accusations by the Jews, as well what the Roman law is that he must follow being an expert of the Roman laws. So Paul goes at Agrippa, so glad it’s you king Agrippa as you are and expert of both and I am able to speak to with confidence that you will understand exactly what I am saying. Was Agrippa a practice of Judaism? No it just interests him. For many that is all religion is, an interest, but we are to be doers. Do you practice your faith? Remnant
