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 Good morning, church. It's good to be with you on this Lord's Day, away from the doldrums of work and regular life to come together to sing and proclaim the glories of the Lord and the truths of the Lord.

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 What an encouragement it is to be with you. Today, our text for this morning is Acts 26. So as you get there, you will see that this chapter is right in the middle of an ongoing story.

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 To better understand what's happening with the three main characters, speaking characters in chapter 26, they are Paul, the apostle of Jesus, Festus, a Roman governor, and Agrippa, a Rome-appointed king.

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 We'll back up to Acts 21 and do a quick flyover up to Acts 26.

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 So, you can flip through and follow along if you'd like to.

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 So, in chapter 21, Paul goes to Jerusalem, meets with the church elders there, and tells them about the great work that the Lord is doing among the Gentiles.

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 After about a week of this, of Paul being in Jerusalem, some influential Jews stir up a crowd against Paul based on some assumptions of his actions that actually were not true.

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 So, this crowd that they stir up brutally beat Paul to the point where he has to be carried away by the soldiers back to the barracks.

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 And then on the doorsteps of the barracks, Paul turns back and he asks to address the crowd that has just beat him.

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 That address starts in chapter 22.

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 Paul tells them about his former life and about how God dramatically transformed his life by the righteous one, that is, Jesus.

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 He started to share about his commission to the Gentiles.

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 But the crowd erupted again at that idea and the soldiers take him back into the barracks.

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 And the tribune, whose name was Claudius Lysias, who was in charge of the soldiers, continues his assessment of the situation.

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 His assessment and plan drastically change when he learns of Paul's Roman citizenship at the end of chapter 22.

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 That piece of status that Paul possessed made a lot of what had been done illegal as well as what the tribune was planning.

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 Either way, the tribune wanted to further understand why this ruckus happened in the first place.

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 So, he takes Paul to before the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin.

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 And that's, we get to chapter 23.

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 So, after being unjustly struck by the servant of the high priest of the Sanhedrin, Paul tactfully makes the issue before the council about the broader concept of resurrection.

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 This causes a big disagreement between the two parties of the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

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 And that disagreement gets chaotic enough that the soldiers pull Paul out of there altogether.

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 And so, right after that chaotic scene, we get Acts 23, verse 11.

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 The following night, the Lord stood by him, Paul, and said,

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 Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.

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 After this command and inherent promise, Luke tells us about a group of 40 Jews that plan to assassinate Paul.

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 Thankfully, the Lord ordained for Paul's nephew to hear about the plot and notify Lysias.

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 Lysias regarded the threat as credible and then dispatched about half, or likely half, of the Roman soldiers in all of Jerusalem to ensure Paul's safety.

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 Lysias sends Paul to Felix, who is the governor at the time and the predecessor of Festus that we'll see in chapter 26.

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 Paul presented his case first before Felix, and they conversed regularly for about two years.

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 Luke tells us some detail about their conversation in verse 25 of chapter 24.

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 And as Paul reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said,

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 Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity, I will summon you.

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 These certainly would be alarming topics for anyone to discuss if they were not secure in Jesus Christ.

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 Felix did not hand Paul over to the Jews, but he did keep him in prison for two years in Caesarea.

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 Felix was then succeeded in the governorship by one of our characters today, Portius Festus, or just Festus.

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 This brings us to chapter 25, getting the final pieces in place for our events in chapter 26.

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 So there's this new governor, Festus, and the Jews petition him to bring Paul back to Jerusalem from Caesarea

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 so that they could kill him on the way, as was their original plot.

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 Festus agrees to renew the trial, but the Jews would have to come with him to Caesarea.

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 He would not send Paul back to Jerusalem.

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 The Jews allege and do not prove serious charges.

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 Then Festus asks Paul if he wants to finish the trial in Jerusalem.

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 Paul declined and appealed to Caesar for judgment, as was his right as a Roman citizen.

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 Then we are introduced to our other character, Agrippa.

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 In chapter 25, Festus is seeking Agrippa's counsel,

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 admitting that Agrippa has a better understanding of Jewish culture.

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 Festus lays out the case, and Agrippa says that he wants to hear from Paul directly.

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 So they set it up.

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 Everyone comes into this new audience hall to hear what Paul has to say.

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 Chapter 25 ends with Festus giving an opening summary,

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 essentially saying that he wants to know what to write as he sends Paul along to Caesar.

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 So that's our quick flyover.

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 So with all that context, we will finally have our characters, Agrippa, Festus, and Paul, all together.

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 And that brings us to today's text in chapter 26.

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 Before we start into chapter 26, please join me in a word of prayer.

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 Dear Lord, thank you for this recorded testimony of your faithful followers,

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 that we can see the testimony of Paul and his faithfulness,

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 that we can be encouraged to go and do likewise,

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 that we would be bold in the face of trials of various kinds,

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 whether that's legal, like as Paul is going through here,

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 that's familial or personal.

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 But Father, whatever it may be,

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 may those trials help us to spread your gospel, your truth for your glory.

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 Please bless this time.

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 And it's in your Son, Jesus' name that I pray.

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 Amen.

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 So our first section, verse 1 through 11,

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 we're going to be looking at Paul's ancient hope and deadly ambition.

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 But first, we're going to start with verse 1 through 3 with his initial address.

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 So Agrippa said to Paul,

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 You have permission to speak for yourself.

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 Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense.

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 I consider myself fortunate, that is before you, King Agrippa,

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 that I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,

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 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews.

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 Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

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 So first, Agrippa opens the floor and gives Paul formally the floor to make his defense.

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 Then Paul addressed Agrippa before beginning some of his own personal history in the subsequent verses.

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 Paul's tactful word selection about Agrippa is well worth noting.

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 Agrippa was known to be a sly politician, as the Jews were his to politically oversee.

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 He would know the culture and current events very well.

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 Paul is not affirming in any way a genuine faithfulness within Agrippa,

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 but Paul is grateful that the Lord has put him before a man familiar with the situation and the Jewish culture than Festus.

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 For a little extra context, Agrippa is the great-grandson of Herod the Great.

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 So he is in that chain.

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 His full name is Herod Agrippa II.

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 So we've seen other Herods throughout the gospel,

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 first that sought to kill Jesus,

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 and then actually with Herod and Pilate oversaw his trial for his crucifixion.

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 So this is now a descendant of those Herods.

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 So next we see Paul's pharisaical foundation starting in verse 4.

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 My manner of life from my youth spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem is known by all the Jews.

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 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify,

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 that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.

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 So Paul describes the pertinent information of his upbringing.

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 He grew up in the most strict party of Judaism as a Pharisee.

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 Not only is Paul describing his upbringing in these terms,

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 he is saying that it is a known fact that the Pharisees are the strictest,

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 by anyone that would be willing to tell the truth.

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 In Acts 25, 7, just right before this,

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 Luke tells us that many false charges were brought against him by the Jews.

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 Verse 7 says this,

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 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him,

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 bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.

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 Paul's implication here in verse 5,

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 that these Jews may not be the most honest and truth-telling,

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 certainly has some support.

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 So Paul tells Agrippa that he was taught about something beautiful within that strict upbringing,

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 the hope of resurrection.

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 Let's continue in verse 6.

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 This is not the only time in Acts that Paul references this promise made to the Jewish people.

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 This is not the only time in Acts that Paul references this promise made to the Jewish fathers.

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 In Acts 13, 32 through 35,

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 Paul says to those in the synagogue of Pisidia,

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 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,

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 this he has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising Jesus.

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 As also it is written in the second psalm,

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 You are my son, today I have begotten you.

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 And as for the fact that he has raised him from the dead,

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 no more to return to corruption,

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 he has spoken in this way,

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 I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.

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 Therefore, he says also in another psalm,

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 You will not let your holy ones see corruption.

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 So in rapid succession,

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 Paul quotes Psalm 2, 7,

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 Isaiah 55, 3,

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 and Psalm 16, 10

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 to support his claim to the Jews of Pisidia.

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 Paul's claim to Agrippa is that this hope of the resurrection

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 is a central point of the Jewish faith.

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 It is what all 12 tribes hope to attain,

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 worshiping earnestly night and day.

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 Paul also makes it the central point of the conflict in the trial.

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 He says at the end of verse 7 into verse 8,

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 And for this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king.

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 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

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 The force of this rhetorical question

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 is why so many faithful Christians argue,

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 formulate, and defend the existence of God.

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 If an all-powerful, eternal, all-knowing, perfect creator God exists,

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 what could possibly prevent him from raising the dead?

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 The boulder in front of Jesus' tomb was clearly not enough.

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 There are many philosophical arguments to dispel disbelief in God,

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 that they are seeking to answer fundamental questions.

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 The cosmological argument,

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 how do we get here in the first place?

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 The fine-tuning argument,

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 even if all this stuff was here,

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 how did it get so precisely arranged to allow our lives?

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 The teleological argument,

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 what is the purpose of everything?

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 Where are we going?

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 The moral argument,

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 what is the foundation for objective moral values and duties?

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 And there are more than that.

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 The argument from contingency,

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 the ontological argument.

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 And then there are specific formulations of these arguments,

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 more than the mere questions that I have just raised.

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 And then beyond the philosophical,

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 there is historical, prophetic, and archaeological evidence

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 that build cases as well.

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 And then in addition to the individual persuasiveness of any of these arguments,

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 there is also the cumulative case,

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 each argument building on top of the other,

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 further proving the foolishness of our sinful hearts that say there is no God.

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 Psalm 10.4 says,

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 In the pride of his face,

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 the wicked does not seek him.

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 All his thoughts are,

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 there is no God.

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 Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10, verses 3 through 5,

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 In Romans 1, 19 through 20,

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 Paul writes,

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 Christians should know very well how to point to creation

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 and show these attributes,

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 God's eternal power and divine nature,

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 which God has made plain.

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 Now, it's certainly impossible for all of us

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 to know every detail of creation

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 that showcases God's power and nature.

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 For example,

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 Katie Dome would most likely be far more equipped

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 to describe to you

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 God's wise design for beautiful flowers than I would.

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 But we all have our focuses

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 and those things that we can point to

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 to show and tell others

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 about God's wise creation and perfect power.

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 Through Christ,

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 God has rescued us from our sin and darkness.

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 Now, God has chosen that the church

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 would continue to be his vessel

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 to tell the world that he is real,

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 they are hopelessly dead in their sin,

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 and that Christ's life, death, and resurrection

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 are sufficient to restore them

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 to new and unending life.

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 So this hope of resurrection Paul has

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 was not God's promise

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 that his people had possessed

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 for hundreds and hundreds of years.

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 Paul tells Agrippa

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 that this ancient hope's true fulfillment

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 is why the Jews have sought this trial against him.

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 This brings us, continuing now,

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 to verse 9,

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 seeing Paul's deadly ambition.

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 I myself was convinced

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 that I ought to do many things

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 in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth,

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 and I did so in Jerusalem.

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 I not only locked up many of the saints in prison

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 after receiving authority from the chief priests,

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 but when they were put to death,

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 I cast my vote against them,

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 and I punished them often in all the synagogues,

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 and I tried to make them blaspheme,

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 and in raging fury against them,

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 I persecuted them,

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 even to foreign cities.

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 Paul will be the first to tell us

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 that earnestness,

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 that convincing,

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 that convinced that he was doing the right thing,

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 is not the litmus test for truth.

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 There are plenty of examples in our present day,

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 and all throughout human history,

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 of people being zealous for undeserved,

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 to even horrific causes.

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 Celebrities, sports teams, politicians,

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 climate alarmism, false religions,

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 cults, and abortion

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 are all reasons

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 people will get very worked up

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 to defend their position

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 and attack the other.

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 wholly convinced

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 that their side of the issue

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 is the correct one.

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 Now please hear me clearly,

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 I am not advocating

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 that the correct position on any topic

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 is whatever is in the exact middle

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 of the extremes.

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 It's always a grievous evil

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 if a human baby is killed

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 no matter its stage of development.

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 Cult leaders that twist scripture

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 and abuse their followers

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 in the name of Jesus

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 need to be stopped,

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 and the Lord will judge them

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 and hold them to account.

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 But here,

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 in this section of verses 9-11,

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 Paul does not spit upon his accusers.

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 He sympathizes with them.

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 He very clearly says

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 that he did what they are now doing,

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 zealously persecuting the church,

00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:55.360
 chasing them from town to town.

00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:57.580
 And from this place

00:16:57.580 --> 00:16:58.679
 of telling his accusers

00:16:58.679 --> 00:17:01.159
 that he stood where they stood

00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:03.120
 and did what they are doing,

00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:04.460
 he tells them

00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:06.440
 of God's miraculous mercy

00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:07.400
 towards him.

00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:10.599
 So that goes into our next section,

00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:13.019
 Paul's empowered obedience.

00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:15.200
 We'll go from 12-23,

00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:15.940
 reading first,

00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:17.079
 just 12-18,

00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:18.660
 where we'll see that Paul

00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:21.119
 was transformed for a purpose.

00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:23.579
 In this connection,

00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:25.319
 I journeyed to Damascus

00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.200
 with the authority

00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:26.960
 and the commission

00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:28.039
 of the chief priests.

00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:30.000
 At midday, O King,

00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:31.099
 I saw on the way

00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:32.099
 a light from heaven

00:17:32.099 --> 00:17:33.140
 brighter than the sun

00:17:33.140 --> 00:17:34.500
 that shone around me

00:17:34.500 --> 00:17:35.960
 and those who journeyed with me.

00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:37.500
 And when we had all fallen

00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.100
 to the ground,

00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:39.420
 I heard a voice saying to me

00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:40.420
 in the Hebrew language,

00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:41.779
 Saul, Saul,

00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:43.279
 why are you persecuting me?

00:17:43.620 --> 00:17:44.579
 It is hard for you

00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:45.700
 to kick against the goads.

00:17:45.840 --> 00:17:46.620
 And I said,

00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:47.980
 who are you, Lord?

00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.539
 And the Lord said,

00:17:49.620 --> 00:17:50.380
 I am Jesus,

00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:51.960
 whom you are persecuting,

00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:53.660
 but rise and stand up

00:17:53.660 --> 00:17:54.200
 on your feet,

00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:55.660
 for I have appeared to you

00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.720
 for this purpose,

00:17:57.140 --> 00:17:57.880
 to appoint you

00:17:57.880 --> 00:17:59.279
 as a servant and witness

00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:00.279
 to the things

00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:01.680
 in which you have seen me

00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:02.860
 and to those in which

00:18:02.860 --> 00:18:03.840
 I will appear to you,

00:18:04.380 --> 00:18:05.100
 delivering you

00:18:05.100 --> 00:18:05.940
 from your people

00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:07.340
 and from the Gentiles

00:18:07.340 --> 00:18:08.779
 to whom I am sending you

00:18:08.779 --> 00:18:10.079
 to open their eyes

00:18:10.079 --> 00:18:11.299
 that they may turn

00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:13.019
 from darkness to light,

00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:14.620
 from the power of Satan

00:18:14.620 --> 00:18:15.660
 to God,

00:18:15.840 --> 00:18:16.819
 that they may receive

00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.940
 forgiveness of sins

00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:19.299
 and a place among those

00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.419
 who are sanctified

00:18:20.419 --> 00:18:22.240
 by faith in me.

00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.619
 You may have noticed

00:18:24.619 --> 00:18:25.419
 that this account

00:18:25.419 --> 00:18:26.740
 that Paul gives

00:18:26.740 --> 00:18:27.500
 of his encounter

00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:28.180
 with Jesus

00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:29.339
 on the road to Damascus

00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:30.419
 is a bit different

00:18:30.419 --> 00:18:31.419
 than the account

00:18:31.419 --> 00:18:32.359
 Luke narrates

00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:33.339
 in Acts 9.

00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:34.700
 After reading

00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:35.539
 some different opinions

00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.259
 as to why

00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:37.259
 I am most persuaded

00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:38.000
 by the position

00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:39.259
 that Paul is giving

00:18:39.259 --> 00:18:40.519
 a truncated account

00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.379
 to King Agrippa

00:18:41.379 --> 00:18:43.359
 to focus on his mission

00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:44.159
 to the Gentiles

00:18:44.159 --> 00:18:45.799
 and the gospel itself.

00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:48.200
 Paul focusing in

00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:50.140
 on these two aspects

00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:51.799
 would have the most relevance

00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:52.640
 in the case

00:18:52.640 --> 00:18:53.680
 that Agrippa was hearing

00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:55.400
 in relation to the charges

00:18:55.400 --> 00:18:56.380
 that were being brought

00:18:56.380 --> 00:18:57.380
 against Paul.

00:18:58.160 --> 00:18:58.819
 Another view

00:18:58.819 --> 00:18:59.779
 that can be complementary

00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.680
 to that,

00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.600
 to what I just said,

00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:03.440
 is that Paul here

00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:05.019
 is recalling specific details

00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.960
 that did occur

00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.960
 in the original events

00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:07.940
 but they were just not

00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:09.559
 duplicatively recorded.

00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:10.819
 So coming back

00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:12.180
 to verses 12 and 8,

00:19:13.080 --> 00:19:13.920
 12 through 18,

00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:14.420
 excuse me,

00:19:15.140 --> 00:19:16.460
 Paul opens this section

00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.400
 by connecting it

00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:18.480
 to the previous,

00:19:18.620 --> 00:19:19.559
 in this connection.

00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:24.120
 That pharisaical zeal

00:19:24.120 --> 00:19:24.900
 that he had

00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:26.340
 in persecuting the church

00:19:26.340 --> 00:19:27.819
 is what fueled him

00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:29.700
 to travel to Damascus.

00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:31.360
 He was doing so

00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:32.279
 with the authority

00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:32.860
 and commission

00:19:32.860 --> 00:19:33.840
 of the chief priests

00:19:33.840 --> 00:19:35.779
 and he had a distinct purpose

00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:37.360
 that he firmly held.

00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:39.200
 He carried this banner

00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:41.120
 of purpose and zeal

00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:42.779
 with white knuckles

00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:44.480
 on his way to Damascus

00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:46.160
 to root out more followers

00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:46.579
 of Jesus

00:19:46.579 --> 00:19:47.599
 that he thought

00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:48.799
 were blasphemous

00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.920
 and dangerous.

00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:51.259
 And there,

00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:52.779
 in the midst of his enmity

00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:53.779
 toward Jesus Christ,

00:19:53.880 --> 00:19:54.579
 Jesus meets him.

00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:55.720
 Jesus asks him

00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:57.000
 why he was persecuting.

00:19:59.000 --> 00:20:00.319
 Who are you, Lord?

00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:01.819
 Paul says in response,

00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:02.920
 the white knuckles

00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:03.819
 released.

00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:07.460
 And then Jesus tells Paul

00:20:07.460 --> 00:20:09.120
 his divinely appointed purpose.

00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.900
 I'll read again.

00:20:10.019 --> 00:20:12.279
 This is in verse 16.

00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:14.339
 And the Lord said,

00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:15.220
 I am Jesus

00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:16.539
 whom you are persecuting,

00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:18.220
 but rise and stand up

00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:18.940
 on your feet.

00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.259
 For I have appeared

00:20:20.259 --> 00:20:21.299
 to you for this purpose

00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.259
 to appoint you

00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:23.359
 as a servant and witness

00:20:23.359 --> 00:20:24.059
 to the things

00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:25.139
 in which you have seen me

00:20:25.139 --> 00:20:26.519
 and to those in which

00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:27.799
 I will appear to you,

00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:28.899
 delivering you

00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.639
 from your people

00:20:29.639 --> 00:20:31.539
 and from the Gentiles

00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:33.039
 to whom I am sending you

00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:34.359
 to open their eyes

00:20:34.359 --> 00:20:35.740
 so that they may turn

00:20:35.740 --> 00:20:36.720
 from darkness to light,

00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:38.059
 from the power of Satan

00:20:38.059 --> 00:20:38.619
 to God,

00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.720
 that they may receive

00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:40.799
 forgiveness of sins

00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:42.299
 and a place among those

00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:43.119
 who are sanctified

00:20:43.119 --> 00:20:44.279
 by faith in me.

00:20:44.619 --> 00:20:45.659
 So let's pull out

00:20:45.659 --> 00:20:47.139
 some specifics

00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:48.639
 of Paul's purpose

00:20:48.639 --> 00:20:50.099
 that is being spelled out

00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:50.539
 to him.

00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:51.279
 Part one,

00:20:51.680 --> 00:20:52.180
 get up.

00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:53.240
 You got to get ready

00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:53.839
 to go somewhere.

00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:54.980
 Part two,

00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.720
 Paul will be a servant

00:20:56.720 --> 00:20:57.319
 of Christ

00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:57.960
 and a witness

00:20:57.960 --> 00:20:59.399
 to what Jesus has done

00:20:59.399 --> 00:21:01.539
 and what Jesus will do.

00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:02.879
 Part three,

00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.919
 Jesus is sending Paul

00:21:03.919 --> 00:21:05.519
 to the Gentiles specifically.

00:21:05.980 --> 00:21:06.779
 And I'll answer it here

00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:08.379
 kind of a part two and a half.

00:21:08.860 --> 00:21:09.780
 Jesus tells Paul

00:21:09.780 --> 00:21:10.620
 that he's going to need

00:21:10.620 --> 00:21:11.460
 to rescue him

00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:12.800
 from the Gentiles

00:21:12.800 --> 00:21:13.800
 who are his specific

00:21:13.800 --> 00:21:14.860
 mission field.

00:21:15.300 --> 00:21:16.080
 I think to many of us

00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:16.780
 that would be a

00:21:16.780 --> 00:21:18.700
 not super encouraging note

00:21:18.700 --> 00:21:19.100
 that, hey,

00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:19.880
 you're going to these people

00:21:19.880 --> 00:21:21.160
 and I'm going to have to

00:21:21.160 --> 00:21:22.700
 save you from them

00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.380
 because they're going

00:21:23.380 --> 00:21:24.160
 to try to kill you.

00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:25.580
 But that is part

00:21:25.580 --> 00:21:26.460
 of the testimony

00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:27.880
 of Jesus

00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:31.240
 caring for his missionaries,

00:21:31.320 --> 00:21:31.920
 his disciples.

00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.860
 And then part four,

00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:34.580
 Paul is going

00:21:34.580 --> 00:21:35.600
 to the Gentiles

00:21:35.600 --> 00:21:36.700
 so that they may turn

00:21:36.700 --> 00:21:37.900
 from darkness and Satan

00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:39.680
 to light and God

00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:41.460
 and receive forgiveness

00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:42.200
 of their sins

00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:43.460
 and receive a place

00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.340
 and inheritance

00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:46.880
 among God's people.

00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:49.059
 This is the radical idea

00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:51.200
 that by faith in Christ,

00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:53.200
 the Gentiles will be grafted

00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.539
 into the people of God

00:21:54.539 --> 00:21:56.080
 and receive an inheritance

00:21:56.080 --> 00:21:58.160
 with the rest of God's people.

00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:00.480
 That by faith in Christ,

00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:01.600
 the promises given

00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:02.880
 to the faithful in God

00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:04.460
 can be expanded out

00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:06.480
 to include the formerly

00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:08.220
 faithless Gentiles.

00:22:09.640 --> 00:22:10.519
 Agrippa would have known

00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.880
 that Paul was ministering

00:22:11.880 --> 00:22:12.920
 with Gentiles.

00:22:13.100 --> 00:22:14.019
 That was one of the core

00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:15.900
 accusations against him.

00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:17.039
 And Paul's focus

00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:17.759
 in this account

00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:19.220
 is that his purpose

00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:21.220
 was directly given him

00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:22.500
 by the Lord.

00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:24.940
 It is this divine appointment

00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:26.480
 that Paul has in mind

00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:27.319
 as the hinge

00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:28.900
 to go into verse 19

00:22:28.900 --> 00:22:29.480
 where he says,

00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:30.079
 therefore.

00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:32.399
 So now we'll see him,

00:22:32.759 --> 00:22:33.879
 Paul being supernaturally

00:22:33.879 --> 00:22:36.099
 empowered for that purpose.

00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:37.619
 Let's start in verse 19.

00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:40.779
 Therefore, O King Agrippa,

00:22:40.899 --> 00:22:42.319
 I was not disobedient

00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:43.519
 to the heavenly vision,

00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:44.879
 but declared first

00:22:44.879 --> 00:22:45.980
 to those in Damascus,

00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.059
 then in Jerusalem,

00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:48.059
 and then throughout

00:22:48.059 --> 00:22:49.539
 all the region of Judea,

00:22:49.619 --> 00:22:51.199
 and also to the Gentiles

00:22:51.199 --> 00:22:52.259
 that they should repent

00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:53.480
 and turn to God,

00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:54.639
 performing deeds

00:22:54.639 --> 00:22:56.019
 in keeping with their repentance.

00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.720
 For this reason,

00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:58.819
 the Jews seized me

00:22:58.819 --> 00:22:59.460
 in the temple

00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.639
 and tried to kill me.

00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:01.980
 To this day,

00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.139
 I have had the help

00:23:03.139 --> 00:23:04.639
 that comes from God.

00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:06.179
 And so I stand here

00:23:06.179 --> 00:23:06.980
 testifying both

00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.879
 to small and great,

00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:08.919
 saying nothing

00:23:08.919 --> 00:23:10.659
 but what the prophets

00:23:10.659 --> 00:23:11.579
 and Moses said

00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:12.559
 would come to pass,

00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:13.720
 that the Christ

00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:14.359
 must suffer,

00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:15.819
 and that by being

00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.740
 the first to rise

00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.379
 from the dead,

00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:19.139
 he would proclaim light

00:23:19.139 --> 00:23:20.799
 both to our people

00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:23.119
 and to the Gentiles.

00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:24.659
 So Paul says,

00:23:24.799 --> 00:23:25.480
 he did it.

00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:26.399
 I was commanded

00:23:26.399 --> 00:23:27.159
 to go to the Gentiles

00:23:27.159 --> 00:23:28.000
 and I did it.

00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.599
 It was divinely commanded

00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:30.000
 to him

00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:30.759
 and he was obedient

00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.480
 to that.

00:23:31.859 --> 00:23:32.559
 And he did what

00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.380
 Jesus commanded him to do.

00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.140
 He went to those

00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:34.680
 in Damascus,

00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.099
 Jerusalem,

00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:35.599
 Judea,

00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:36.819
 and the Gentiles

00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.880
 to tell them to repent

00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:39.039
 and turn to God,

00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.759
 followed by faithful works

00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:42.700
 that follow true repentance.

00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.980
 And it is because

00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.859
 he was faithful

00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:47.279
 to this divine injunction

00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.380
 that the Jews

00:23:48.380 --> 00:23:49.220
 first seized him

00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:50.079
 and tried to kill him

00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:51.519
 and have brought him now

00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:52.799
 through this trial process

00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:54.259
 spanning over two years.

00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:56.720
 Verse 22 and 23

00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.620
 are so beautiful.

00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:59.000
 I'd like to read them again.

00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:01.299
 To this day,

00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:02.279
 I have had the help

00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:03.500
 that comes from God.

00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:05.220
 And so I stand here

00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:06.180
 testifying both

00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:07.319
 to small and to great,

00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:08.620
 saying nothing

00:24:08.620 --> 00:24:09.740
 but what the prophets

00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:10.860
 and Moses said

00:24:10.860 --> 00:24:11.640
 would come to pass,

00:24:11.900 --> 00:24:12.740
 that the Christ

00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.339
 must suffer

00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:14.480
 and that by being

00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.259
 the first to rise

00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:15.819
 from the dead,

00:24:16.180 --> 00:24:17.339
 he would proclaim light

00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:18.380
 both to our people

00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.839
 and to the Gentiles.

00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:21.559
 So Paul gives

00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.519
 all the credit

00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.079
 to the Lord

00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.819
 for bringing him

00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.400
 to this point

00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:25.360
 that he could testify

00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:26.900
 before such a group

00:24:26.900 --> 00:24:27.400
 of people.

00:24:27.920 --> 00:24:29.019
 This section ends

00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:30.200
 with Paul saying

00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:30.980
 that he is not saying

00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:31.980
 anything new.

00:24:32.120 --> 00:24:32.259
 Again,

00:24:32.320 --> 00:24:33.900
 this is the ancient hope.

00:24:36.120 --> 00:24:37.700
 It is only the fulfillment

00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.620
 of what Moses

00:24:38.620 --> 00:24:39.800
 and the prophets said.

00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.400
 And the Christ did suffer,

00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.160
 he did die,

00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:43.740
 and he did rise

00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:44.340
 from the dead

00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:46.420
 to proclaim light

00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.600
 to the whole world.

00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:49.379
 The uninterrupted

00:24:49.379 --> 00:24:50.759
 and unchallenged reign

00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:51.779
 of death

00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.480
 since Adam

00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:54.699
 came toppling down.

00:24:55.439 --> 00:24:57.199
 This is the greatest news.

00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:59.219
 Paul had to say it.

00:24:59.819 --> 00:25:00.779
 We must feel

00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:02.179
 not just the same command,

00:25:02.699 --> 00:25:04.159
 but the same need.

00:25:06.399 --> 00:25:07.719
 So our last section,

00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.779
 starting in verse 24,

00:25:09.399 --> 00:25:10.219
 we see Paul's

00:25:10.219 --> 00:25:11.719
 faithful invitation.

00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:14.620
 And sadly,

00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:16.720
 the first response

00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:17.279
 we see

00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:19.019
 is an immediate dismissal.

00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.480
 Verse 24,

00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:23.019
 And as he was saying

00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.539
 these things

00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:24.240
 in his defense,

00:25:24.600 --> 00:25:25.519
 Festus said

00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:26.559
 with a loud voice,

00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:27.420
 Paul,

00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:28.839
 you are out of your mind.

00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:30.019
 Your great learning

00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:30.900
 is driving you

00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:31.799
 out of your mind.

00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.440
 So the Roman governor,

00:25:33.600 --> 00:25:34.019
 Festus,

00:25:34.339 --> 00:25:35.140
 interrupts Paul

00:25:35.140 --> 00:25:36.240
 to tell him

00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.180
 and everyone present

00:25:37.180 --> 00:25:38.160
 that Paul

00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:39.019
 has gone insane.

00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.079
 He has read

00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:40.900
 and studied too much

00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:41.900
 and has broke his brain.

00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.840
 He's lost it.

00:25:43.620 --> 00:25:45.160
 But Paul does not turn back.

00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:46.519
 He calmly doubles down

00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:47.259
 on the claims

00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:48.160
 that he has made.

00:25:48.700 --> 00:25:50.040
 Let's look at verse 25.

00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:52.000
 But Paul said,

00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:53.660
 I am not out of my mind,

00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:55.180
 most excellent Festus,

00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:56.259
 but I am speaking

00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:58.680
 true and rational words.

00:25:59.340 --> 00:26:01.140
 This is an excellent example

00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:02.620
 for us to learn from.

00:26:02.780 --> 00:26:03.560
 When we share

00:26:03.560 --> 00:26:04.340
 the truth of Christ,

00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:04.980
 the gospel,

00:26:05.280 --> 00:26:06.340
 we will often be

00:26:06.340 --> 00:26:06.940
 dismissed,

00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:07.680
 reviled,

00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:08.759
 and persecuted.

00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:10.120
 This should be

00:26:10.120 --> 00:26:10.880
 no surprise.

00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.720
 This is the example

00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:12.360
 that we see

00:26:12.360 --> 00:26:13.420
 in the prophets,

00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:13.920
 Jesus,

00:26:14.060 --> 00:26:14.700
 and the apostles.

00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:16.200
 And all of those

00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:17.160
 instructed us

00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:18.620
 to expect dismissal,

00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:19.420
 revilement,

00:26:19.500 --> 00:26:20.019
 and persecution

00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:21.820
 and to endure it.

00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:23.440
 So what we see

00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:24.220
 here from Paul

00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.480
 is exactly how

00:26:25.480 --> 00:26:26.259
 Peter instructed

00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:26.920
 the church

00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:28.220
 to conduct ourselves

00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:29.660
 in 1 Peter 3,

00:26:29.780 --> 00:26:31.080
 14-17.

00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:33.779
 But even if you should

00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.839
 suffer for righteousness

00:26:34.839 --> 00:26:35.359
 sake,

00:26:35.359 --> 00:26:36.559
 you will be blessed.

00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:38.319
 Have no fear of them,

00:26:38.419 --> 00:26:39.099
 nor be troubled,

00:26:39.439 --> 00:26:40.399
 but in your hearts

00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:41.679
 honor Christ the Lord

00:26:41.679 --> 00:26:42.159
 as holy,

00:26:42.699 --> 00:26:43.639
 always being prepared

00:26:43.639 --> 00:26:44.559
 to make a defense

00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:46.079
 to anyone who asks you

00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:46.759
 for a reason

00:26:46.759 --> 00:26:47.960
 for the hope

00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.759
 that is in you.

00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:50.199
 Yet do it with

00:26:50.199 --> 00:26:51.399
 gentleness and respect,

00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:52.819
 having a good conscience,

00:26:53.339 --> 00:26:54.419
 so that when you are

00:26:54.419 --> 00:26:54.939
 slandered,

00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:56.319
 those who revile

00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:57.079
 your good behavior

00:26:57.079 --> 00:26:57.699
 in Christ

00:26:57.699 --> 00:26:58.980
 may be put to shame.

00:26:58.980 --> 00:27:00.380
 For it is better

00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:01.620
 to suffer for doing good

00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:02.380
 if that should be

00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:02.980
 God's will

00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:04.299
 than for doing evil.

00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:06.720
 When we look at Acts 26,

00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:08.740
 we can see every aspect

00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.720
 of this instruction

00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:11.339
 being lived out by Paul.

00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:13.000
 He is not scared

00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.779
 of his accusers.

00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:15.220
 He is honoring Christ,

00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:16.319
 and he is giving

00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:17.460
 a defense

00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:18.440
 for his hope

00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:19.120
 of resurrection

00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:20.140
 with gentleness

00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:21.539
 and respect,

00:27:21.960 --> 00:27:23.019
 even after being called

00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.500
 insane.

00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:25.980
 Next we see

00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:27.339
 the direct question.

00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:28.400
 So Paul

00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:29.780
 transitions his address

00:27:29.780 --> 00:27:30.880
 back toward Agrippa

00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:31.960
 in verse 26.

00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.820
 For the king knows

00:27:33.820 --> 00:27:34.740
 about these things,

00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:36.000
 and to him

00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:37.320
 I speak boldly.

00:27:37.780 --> 00:27:38.759
 For I am persuaded

00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:39.860
 that none of these things

00:27:39.860 --> 00:27:40.940
 has escaped his notice,

00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:42.640
 for this has not been done

00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.440
 in a quarter.

00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.240
 So he made

00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.100
 the transition

00:27:45.100 --> 00:27:45.960
 back to Agrippa,

00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:47.040
 and he asked him

00:27:47.040 --> 00:27:47.920
 this direct question

00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:49.120
 in verse 27.

00:27:50.080 --> 00:27:51.100
 King Agrippa,

00:27:51.580 --> 00:27:52.880
 do you believe

00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:53.620
 the prophets?

00:27:54.300 --> 00:27:55.560
 I know that you believe.

00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:57.440
 It is worth the time

00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:58.099
 to make clear

00:27:58.099 --> 00:27:59.419
 exactly what Paul

00:27:59.419 --> 00:28:00.799
 is asking Agrippa,

00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:02.019
 because the interjection

00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:02.559
 of Festus

00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:03.460
 could make us lose

00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:04.679
 some of the precision

00:28:04.679 --> 00:28:05.779
 of the question.

00:28:06.379 --> 00:28:07.379
 So back in verse 22

00:28:07.379 --> 00:28:07.899
 and 23,

00:28:08.480 --> 00:28:09.139
 Paul says that

00:28:09.139 --> 00:28:10.220
 the prophets and Moses

00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:11.220
 said that the Christ

00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:11.759
 would come,

00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:12.659
 suffer,

00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.119
 and rise from the dead.

00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:16.039
 This was the last thing

00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:17.099
 Paul said before

00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:18.960
 Festus' interjection.

00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.339
 And now,

00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.899
 following up on that statement,

00:28:22.139 --> 00:28:22.980
 Paul asks Agrippa

00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:24.079
 if he believes

00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:24.960
 what the prophets said.

00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:26.079
 Does he believe

00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:26.839
 that the Christ

00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.360
 has come,

00:28:27.860 --> 00:28:28.180
 suffered,

00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.200
 and has now risen

00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:29.759
 from the dead?

00:28:31.740 --> 00:28:33.380
 I know that you believe,

00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:34.680
 is the follow-up

00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:36.460
 on the question

00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:37.319
 in verse 27.

00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:39.059
 Agrippa was known

00:28:39.059 --> 00:28:40.579
 to put his Jewishness

00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.880
 on display

00:28:41.880 --> 00:28:42.779
 for the people.

00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:44.299
 He oversaw them

00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:45.599
 and wanted to be sure

00:28:45.599 --> 00:28:46.480
 that he was seen

00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:46.960
 as,

00:28:47.120 --> 00:28:48.099
 or at least thought of

00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:49.779
 as a faithful Jew.

00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:50.879
 However,

00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:53.000
 if we see

00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:53.859
 some of his grandparents

00:28:53.859 --> 00:28:55.019
 and his fathers

00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:55.539
 before him,

00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:56.779
 there is not a chain

00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:58.259
 of faithfulness there

00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:59.619
 and that does not change

00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:00.460
 with the life

00:29:00.460 --> 00:29:02.259
 of Herod Agrippa II.

00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:04.899
 Agrippa was known

00:29:04.899 --> 00:29:06.639
 to be in an ungodly

00:29:06.639 --> 00:29:07.139
 relationship

00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:08.480
 with his sister Bernice

00:29:08.480 --> 00:29:09.180
 who is attending

00:29:09.180 --> 00:29:09.740
 this council

00:29:09.740 --> 00:29:11.000
 as Luke records.

00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.599
 It would be likely

00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:13.240
 for a man

00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:13.819
 in Agrippa's

00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:14.740
 political position

00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.940
 to live a life

00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:16.920
 of moral compromise

00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:17.559
 as well.

00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:18.779
 You scratch my back,

00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:19.559
 I scratch yours,

00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.480
 regardless of

00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:22.200
 any kind of justice.

00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:24.399
 Those points aside,

00:29:24.919 --> 00:29:25.559
 Agrippa likely

00:29:25.559 --> 00:29:26.119
 would have liked

00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:26.980
 to say that he

00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:28.000
 followed the Torah.

00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:28.859
 Yeah, no problem.

00:29:28.919 --> 00:29:29.759
 I follow the law,

00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.440
 no problem.

00:29:30.919 --> 00:29:31.919
 But as we know,

00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:33.179
 when it came down to it,

00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:34.319
 he refused to submit

00:29:34.319 --> 00:29:35.319
 his life

00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:36.139
 to the wisdom

00:29:36.139 --> 00:29:36.720
 and righteousness

00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:37.319
 of God.

00:29:38.539 --> 00:29:39.419
 So we read

00:29:39.419 --> 00:29:40.139
 in verse 28

00:29:40.139 --> 00:29:41.480
 his answer to Paul.

00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:44.839
 And Agrippa said to Paul,

00:29:45.379 --> 00:29:46.240
 in a short time,

00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:47.480
 would you persuade me

00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.679
 to be a Christian?

00:29:49.559 --> 00:29:50.440
 So I understand

00:29:50.440 --> 00:29:51.940
 from the ESV study note,

00:29:52.059 --> 00:29:52.460
 footnote,

00:29:52.619 --> 00:29:53.480
 and others

00:29:53.480 --> 00:29:54.559
 that the original Greek

00:29:54.559 --> 00:29:55.179
 of this verse

00:29:55.179 --> 00:29:56.019
 is complicated.

00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.599
 Maybe TJ or Zach

00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:58.759
 could explain better

00:29:58.759 --> 00:29:59.779
 why it is so complicated.

00:30:00.119 --> 00:30:00.519
 Regardless,

00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:01.279
 it's debated

00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:02.419
 whether Agrippa

00:30:02.419 --> 00:30:03.319
 was truthfully

00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:03.879
 or earnestly

00:30:03.879 --> 00:30:04.639
 saying something

00:30:04.639 --> 00:30:05.500
 to Paul like,

00:30:05.899 --> 00:30:07.139
 you almost persuaded me

00:30:07.139 --> 00:30:07.759
 to be a Christian

00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:08.799
 in this short time,

00:30:08.980 --> 00:30:10.279
 or something more

00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:11.879
 sarcastic reading as,

00:30:12.159 --> 00:30:13.240
 did you really think

00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.099
 that you could persuade me

00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:14.899
 to be such a Christian

00:30:14.899 --> 00:30:16.099
 in a short time?

00:30:17.099 --> 00:30:18.059
 Either translation

00:30:18.059 --> 00:30:19.199
 is ultimately

00:30:19.199 --> 00:30:20.059
 a rejection

00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:21.199
 of Paul's

00:30:21.199 --> 00:30:22.359
 question and invitation.

00:30:23.159 --> 00:30:23.559
 Personally,

00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:24.379
 I do favor

00:30:24.379 --> 00:30:26.119
 the sarcastic reading

00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:27.279
 in light of Paul's

00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:28.159
 wordplay

00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:28.899
 and punny answer

00:30:28.899 --> 00:30:29.819
 in verse 29.

00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.339
 And Paul said,

00:30:31.699 --> 00:30:32.939
 whether short or long,

00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:34.219
 I would to God

00:30:34.219 --> 00:30:35.299
 that not only you,

00:30:35.459 --> 00:30:36.379
 but also all

00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:37.359
 who hear me this day

00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.159
 might become

00:30:38.159 --> 00:30:39.059
 such as I am

00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:41.139
 except for these chains.

00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:42.959
 Instead of returning

00:30:42.959 --> 00:30:44.139
 any sarcasm,

00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:45.259
 I picture Paul here

00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:45.740
 saying this

00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:46.700
 with an honest smile.

00:30:46.820 --> 00:30:48.140
 Whether it's short or long,

00:30:48.240 --> 00:30:49.300
 I want everybody

00:30:49.300 --> 00:30:50.200
 to be as I am

00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:52.259
 except for these chains.

00:30:53.840 --> 00:30:54.800
 So next we see

00:30:54.800 --> 00:30:56.300
 a cold departure.

00:30:58.060 --> 00:30:58.600
 Luke records

00:30:58.600 --> 00:30:59.480
 a short epilogue

00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:00.560
 to our primary drama

00:31:00.560 --> 00:31:01.620
 in these last few verses,

00:31:02.340 --> 00:31:03.220
 starting in verse 30.

00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.980
 Then the king rose

00:31:04.980 --> 00:31:05.640
 and the governor

00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.480
 and Bernice

00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:07.520
 and those who were

00:31:07.520 --> 00:31:08.180
 sitting with them.

00:31:08.680 --> 00:31:09.759
 And when they had withdrawn,

00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.740
 they said to one another,

00:31:11.020 --> 00:31:12.240
 this man is doing nothing

00:31:12.240 --> 00:31:13.339
 to deserve death

00:31:13.339 --> 00:31:14.200
 or imprisonment.

00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:16.000
 And Agrippa said to Festus,

00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:18.099
 this man could have been set free

00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:19.620
 if he had not appealed

00:31:19.620 --> 00:31:20.339
 to Caesar.

00:31:21.039 --> 00:31:21.819
 So the council,

00:31:21.980 --> 00:31:23.539
 primarily Festus and Agrippa,

00:31:24.099 --> 00:31:25.140
 agreed that Paul

00:31:25.140 --> 00:31:25.680
 had done nothing

00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:27.539
 to deserve further imprisonment.

00:31:27.880 --> 00:31:29.019
 So they show some pity

00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:30.140
 that he should have taken

00:31:30.140 --> 00:31:30.740
 an option

00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.859
 that would prolong

00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:32.680
 this process

00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:33.940
 and now he has to go

00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:34.700
 to Caesar

00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:35.279
 and be imprisoned

00:31:35.279 --> 00:31:35.880
 any longer.

00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:36.200
 They're saying,

00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:37.380
 well, that's too bad

00:31:37.380 --> 00:31:38.620
 for this guy.

00:31:39.400 --> 00:31:40.240
 But these men

00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:40.940
 think that they should

00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:41.980
 pity Paul for this

00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:43.860
 but they do not know

00:31:43.860 --> 00:31:45.680
 what God told Paul

00:31:45.680 --> 00:31:46.960
 in Acts 23, 11.

00:31:47.120 --> 00:31:47.720
 I read it earlier,

00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:48.360
 I'll read it again.

00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:51.099
 The following night

00:31:51.099 --> 00:31:52.240
 the Lord stood by him

00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:52.779
 and said,

00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:53.819
 take courage

00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:55.279
 for as you have testified

00:31:55.279 --> 00:31:56.339
 about me in Jerusalem

00:31:56.339 --> 00:31:58.420
 so you must testify

00:31:58.420 --> 00:31:59.599
 also in Rome.

00:32:00.319 --> 00:32:02.019
 The Lord is still working

00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:03.220
 but these men

00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:04.360
 are blind to it.

00:32:05.240 --> 00:32:06.079
 They've rejected

00:32:06.079 --> 00:32:06.860
 the clear gospel

00:32:06.860 --> 00:32:08.440
 and they do not know

00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:09.620
 the plan and will

00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:10.259
 of God.

00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:13.559
 So what should we make

00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.700
 of all of this

00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:15.240
 in light

00:32:15.240 --> 00:32:16.420
 of the rejection

00:32:16.420 --> 00:32:17.079
 of the gospel

00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:18.500
 that we see here?

00:32:19.180 --> 00:32:20.019
 I think there are

00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.879
 three truths

00:32:20.879 --> 00:32:22.140
 that those in Christ

00:32:22.140 --> 00:32:23.319
 can apply from this text.

00:32:23.700 --> 00:32:24.720
 Before we walk through

00:32:24.720 --> 00:32:25.680
 those points of application

00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:26.480
 for the believers,

00:32:27.059 --> 00:32:27.579
 I think there are

00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:28.680
 a couple points of application

00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:29.839
 for non-believers

00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:30.839
 to first consider.

00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:32.160
 Number one,

00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:34.059
 do not dismiss

00:32:34.059 --> 00:32:34.720
 the gospel

00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:36.220
 without consideration

00:32:36.220 --> 00:32:37.319
 like Festus.

00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:38.819
 every part

00:32:38.819 --> 00:32:40.139
 of our sinful flesh

00:32:40.139 --> 00:32:41.500
 wants to see

00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:42.500
 and hear the gospel

00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:43.639
 and dismiss it

00:32:43.639 --> 00:32:44.700
 as crazy talk.

00:32:46.819 --> 00:32:47.500
 Second,

00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:48.879
 do not give

00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:50.039
 lip service,

00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:50.980
 mere talk

00:32:50.980 --> 00:32:52.419
 to God's kingdom

00:32:52.419 --> 00:32:55.059
 like Agrippa.

00:32:55.839 --> 00:32:56.439
 Genuinely

00:32:56.439 --> 00:32:57.359
 and fully

00:32:57.359 --> 00:32:58.859
 commit your life

00:32:58.859 --> 00:32:59.559
 to the Lord.

00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:01.940
 God's kingdom

00:33:01.940 --> 00:33:02.339
 and the first

00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:02.879
 of the three

00:33:02.879 --> 00:33:04.240
 aforementioned truths.

00:33:05.919 --> 00:33:07.740
 It brings God glory

00:33:07.740 --> 00:33:08.639
 for the gospel

00:33:08.639 --> 00:33:09.899
 to be proclaimed.

00:33:11.299 --> 00:33:11.940
 Oftentimes,

00:33:12.379 --> 00:33:13.399
 we can get caught up

00:33:13.399 --> 00:33:14.779
 on results

00:33:14.779 --> 00:33:15.419
 and numbers.

00:33:16.220 --> 00:33:16.419
 Now,

00:33:16.839 --> 00:33:17.240
 of course,

00:33:17.319 --> 00:33:18.139
 results and numbers

00:33:18.139 --> 00:33:18.919
 in this case

00:33:18.919 --> 00:33:20.659
 refer to,

00:33:20.919 --> 00:33:21.779
 they certainly matter

00:33:21.779 --> 00:33:22.419
 because they refer

00:33:22.419 --> 00:33:23.000
 to humans

00:33:23.000 --> 00:33:24.200
 which God loves.

00:33:24.200 --> 00:33:25.920
 But as we go,

00:33:26.059 --> 00:33:26.640
 as we share

00:33:26.640 --> 00:33:27.180
 the gospel

00:33:27.180 --> 00:33:27.940
 with coworkers,

00:33:28.340 --> 00:33:28.759
 neighbors,

00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:30.100
 family members,

00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:30.539
 children,

00:33:30.740 --> 00:33:31.380
 anyone which

00:33:31.380 --> 00:33:32.559
 the Lord brings,

00:33:33.100 --> 00:33:34.080
 we should know

00:33:34.080 --> 00:33:34.640
 and believe

00:33:34.640 --> 00:33:36.240
 that God is glorified

00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.319
 in the proclamation

00:33:37.319 --> 00:33:38.860
 of the gospel

00:33:38.860 --> 00:33:40.539
 because we are telling

00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.340
 others

00:33:41.340 --> 00:33:42.779
 of his holiness,

00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.940
 his mercy,

00:33:44.319 --> 00:33:44.640
 goodness,

00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:45.400
 justice,

00:33:45.400 --> 00:33:46.220
 and love.

00:33:46.980 --> 00:33:47.900
 The proclamation

00:33:47.900 --> 00:33:48.900
 of the gospel

00:33:48.900 --> 00:33:50.600
 as Paul has done here

00:33:50.600 --> 00:33:51.500
 in Acts 26

00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:52.840
 also demonstrates

00:33:52.840 --> 00:33:53.700
 for the hearers

00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:56.259
 God's ancient plan

00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:57.840
 for salvation,

00:33:58.100 --> 00:33:59.279
 thereby showing

00:33:59.279 --> 00:34:00.000
 his wisdom,

00:34:00.240 --> 00:34:00.580
 power,

00:34:00.740 --> 00:34:01.519
 and faithfulness

00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:02.220
 to accomplish

00:34:02.220 --> 00:34:03.900
 that plan.

00:34:04.980 --> 00:34:06.059
 What great

00:34:06.059 --> 00:34:08.860
 aspects of the Lord

00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:10.240
 that we can proclaim

00:34:10.240 --> 00:34:11.099
 as we share

00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:12.440
 the gospel faithfully

00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:13.260
 and that brings

00:34:13.260 --> 00:34:14.019
 him glory.

00:34:14.860 --> 00:34:15.860
 The second truth

00:34:15.860 --> 00:34:16.500
 that we can know

00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:17.039
 and apply

00:34:17.039 --> 00:34:18.559
 is that we ought

00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.159
 to desire

00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:20.119
 for all people

00:34:20.119 --> 00:34:21.260
 to become faithful

00:34:21.260 --> 00:34:22.920
 disciples of Jesus Christ.

00:34:23.699 --> 00:34:25.079
 When Paul responds

00:34:25.079 --> 00:34:25.779
 to Agrippa's

00:34:25.779 --> 00:34:27.039
 rejection and dismissal

00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:28.500
 by saying that he wishes

00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:29.579
 that Agrippa

00:34:29.579 --> 00:34:30.500
 and all others present

00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:31.799
 would become as he is,

00:34:32.279 --> 00:34:33.139
 I would put forth

00:34:33.139 --> 00:34:33.739
 to you

00:34:33.739 --> 00:34:34.960
 that he does not

00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:35.719
 merely mean

00:34:35.719 --> 00:34:36.199
 that people would

00:34:36.199 --> 00:34:36.839
 make professions

00:34:36.839 --> 00:34:37.379
 of faith,

00:34:37.980 --> 00:34:38.779
 but rather

00:34:38.779 --> 00:34:39.159
 that they would

00:34:39.159 --> 00:34:40.779
 all become

00:34:40.779 --> 00:34:41.539
 fervent,

00:34:41.799 --> 00:34:42.379
 determined,

00:34:43.219 --> 00:34:44.079
 sharers of the gospel

00:34:44.079 --> 00:34:44.519
 of Jesus,

00:34:44.900 --> 00:34:45.360
 that they would

00:34:45.360 --> 00:34:46.279
 become faithful,

00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:48.039
 fruitful members

00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:49.019
 of Jesus' church,

00:34:49.420 --> 00:34:50.440
 as he is,

00:34:50.779 --> 00:34:51.619
 except for the chains.

00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:53.599
 Lastly,

00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:55.079
 we must prepare

00:34:55.079 --> 00:34:56.299
 to share the gospel

00:34:56.299 --> 00:34:56.980
 well.

00:34:57.860 --> 00:34:59.219
 We must know

00:34:59.219 --> 00:35:00.259
 who God is,

00:35:00.639 --> 00:35:01.460
 what we have done

00:35:01.460 --> 00:35:02.340
 to separate ourselves

00:35:02.340 --> 00:35:03.019
 from him,

00:35:03.019 --> 00:35:04.059
 and what Christ

00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:04.500
 has done

00:35:04.500 --> 00:35:05.360
 to restore us

00:35:05.360 --> 00:35:06.559
 to him forever.

00:35:08.659 --> 00:35:09.539
 Last week,

00:35:09.779 --> 00:35:10.559
 we sang a song

00:35:10.559 --> 00:35:10.920
 together,

00:35:11.299 --> 00:35:12.360
 The Horse That Draws

00:35:12.360 --> 00:35:12.840
 the Plow.

00:35:13.360 --> 00:35:14.220
 It is a sweet

00:35:14.220 --> 00:35:15.260
 and faithful prayer

00:35:15.260 --> 00:35:15.960
 to our Lord.

00:35:16.559 --> 00:35:18.000
 This is its final verse.

00:35:19.660 --> 00:35:20.220
 Lord,

00:35:20.300 --> 00:35:20.980
 make your servant

00:35:20.980 --> 00:35:21.420
 hopeful

00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:22.480
 as the horse

00:35:22.480 --> 00:35:23.620
 that draws the plow.

00:35:24.039 --> 00:35:25.300
 He bends his shoulders

00:35:25.300 --> 00:35:26.039
 to the ropes

00:35:26.039 --> 00:35:26.860
 and churns

00:35:26.860 --> 00:35:27.840
 the stubborn ground.

00:35:28.640 --> 00:35:30.000
 His toil will yield

00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:31.039
 a harvest rich,

00:35:31.539 --> 00:35:32.599
 although he knows

00:35:32.599 --> 00:35:33.200
 not how.

00:35:34.280 --> 00:35:34.640
 Lord,

00:35:34.720 --> 00:35:35.440
 make your servant

00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.200
 steadfast

00:35:36.200 --> 00:35:37.220
 as the horse

00:35:37.220 --> 00:35:38.380
 that draws the plow.

00:35:39.539 --> 00:35:40.599
 We ought to work

00:35:40.599 --> 00:35:41.240
 diligently

00:35:41.239 --> 00:35:42.959
 in this preparation.

00:35:43.659 --> 00:35:44.199
 We ought to make

00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:44.719
 the time

00:35:44.719 --> 00:35:46.179
 to study God's word

00:35:46.179 --> 00:35:46.599
 well,

00:35:46.859 --> 00:35:47.319
 individually,

00:35:47.699 --> 00:35:48.899
 and communally.

00:35:49.439 --> 00:35:50.199
 We ought to make

00:35:50.199 --> 00:35:50.659
 the time

00:35:50.659 --> 00:35:51.259
 to pray

00:35:51.259 --> 00:35:52.019
 fervently

00:35:52.019 --> 00:35:53.119
 for the lost

00:35:53.119 --> 00:35:53.879
 in our lives,

00:35:54.059 --> 00:35:55.119
 for our focus,

00:35:55.379 --> 00:35:56.500
 for our boldness.

00:35:57.539 --> 00:35:58.559
 We ought to be

00:35:58.559 --> 00:35:59.339
 steadfast

00:35:59.339 --> 00:36:00.239
 in our ministry

00:36:00.239 --> 00:36:01.559
 to those in our lives,

00:36:01.699 --> 00:36:02.519
 our family,

00:36:02.959 --> 00:36:03.399
 friends,

00:36:03.579 --> 00:36:04.099
 and children.

00:36:05.679 --> 00:36:06.799
 And we can know

00:36:06.799 --> 00:36:07.459
 that we do not

00:36:07.459 --> 00:36:08.799
 labor in vain.

00:36:08.800 --> 00:36:10.420
 we trust

00:36:10.420 --> 00:36:11.740
 in a rich harvest,

00:36:12.120 --> 00:36:13.620
 though we may not know

00:36:13.620 --> 00:36:14.160
 how.

00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:16.519
 Join me in prayer.

00:36:16.960 --> 00:36:17.099
 Let's go.

00:36:17.099 --> 00:36:17.099


00:36:17.099 --> 00:36:17.099


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00:36:17.099 --> 00:36:17.099