Acts 26 FAITH AND OBEDIENCE After two years of waiting and wondering about the future and when God was going to send him to Rome, Paul was summoned to a hearing. This time it would be before people who came in worldly splendor, self- centered dignity and ceremony. It was a gathering of the elite of society to be entertained at the expense of one man in chains. Agrippa and Bernice in their finery, Festus in the colors of his office, and all the high dignitaries in their splendor, did not intimidate Paul. He knew he was there to represent the Highest of the high when it came to authority. He was to speak for the King who was over all kings and whose glory outshines all glory of all ages put together. When we are privileged to speak for God, a quiet dignity has far greater impact on the onlookers than all the glamorous clothing and trappings of man-made authority. One who knows who he is, and knows who God is, and knows his God personally and intimately, does not have to rely on a vain empty show to impress an audience of people. The light of God will be on his countenance and the respect one has for God - and himself, and reverence for God and His authority, will be evident for all to see.
Paul was happy to be there. He really was because he said so, but also because he was finally able to tell the Gospel to a king and to those in authority. Being set apart and alone in that company did not embarrass him because the promise made long before, was happening. There is real joy when a soul-winner is doing what God wants and has promised no matter what the surrounding circumstances are. Most people are interested when a personal story is being told with respect for the hearers and yet with the conviction of personal experience. Agrippa knew the background as soon as Paul identified his accusers as Jews and himself as a Jew who was a believer in Christ. "Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews." In giving a public testimony of one's conversion to God, do as Paul did, and briefly tell of who you were before God saved you. He did not dwell at length on every part of his life. His childhood and early manhood were quickly and effectively recalled only as it was relevant to the Gospel. It takes a lot of time to say a little when we are not prepared. A lot can be said in few words if we are prepared. What Paul was taught, his lifestyle, his conduct, his occupation and what he believed were all very clearly and precisely stated. He quickly established a connection with the audience.
Then Paul got very specific as to what happened at the time of his salvation. What he believed, as to the resurrection of the dead was well known by the king. In his testimony, Paul made it personal, "I saw..., "I heard...," "I said..." The light brighter than the sun was real. The voice in his own language was clearly heard and its message was understood. The words he heard, and what he said, still resonated in his soul as he came in deep repentance to God. Repentance is not just a feeling of sorrow. It is an admission of guilt and commitment to change that is evident in a reversal of thought and direction. It is never a slight bowing of the head before confession in words of faith in Christ. Repentance brings one to a full stop before God, a change of, and reversal of life from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.
Instantly Paul submitted to Jesus as Lord, and confessed him with his mouth. All he really knew at that moment was Jesus. But that is what eternal life is. "To know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." Salvation is what God gives us when we come to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith, and submit to Him as our Lord to obey. Following the question, "Who art Thou Lord?” came another question, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" All that became clear to Paul, when he realized now, he was a servant of Jesus Christ as his Lord, and he was a representative of Him to others, both Jews and Gentiles. A person who has repented to God and put faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, isn't one who is left floundering by God who he serves. There are some who let their own feelings and ambitions get in the way of submission and obedience. They often spend a lot of wasted time wondering about themselves and their salvation. We need to help such people get to the word of God so they too will see, hear and act on what God says.
In giving a personal testimony of saving faith by God's grace, we need to be very plain when speaking about the Lord Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection. It is that which makes people turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. It is that message that tells us of forgiveness of sins and the inheritance we have by faith in Christ. The Gospel separates us from the world and separates us unto God and to His people who have experienced the same saving grace and now live a different life with a different goal by a different power. The "before" part of a testimony tells why I needed to be saved. The "how" part of a testimony gives the way conviction of sin and regeneration happened as the word of God brought life and light by the Spirit of God. The "after" part of a testimony shows the change and results of putting one's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Obedience to God is obvious. One who God saves is not only converted but there is the inward desire to obey God. Paul's obedience to God led him to Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea and then to the Gentiles in various nations. What is in the Gospel message that so disturbs people today as it did in Paul's day? It is that the word of God is preached without any additions to suit the ideas of men. The Gospel message has not changed. Christ had to suffer for our sins. The Jews didn't want a suffering Messiah. They wanted a conquering Messiah. People today want an easy Jesus who doesn't challenge their conscience. Paul preached that Christ would rise from among the dead and as a result there would be the light of understanding to both Jews and Gentiles who would believe in Him. People today do not want to hear that Jesus is the only Way, only Truth, the only Life by which we can come to God. People of all ages who repent and believe the Gospel, would know who Jesus is; they would know why they were here and should put their faith in Him. They would have a purpose for living and a sure hope in the future.
Festus who had no background or understanding of Judaism was sure Paul was out of his mind and loudly proclaimed that. Many people still think it is totally ridiculous to believe the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the only way of salvation from sin. Those who believe in the emptiness of atheism cannot conceive of love like the Lord Jesus had for us. But Agrippa knew. He was aware of all of the truth of all the things Paul said, and was doubtless very uneasy by the challenge and conviction that accompanies the preaching of the Gospel. Festus was ignorant but moved. Agrippa was convicted, challenged, uneasy but unwilling to repent and act on what he knew to be true. These same responses accompany the preaching of the Gospel today. Some will just set aside any moving of the Holy Spirit upon them and will continue on in life the same as before. Others may become harder against the Gospel in an effort to distance themselves from its consequences. We must be faithful to the calling we have received and not miss any opportunity to obey God and give testimony to what we have personally experienced.
The first time when called to give a testimony to God's saving grace, We were probably feeling afraid we might bring to our Lord disgrace. But by His gracious Holy Spirit, a few words spoken in fear - Made us a little stronger in faith when people stopped to hear.
As time passes by there is more of our understanding of the event. We then realize God was bringing us to where we were willing to repent. Conviction of sin was real, and we were lost wondering what we could do. Then by the clear presentation of the Gospel, we learn what Jesus passed through.
By our background we gave fertile soil for the word of truth to enter. And the clear Gospel preaching always does on the Person of Christ to center. By looking to Him instead of self, or works that salvation we may attain, We learned by His sacrifice for us, through the Holy Spirit we are born again.
To be able to tell others of Him and His love that led Him to die,
We can help them see for themselves what Jesus did, and why. His suffering had a most selfless reason, He died to bring us to God. Faith in Christ and His work is the Gospel message both here and abroad.
So when opportunities come, be ready to speak a true "word in season." Tell people what Christ did for you, and that is now the reason You speak your word of testimony that it might be a blessing to them. And you are speaking in Christ's name when you urge them to come to Him.
"Father, when the opportunity arises, help me to be ready to speak for Thee by telling people what You did for me. May the words I was able to speak in testimony to that couple have some effect upon them I pray. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."