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"PAUL AS DEFENDANT AND WITNESS" "THE LIMITS OF THE GOSPEL" "PAUL, PETER, JOHN, AND JAMES" (-26) (:23-26:32) (from and the Rise of Early ) John Stott (Chuck Swindoll) (by Paul Barnett)

After the Romans rescued Paul from the Jewish mob, he languished in prison in Caesarea Looking back over the three chapters (24-26) and the three trials which they record, it seems that Paul's powerful defense of Christian truth before the social and political leaders of Maritima for two years. On taking office in 60 the procurator Festus dispatched Paul to for trial Luke intends to portray Paul in two guises, first and negatively as a defendant, then secondly and Caesarea prompts two observations concerning the good news and what it will not before the emperor since Paul was a Roman citizen. In c. 62 Festus died after only two years as positively as a witness. accomplish for humanity. governor of the province. In the interregnum, before the new procurator Albinus arrived, the high Paul as Defendant First, hearing about doesn't automatically bring internal changes. Some hear the priest acted against James. narrates what happened. Behind all three trials, as we have noted, there lies the double allegation of the that Paul good news of Christ all their lives yet never respond in belief. They go from Sunday to Sunday Annas . . . followed the school of the who are more heartless than any other of the had spoken or acted against Moses on the one hand and against Caesar on the other. But Paul Jews . . . when they sit in judgment. Possessed of such a character, Annas thought that he had a vigorously denied both charges (25:8). and study to Bible study without making a decision concerning their eternal destiny. favorable opportunity because Festus was dead and Albinus was still on his way. And so he convened Before Felix Paul rejected the charge of sectarianism, and emphasized the continuity of his Each time, they close the Bible and say, "Well, we'll meet again." They apparently think that if the judges of the and brought before them a man named James, the brother of Jesus who gospel with the Old Testament Scriptures. He served the God of their fathers with a good conscience. they spend enough time in church they will become Christian enough to deserve heaven. It is was called the Christ, and certain others. He accused them of having transgressed the law and delivered He believed everything written in the law and prophets, and taught no more than they taught. He true that spiritual awakening can be a journey. But for those who die on the way—that is, them up to be stoned (Josephus, Antiquities 20:197-200). cherished a firm hope in the fulfillment of God's promises about the Messiah. Not apostasy but before making a decision to trust Christ—hell awaits, not heaven. The grace of God presents Since only the governor had the authority (imperium) from the emperor to impose the death continuity summed up his attitude to Moses and the prophets. us with an opportunity for salvation from sin, and He requires nothing more than trust in His penalty, Annas's action must be regarded as illegal under the Roman settlement. That James, like Stephen, was stoned suggests an accusation of blasphemy against the laws of Moses. This was almost Before Festus Paul rejected the charge of sedition. He had not been responsible for any breaches Son; but without a response, the truth accomplishes nothing in the unbeliever. of the peace or of public order. So certain was he that he had done nothing against Caesar that he felt certainly a false charge. According to Josephus, "those who were strict in observance of the law," that it necessary to appeal to Caesar in order to clear himself (25:8, 11). Not anarchy but loyalty summed Second, responding to Christ doesn't instantly remove external chains. Despite what is, , protested first to Agrippa the Younger and then to the incoming governor. Agrippa deposed the high priest for illegally convening the Sanhedrin. up his attitude to Caesar. many religious hucksters may tell you, becoming a child of God doesn't release the powers of Before Agrippa, no fresh charges were produced. Paul seems rather to have been responding to good fortune from heaven to exempt us from the evils of earth. Some would have you believe Annas must have had other motives to kill James, though we can only guess what they might have been. Was it due to jealousy? Since James presided over a large community, did the high priest the unspoken question why the Jews were so anxious to get rid of him (25:24; 26:21). It had to do with that it's God's will for His people to live lives that are healthy, wealthy, and free from troubles, his ministry to the Gentiles, to which however he was inescapably committed out of obedience to the somehow see him as a rival? Is it noteworthy that this Annas was son of the former high priest Annas, and if you do struggle with difficulties, it's because you don't have enough faith. A brief vision and voice of Jesus. the real power behind his son-in-law under whom Jesus was delivered to the Romans for review of Paul's life should be enough to dispel that bit of heresy. In Caesarea, he stood in crucifix- ion? Was it because James, unlike Jesus, made no messianic claims that could be interpreted Paul's three defenses were successful. Neither Felix, nor Festus, nor Agrippa found him guilty. chains, alone, and poor as dirt because he believed in Jesus as the Messiah and faithfully as treason that Annas felt he must strike before the Roman magistrate arrived? Did Annas the Younger Instead, each indicated that he was innocent of the charges made against him. Paul was not content somehow see James, brother of the so-called Christ, as a rival messianic dynast? Indeed, James was with this, however. He went further. He proclaimed in court his threefold loyalty - to Moses and the followed God's plan for his life. Difficult as it is to probably appointed as the leading "pillar" of the church after Peter's withdrawal from prophets, to Caesar, and above all to Jesus Christ who met him on the Damascus road. He was a understand, God's plan for His people might not Jerusalem during the persecutions of Agrippa the elder, precisely because he was brother of the faithful Jew, a faithful Roman and a faithful Christian. lead to our living in comfort and privilege, but to Christ. At James's death, another close relative of Jesus, his cousin Symean, was appointed leader of Paul as Witness endure difficulties just like His own Son and the the church in Jerusalem. Luke's purpose in describing the three apostlesWitnessing who followed Him. TheSummary evidence from Josephus suggests that James, the head of a substantial community in court scenesReview was not just apologetic, but Responding to Christ doesn't remove our Jerusalem, was highly regarded within the city. Dramatic events followed the stoning of James at the evangelistic. He wanted his readers to instigation of the high priest Annas. remember that Paul had been commissioned to chains of affliction in this life. Our health, wealth, Those of the inhabitants of the city who were considered the most be Christ's “servant and witness” (26:16). and freedom from troubles will come in the life to fair-minded and who were strict in their observance of the Law were During those two years of imprisonment, which come, when our lives in the fallen realm of evil and offended at this. They therefore secretly sent to king Agrippa urging had interrupted his missionary career, he must sin have ended. He has promised victory at the end him, for Ananus [Annas] had not been correct in his first step, to have felt very frustrated. But when of our strife. He has promised to carry us through order him to desist from any further such actions. Certain of them opportunities for witness were given him, he even went to meet Albinus who was on his way to , to our difficulties in the here and now to give us a seized them with confidence and courage. The inform him that Ananus had no authority to convene the Sanhedrin main examples Luke gives are the private hope and a future beyond anything we can without his consent (Josephus, Antiquities 20:201). interview with Felix and the public confrontation imagine. That is the promise of the good news. Most likely the high priest and the Sanhedrin had James with Agrippa. In both cases Paul was fearless. stoned for the sin of blasphemy, as also occurred with Paul on Trial • Before the Sanhedrin (22:30-23:11) • Before Felix (24:1-27) • Before Festus (25:1-12) • Before Agrippa (25:13-26:32)

Paul is a model witness and evangelist here.

Darrell Bock This is his fullest testimony in Acts because it discusses his pre-Christian activity, his conversion, and his calling, which drives his mission. Ajith Fernando (King at Jesus’ birth) Aristobolus Archelaus Herod Philip (King during Jesus’ Life) (Luke 3:1; 14:3)

Herod Agrippa I ()

Herod Agrippa II Bernice Drusilla (Acts 25-26) (Acts 25-26) (Acts 24 wife of Felix) Agrippa II Bernice King of Sister of Agrippa Governor of Judea Capable Opportunistic Obscure Part Jewish Part Jewish Roman Powerful Questionable Tolerable Leader Roman Support Mistress to Caesars Short time in office AGRIPPA, BERNICE AND FESTUS

Sometimes a gospel witness will not fade away.

Acts 25:13-22 AGRIPPA, BERNICE AND FESTUS A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned. Acts 25:13-15 The King Agrippa referred to here is a Agrippa II, son of Herod Agrippa I (12:1) great grandson of Herod the Great (Matt. 2:1). At this time he was a young man of about 30 years of age and ruler of the territories northeast of Palestine with the title of King. He was a friend of the Roman imperial family he was awarded the privilege of appointing the Jewish high priest and also had been made the custodian of the temple treasury. Stan Toussaint AGRIPPA, BERNICE AND FESTUS

“I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.alive. Acts 25:16-19 Festus explain the events up to that point (25:14-21). It was a straightforward explanation, and it is interesting to note that he saw the resurrection of Jesus as a pivotal point in this case (25:19-20). Ajith Fernando AGRIPPA, BERNICE AND FESTUS I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” Acts 25:20-22 FESTUS AND AGRIPPA

The powerful and wise of the world may not know what to do with the gospel.

Acts 25:23-27 FESTUS AND AGRIPPA The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.” Acts 25:23-27 pomp, pageantry, show (φαντασία)

One lexicon defines this word as “a cheap display of high status” (Louw and Nida). Fernando states, “Luke’s expression ‘with great pomp’ may suggest the transitory character and vanity of all the outward show.” The contrast between the dazzling garb of the high and mighty and the humble clothes of the chained prisoner suddenly becomes meaningless, for Paul displays the quiet dignity of a man with a message. Simon Kistemaker PAUL'S PRESENTATION

Clearly present the news of Christ's redemptive work.

Acts 26:1-23 Having an appeal to Caesar, Paul was not actually required to defend himself before Agrippa. Nevertheless he seized upon the opportunity to witness to this Jewish king. Charles Ryrie Paul takes this hearing as an opportunity to explain the motivation for his life and ministry.

Darrell Bock PAUL'S PRESENTATION • Connection (Exordium) (26:1-3). • Proposition (Propositio) (26:4-8). • Your Story (Narratio) (26:9-18). • Appeal (Peroratio) (26:19-23). :1-23 PAUL'S PRESENTATION

• Respect your audience (26:1-3). • Keep the resurrection central (26:4-8). • Talk about your personal encounter with Christ (26:9-18). • Conclude with Christ's death and resurrection bringing light to everyone (26:19-23). Acts 26:1-23 RESPECT YOUR AUDIENCE Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. Acts 26:1-3 KEEP THE RESURRECTION CENTRAL The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? Acts 26:4-8 PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities. Acts 26:9-18 PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Acts 26:9-18 The expression "kick against the goads” pictures a herd of animals kicking the shepherds stick. Like the modern image of "banging your head against the wall,” it conveys the idea of futility and hurting yourself while resisting the inevitable.

Chuck Swindoll PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:9-18 CHRIST'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the deaddead,, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles. Acts 26:19-23 Further, as the gospel centered on Christ’s atonement, resurrection, and proclamation through his witnesses, the resurrection is seen to be indispensable. Paul kept on referring to it during his trials, not in order to provoke the Pharisees and Sadducees into argument, nor only to show that he was faithful to the Jewish tradition, but because the resurrection of Jesus was the beginning and pledge of the new creation, and so at the very heart of the gospel. John Stott Resurrection had nothing to do with Paul's defense, but it's central to the gospel. All of Christian theology hangs from this core issue. Chuck Swindoll As often in these Pauline defense speeches, it is the authority of Paul's claim for the risen Jesus and the salvation he brings that is at the center of the dispute. In Festus's internal report, Paul's innocence is again asserted with regard to Roman law. The central role of Jesus in the dispute is also clear. Darrell Bock PAUL AND AGRIPPA

Make your presentation of the gospel bold and personal.

Acts 26:24-29 PAUL AND AGRIPPA At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Acts 26:24-29 Had Paul been addressing Festus primarily, he would have presumably presented his words in a way that Festus would have understood. But here he is speaking to Agrippa, and Paul knows that the king understands what he is talking about. He is positive that Agrippa already knows many of the facts about Christianity because these things were "not done in a corner” (26:26). Ajith Fernando The true Jew must become a Christian in order to remain a Jew.

Hans Conzelmann PAUL AND AGRIPPA Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:24-29 Paul’s speech is too much for the practical Roman official, Festus, who knows little about the intricacies of Jewish theology. He recognizes that Paul is a learned man, but he cries out that his learning has driven him insane. Paul responds by affirming that what he says is both true and reasonable. Ajith Fernando . . . Festus expresses his admiration for the extent of Paul's knowledge, commenting on his "great learning” (26:24). This suggests that Paul has supported all of his statements with logic and scripture. Indeed, Paul affirmed,"I have declared words of truth and rationality” (26:25; my literal translation). Chuck Swindoll PAUL AND AGRIPPA Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:24-29 Even if it took a long time to win Agrippa to Christ, Paul was willing to take the time.

Stan Toussaint THE VERDICT

The gospel is true, though not everyone will accept it.

Acts 26:30-32 THE VERDICT The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Acts 26:30-32 LESSONS FOR WITNESSES

A committed witness shares the gospel with clarity and boldness regardless of the response. In sum, we see an overview of Paul's defense that also allows him to present the gospel. The personal nature of his testimony is an important element of his message. This is not an abstract presentation of theology; rather, it focuses attention on how Paul knows that God is at work in his life through the gospel. This personal element is a part of what makes testimonies to the gospel so powerful. Darrell Bock Paul the defendant teaches us that evangelism is not about results but about faithfully delivering the message.

Darrell Bock