Sunday Morning Service

Acts 25-Acts 26 (Click scripture reference for audio access)

"Close But No Cigar!"  •  1.29.12  •  Sunday Morning Service, Calvary Christian Fellowship

Intro.

- Felix spent two years with Paul, hoping for a bribe, and raising his cruel profile. History tells us that the slave turned procurator was finally recalled to Rome and replaced with Festus.

- Portius Festus was everything that Felix was not. He was a 70 year old man, who came from noble stock, with a good reputation. Little else is known of him, because he dies two years in.

- Festus was brought in to clean up Felix' mess and it's doubtful that he could have known what a mess he inherited in the case of this man named Paul.

Text

•  Acts 25:1-5 : "Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. 'Therefore,' he said, 'let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.'"  : Festus began his work as governor by taking a tour of his territory. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, the High priest and his chief men "informed" him against Paul.

- History tells us that at this time a man named Ishmael had become the High Priest in Jerusalem. It's a different High Priest, but the same murderous agenda concerning Paul.

- The word "informed" means that they continually laid out their exhibits regarding Paul and sought to have Paul transferred back to Jerusalem.

- The word "petitioned" seems to indicate a willingness to take advantage of his being there, and to simply take care of the matter with all of them there. "Just send for Paul and it's over!"

- Their mind was fixed on killing Paul in an ambush and kept seeking an opportunity for that to take place. Festus however, would have none of it. "Come on over to Caesarea and accuse him!"

- It's not likely that Festus knew. He had plans and was probably just going by the book.

•  Acts 25:6-12 : "And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, while he answered for himself, 'Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.' But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, 'Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?' So Paul said, 'I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.' Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, 'You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!'"  : The representatives of the Sanhedrin brought the same futile case that Tertullus had presented 2 years and 2 weeks earlier! The same case that Felix heard, Festus heard.

- They complained against Paul but had the same problem that they had the first time: They could prove none of their claims!  Paul had done nothing against the law, the temple or Caesar!

- Festus, trying to garner favor with the Jews asked Paul about his willingness to go back to Jerusalem to face his accusers before Felix. Paul would have none of it!

- He speaks candidly regarding his case and with little progress made, Paul invoked his Roman right of direct appeal to Caesar, the Supreme Court of this land.

- Festus agreed to the transfer but now has the problem of presenting a clear case.

•  Acts 25:13 : "And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus." :  Festus has made his pronouncement regarding Paul when he gets a visit from King Agrippa II, the 7th and final Herod and his companion Bernice.

- After his Agrippa I's death, Agrippa II, educated in the court of the Roman emperor at his time, stayed in Rome and sought to raise Jewish support for the Emperor.

- He stayed there in Rome until another Herod died, vacating his territory, which was then given to Agrippa II. According to history, he was one of the youngest of the Herods to rule.

- His companion was Bernice, the older sister of Felix' wife Drusilla, meaning that she was the daughter of Agrippa I, the half-sister of Agrippa II! This "couple" came to Caesarea to greet Festus.

•  Acts 25:14-22 : "When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: 'There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.' Then Agrippa said to Festus, 'I also would like to hear the man myself.' 'Tomorrow,' he said, 'you shall hear him.'" : Luke continues to drive the point home that Paul was viewed by those in power as an innocent man. "The accusers brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed."

- The language indicates that Festus was led to believe that their case was solid! However, Claudius Lysias, Felix and Festus all agree that Paul was without blame and should have been let go.

- In the background, without being mentioned, God tips His hat and believers know that in the confusion and chaos, God is sovereign still! God is allowing His man to testify of Him in safety.

- For Agrippa's part his request indicates that he had wanted to hear Paul for some time. He was going to get his wish.

•  Acts 25:23-27 : "So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. And Festus said: 'King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.'" : The occasion was a moment to hear Paul the prisoner, but Agrippa and Bernice made a huge show of their presence!

- The word "pomp" comes from the word "fantasia!" All of the important people were there.

- Did they have any idea of what they were being set up for? What could be so great about this prisoner? Why would Agrippa and Bernice want to hear them? If there's no case, why are we here?

- Nobody would have been able to convince this royal crowd that this prisoner would have been writing books at that time that would shape the lives of innumerable Christians for centuries!

- In their minds, they are just trying to determine what charges would stick to Paul's case.

•  Acts 26:1-8 : "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You are permitted to speak for yourself.' So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 'I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. 'My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?" : Paul, even in chains, relishes the thought of having an audience to preach to! He was one to always exploit every opportunity.

- King Agrippa was "expert" or a connoisseur with regard to the customs and questions of the Jews. A connoisseur is a sampler. He enjoys the process as much as the product.

- He loves to say that he knows about such and such a thing. Agrippa II had taken the time to sample the religion of his Kingdom. Agrippa was a connoisseur. Paul was the artist!

- Paul from his youth took Judaism to heart and made it his life. He was committed to the strict ways of the Pharisee and lived in such a way as to stand now before them for what he believed!

- Paul simply believed what the Pharisees claimed to believe about God's Word!

- It's not strange to think that God raises the dead, is it Agrippa? You've heard that that's what we believe right? You know the power of God is unlimited. Why would resurrection be a problem?

- Truly, if God is the God that the Old Testament proclaims, resurrection of the dead is easy!

•  Acts 26:9-18 : "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 'While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’" : You and I have heard this story two other times. Paul's campaign was brutal against the church, compelling men to blaspheme God and casting votes against them. He was a serious persecutor!

- Imagine though, the attention that Festus, Agrippa and Bernice gave. They are looking at this man in wonder: How could this man have ever done that?

- What a tremendous change? What could affect that in a person's life? Do you know when you share your testimony, that is the exact sentiment? Incredulity! It's not possible!

- Then like Paul, you tell of God's intervention. Festus and Agrippa looked at each other, having seen hundreds of people and listened to the tallest tales. They knew Paul was authentic.

- God met with Paul and dropped him to his feet and then God spoke to him, telling Him of what He was going to do with him. They got to the edge of their seats. What did God say to him?

- Listen to this commission. It was given specifically to Paul by God, but is applicable to every believer. God sends Paul to open their eyes in order to turn them from darkness to light.

- In sharing the gospel, God is the one who opens eyes, but it is men who must willingly turn!

- The metaphor is one of enlightenment. "Have you ever seen things this way?" This is what you do when you open a conversation with another person, opening their eyes to the truth of God.

- Implicit in that is the understanding that this person has in comprehending their true state without Christ. A person apart from Christ is blind AND in darkness!

- They do not need to be a Satanist to be under his control, as Satan desires only that a person NOT commit themselves to the Lord, therefore, any allegiance other than Christ will do!

- Satan loves religion, so long as Christ is not exalted! Satan loves good works, so long as they are divorced from faith in Christ and are used as leverage toward God!

- The ultimate purpose of the gospel, the greatest deliverance then, is the forgiveness of man's sins. Paul's commission and ours will lead people to the forgiveness of sins.

- God is offering your family member, your friends, your neighbors a pardon from the sins that, if left to their account, would separate them from God's heaven forever!

- Christianity is not a better life or life upgrade. Christianity is an all expenses paid trip to heaven! Your burden, your guilt is washed away in the blood of Jesus Christ!

- God has wiped out your debt in forgiveness, but he has not left you a pauper. He has given you an inheritance in Him! Jesus gets us, the church as a bride, and we get Him!

•  Acts 26:19-23 : "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.'" : Paul's discourse is perfect. "KIng Agrippa, what would you do? Would you disobey God? I just did what He said!"

- Where did Paul begin? Right in Damascus. Then he went to Arabia and came back to Jerusalem. Before he was through, he had witnessed in Judea and then to the Gentiles.

- He tells Agrippa and Bernice, "Listen, I was just telling them to repent, turn from sin and turn to God! Then, do things that prove what you believe!" Simple right? You guys understand?

- God was with Paul every step of the way, even though the Jews had tried their best to eliminate him!

- The Bible in the Old Testament says that Jesus Christ would suffer. He did, dying on the cross. He would be the first to rise from the dead. He did. "I met Him!" He would proclaim light to all!

•  Acts 26:24-27 : "Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, 'Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!' But he said, 'I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.'" : Festus could not believe Paul's defense. He was not versed in things of scripture. He simply yells out in an exasperated tone, "Your a raving lunatic Paul!"

- Paul's cell was littered with parchments. Festus thought that he had blown a head gasket, but this was not the case. Paul is speaking the truth and reason! Faith is never unreasonable!

- Your belief in Jesus, while you may or may not have all the answers, is based entirely in truth and reason. The burden to prove that is not on you, it's on them!

- Festus was far from the religion of the Jews. Perhaps this was his first full understanding of the claims of Christianity, but not Agrippa! Agrippa had much more at stake.

- He was trapped. He had to believe the prophets to some degree, as his relationship with his Jewish consituency made at least that concession a necessity.

- When Paul was done, he looked in Agrippa's eyes and he knew that Agrippa was there.

•  Acts 26:28-32 : "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You almost persuade me to become a Christian.' And Paul said, 'I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.' When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, 'This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.' Then Agrippa said to Festus, 'This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.'" : Agrippa, I'm convinced, swallowed, looked around and uttered this statement. "You almost persuade me to become a Christian!"

- Many believe that the sense of this statement could read like this: "In such a short time, do you believe that you can convert me?" Either way, Agrippa knew he was the target!

- Paul's testimony was more than a legal formality. He was calling Agrippa personally to receive Christ, to become something that he was not, a Christian.

- Agrippa heard all of the gospel, but was only "almost" a Christian. Somebody who is almost a Christian almost gets to go to heaven!

- Make no mistake about it: Paul's agenda was to expose his audience to the claims of Christ and to call them to repentance. Every Christian worth anything resonates with Paul.

- I want everyone to have what I have! I want everyone to have peace and confidence and joy and forgiveness! Is that what you want? Well, it was not what they wanted.

- The delegation got up, Agrippa first, then Festus and then Bernice and walked out. They walked away from the offer of eternal life.

- It was agreed between them all that Paul was innocent, but instead of dealing with the religious faction, they appealed to Paul's appeal to Caesar. Paul was now Caesar's problem.

Conclusion

- This section communicates the following messages that we need to leave with. First, God is concerned with the souls of all men and women. Rich, poor, famous, infamous and obscure.

- He loves them enough to strand you, plant you, and inconvenience you near them!

- Second, Paul's concern was to turn every opportunity into a moment of loving confrontation. "I would to God that you would be such as I am!"

- Finally, we'll note that whatever concerned Festus, Agrippa and Bernice, that concern did not lead to their conversion. However close they were, they were not close enough!

- I pray that we imitate God and Paul's concern and not almost obey His command!