Honor Where Honor is Due

God Instructs the People of God

God's People Learn from Prosperity:

God's Promises Fulfilled

  Acts 26:1-7 (The Message)

"I Couldn't Just Walk Away"

 ^1-3Agrippa spoke directly to Paul: "Go ahead—tell us about yourself." Paul took the stand and told his story. "I can't think of anyone, King Agrippa, before whom I'd rather be answering all these Jewish accusations than you, knowing how well you are acquainted with Jewish ways and all our family quarrels. ^4-8"From the time of my youth, my life has been lived among my own people in Jerusalem. Practically every Jew in town who watched me grow up—and if they were willing to stick their necks out they'd tell you in person—knows that I lived as a strict Pharisee, the most demanding branch of our religion. It's because I believed it and took it seriously, committed myself heart and soul to what God promised my ancestors—the identical hope, mind you, that the twelve tribes have lived for night and day all these centuries—it's because I have held on to this tested and tried hope that I'm being called on the carpet by the Jews. They should be the ones standing trial here, not me! For the life of me, I can't see why it's a criminal offense to believe that God raises the dead.

For Reflection
Paul approached this inquisition as one expecting to be patiently heard as a guest in the household of a Jew.  Agrippa, knowing much of Jewish custom and faith asked for rational argument that could lead to his conversion. Paul, in spite of a long imprisonment for his preaching, spoke without fear,  without bitterness, without anger.  He spoke in defense of his God and his faith.


He begins by honoring the authority of his captor, complementing him on his understanding of the Jewish culture in a way that will guide his understanding of what Paul is about to say.  He then aligns himself with the core of Jewish faith and their hope for salvation.  Paul thus begins his story of how God fulfills his promises. 

Suffering as Paul did could you be as cool and rational under pressure?  How might you speak of how God fulfilled his promises in you life?

Pray
that you remain calm and hopeful in times when your faith is challenged.  Pray for the wisdom to speak of your faith rationally in ways that honor your listener and bring him closer to God.