By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
RESPOND
Acts 26:19–29
A Changed Life (19–23)
In this passage Luke recounts Paul’s legal situation. Paul was accused of being a troublemaker, of being a part of the Nazarene sect and trying to desecrate the temple.
By chapter 26, the Roman governor Festus is the one hearing the trial. Being a Roman, Festus didn’t understand why Paul was being detained because the issue was one of Jewish religion pertaining to the resurrection of Jesus and not one of Roman civil law. So Festus presented the case to King Agrippa, who was Jewish.
In response, Paul recounted his testimony to show how he had previously lived his life as a devout Pharisee, only to be confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus. The experience had a profound impact on how Paul began to live his life, showing the marked change the gospel brings.
In his trial, Paul had such confidence in God’s plan for him that his circumstances were not important to him. For Christians today, when we are faced with trials and tribulations, do we have enough faith in God’s plan for our lives that we can be content with our circumstances?
It is so easy for us to look at our circumstances, the issues in our communities, the problems in our country and the concerns about the world in general that it is easy to lose hope.
This is why both Jesus and Paul tell us not to focus on these things. (See John 16:33 and 2 Cor. 4:16–18.) Our confidence in God’s plan for us should help us to live with contentment in spite of the chaos of the world around us.
Opposition (24–26)
After Paul presented his salvation experience and his actions in sharing the gospel, Festus interjected that Paul was out of his mind.
We should expect opposition when we present the gospel to the world, but it should not cause us to lose heart or become frustrated. How we respond to opposition is a form of evangelism.
Christians should be kind in the midst of persecution to the point of actually forgiving those who persecute us. This type of behavior is so counter to what the culture expects that these actions can move people to an acceptance of the gospel.
The Ask (27–29)
Paul then turns the questioning back on Agrippa about believing the prophets. Paul knew that Agrippa was Jewish and thus would believe the Old Testament, so Paul is trying to convince Agrippa of the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ.
This is a good model for us to follow. It is important for Christians to know the worldview and beliefs of our audience so that we can try to find common ideas to help in sharing the
gospel.
When Agrippa refused the gospel, Paul said he would pray that one day all who were there with them would accept the gospel. Instead of Paul trying harder to convince them or giving up or even getting angry, Paul keeps his poise and acts positively toward his hearers.
It is a good lesson for us today. Instead of becoming flustered or upset over opposition we face, we should remain kind toward the individuals.
One of the marks of a Christian is how we treat others and how we live, and when people can see how different Christians are from the world around them, it makes a compelling case for the gospel.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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