Acts 26:24-32

                                                             Acts 26:24-32

And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.  For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”  And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.  And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

There are many different ways that people respond to the Gospel.  These responses are helpful to know as we share our faith.  However, our motivation to testify to what God has done in our lives should never depend on the response of others.  We should also be aware that we respond in different ways to what we read in the Scriptures or hear in a message.  While the responses of others should not bother us, our responses are of vital importance.  Be prepared for how others might respond and be ready to respond correctly.

 

THE CRAZY RESPONSE: When we begin to share about Christ with others, there are many who will consider us to be crazy.  The idea of an all-powerful transcendent God who loves us enough to send His Son to die in our place and then raise Him from the dead and promise to raise those who believe from the dead to live eternally with Him sounds ludicrous to many.  Festus clearly picked up on the fact that Paul was testifying with an intention to convince them to trust Christ as well.  This seemed crazy to him.  Since most of us don’t like being called crazy, this response can discourage us from sharing our faith.  We need to be prepared for this response and not allow it to prevent us from being faithful.

 

THE DELAY RESPONSE: Paul forged on and doubled down.  He not only defended himself from the accusation of being crazy, but he addressed Agrippa directly and tried to convince him that the prophets had foretold the coming of Jesus in hopes that he would believe.  Agrippa responded with a very typical tactic which is simply to delay.  The understand enough not to respond negatively or to outright reject the message, but they are not willing to commit to Christ.  As we taught our kids, to delay is to disobey.  The only proper response to the Gospel is faith and obedience.  This is an important truth for us to remember as we study God’s Word.  When we are convicted something, we are expected to take immediate action.

 

THE FRIENDLY RESPONSE: Agrippa and Festus meet to discuss what they have heard from Paul.  Their conclusion is that Paul could be set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.  This is now the fourth time that Paul has been declared innocent, yet he remains imprisoned.  There are many who will respond to the Gospel and those who preach it in a friendly manner.  They admire what they have heard and treat the preacher with respect and admiration.  What they don’t do is repent and turn to Christ.  This is perhaps the most common response we have to reading God’s Word.  We accept it as true.  Agree with all we have learned.  Are moved by the teaching.  However, we do not change or do what we know is right.  Beware of the friendly response because it might feel right but continues to be a wrong response.

 

APPLICATION: As we share Christ with others, we must be prepared for a variety of responses that will be difficult and discouraging.  We must continue to be faithful.  When we are confronted by God’s Word we must repent and obey without delay even when it sounds crazy.

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