NOTES ON ACTS OF THE APOSTLES- PART 94

                     June 26, 2005

  As Paul continues to speak before Agrippa and Felix, he now moves to discuss his post-conversion life.

Chap.26, verses 19-23- he declares that he responded in obedience to what he had been told in the appearance of Jesus.  The measure of the reality of Jesus as a Risen Savior was not something he could disregard; it was a transforming incident in his life.

  Paul then immediately moves to his ministry  “but showed first…”- the NKJV has “declared”, the NIV “preached”—the word (apeggellon) is in the imperfect tense meaning, repeatedly declared.  A contradiction has been imagined from

The remark “and throughout all the coasts [region] of Judea” which seems to contradict Gal.1:17-22; observe in vs.22, “unknown by face to the churches in Judea..”.  This may be resolved by understanding that Paul is not given a detailed itinerary of his travels, but only speaking in general terms of his ministry first to the Jew (Damascus, Jerusalam, Judea) and then the Gentiles.  He omits several things in this discourse before Agrippa and may rearrange his travels to fit his emphasis.

   “that they should repent, turn to God and do works meet for repentance”—repentance would be essential to Paul’s approach since the nation of Israel was under the probationary mercy of God before His discipline of them in 70 AD.  The theme of repentance occurs in 2:38, 3:19, matching the messages of John Baptist (Matt.3:1) and Jesus (Matt.4:17).  This repentance was preparatory for the expectation of the coming of the Kingdom of heaven and national conversion of Israel (Rom.11:26-27).  A similar message was given to the Gentiles- I Thess.1:9-10.  Repentance may be preparatory for a gospel-salvation or proof of having believed the gospel-salvation.  This does not change the fact that eternal life is given on the basis of believing- John 3:36,5:25, 6:35.

  It may be worth noting that before Agrippa (vs.3) Paul focuses on the portion of his message where he called for “works matching repentance” in order to show that he was only acting consistent with OT material and what Jews had required of Gentile converts.  “for these causes…” –Paul wants Agrippa to see the inconsistency of these Jewish leaders. 

  “I continue unto this day..”= the NKJV & NIV reading is preferred= “to this day I stand”- it denotes a theological position that Paul has taken.

“saying none other things…than the prophets and Moses did say…”

Paul presents his ministry as a development of OT material—

“that Christ would suffer..”- see 3:18; 7:52; 8:32-35; 13:29; 17:3.

“that he would be the first to rise from the dead”- 2:24,32; 3:15; 7:55-56;

10:40; 13:23,30; and 17:31.

“that he should show light unto the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles” – by this additional remark, Paul shows that his actions were part of this divine plan.

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Chap.26, verses 24-28- Festus now interrupts Paul with “a loud voice”-

Perhaps Festus has grown uncomfortable with references to someone rising from the dead and as host for Agrippa feels the need to stop further foolishness.

“You are going mad..”- use of linear present tense.  “mad” is maina from whence we get ‘mania’-

   Paul responds, “I am not made…speak words of truth and soberness.”

‘Soberness’ = sophrosune – with soundness of mind- also in I Tim.2:15.  No doubt Paul has a calm demeanor when he says this!

   Paul then asserts that the events surrounding Jesus were “not done in a corner” – this is an idiomatic phrase found in other Greek literature.  He then confronts Agrippa “do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”   This statement was a bold one by the prisoner and forces Agrippa to express himself.

   “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”- this line has become the source of both sermons and a hymn—but it is likely a poor translation of the language—the Gk. is ‘en oligo’  which means ‘in a little”—but a little what?

Probably it refers to time—Agrippa is saying ‘Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’ [NIV].  In fact, Paul’s response uses the same word [vs.29]- “I would wish to God even in a short time or in much, not only you, but all hearing me this day should become such as I am..”

Agrippa has skillfully dodged an affirmation or denial.

  Luke then tells us that in a private meeting, those listening to Paul conclude

(irregardless of whether he is mad) that he has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.  Then, they say that he would have been released had he not appealed to Caesar.