The Pilgrim Path---Acts 26: 24 – 32

And as he (Paul) 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 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.”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.”

“…I AM SPEAKING TRUE AND RATIONAL WORDS”

Paul is concerned for the eternal well-being of these influential hearers. This is probably his only extended opportunity to talk with them about the reality of the Gospel. He presses them. This man--- who believes in sovereign election. This man--- who tells us God will have mercy upon whom He will have mercy---He presses his hearers to “believe” in the Son of God. He understands that many people need to be urged---once they have heard The Message.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might be become the righteousness of God.” Second Corinthians 5: 20, 21.

The soul-conscious minister Robert Murray McCheyne, used to tell his hearers that they could not be certain that they would have any other day---than “that” day---To be reconciled to God through Jesus the Son. His exhortation was, “Go to Jesus in faith now---flee your sins! Go to Jesus in brokenness today. I dare any minister in Scotland to tell you that you may count on tomorrow…Eternity is close! Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation…” Many Puritans had this idea about evangelism: you could tell unconverted hearers that God was “yet” gracious toward them---because they were “not” in Hell. What they needed to do---was repent of their sins and trust God’s Son as the Only Savior of Sinners!

King Agrippa does not answer Paul’s question about believing the prophets. Too much for him. He adjourns the meeting. He and the governor agree that the Apostle could have been released---“had he not appealed to Caesar.” Of course, the LORD of Glory had an altogether different plan for Paul and His Church. Reminding me of a brief quote in The Shepherd of Hermas (A. D. 140—154), “the world exists for the Church…” We get confused and “think” the world is running everything---not so. King Jesus is mastering “all” for the ultimate benefit of HIS Father and HIS Bride…Thanks be to God!

From John Duncan: Man cannot be indifferent---either evil or good, either unholiness or holiness, either pollution…or sanctification.

From St. John Chrysostom: To acknowledge Christ in words alone, therefore, while in our works we defy Him, is both pointless and destructive. Consequently, I plead with you: let us acknowledge Christ in our deeds! Then He will also acknowledge us on the last day, when---in the presence of His Father---He will acknowledge those who are praiseworthy in Christ Jesus our Lord, through whom and with whom be glory to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason