Tuesday: Before Agrippa
Festus agreed to grant Paul’s request to be sent to Rome (Acts 25:12). Meanwhile, the governor took advantage of a state visit by Herod Agrippa II to consult him concerning Paul’s case, in particular regarding what kind of information he should send to the emperor in his official report. Festus was not yet acquainted enough with Jewish affairs, and Agrippa could certainly help him (Acts 26:2-3).
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Read Acts 25:13-22. What did Festus tell Agrippa about Paul, and how did the king respond?
Agrippa II, the last of the Herodians, came to Caesarea with his sister Bernice to salute the new governor.
In his description of Paul’s case, Festus revealed his surprise that the charges against him were not related to any capital offense, whether political or criminal. Instead, they had to do with matters concerning Jewish religion, in particular a certain Jesus, “who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive” (Acts 25:19, ESV). Paul had already stated before the Sanhedrin that he was on trial because of his belief in Jesus’ resurrection, and now Festus made it clear that this was indeed the real point at issue.
Read Acts 25:23-27. How does Luke describe the ceremony in which Paul appeared before Agrippa?
“And now Paul, still manacled, stood before the assembled company. What a contrast was here presented! Agrippa and Bernice possessed power and position, and because of this they were favored by the world. But they were destitute of the traits of character that God esteems. They were transgressors of His law, corrupt in heart and life. Their course of action was abhorred by heaven.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 434.
| What should this story teach us about how outward appearances, which may be pleasing to human sight, can often be deceptive about the reality behind the appearance? What about ourselves, too? How different is the appearance from the reality? |
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Being of good appearance is not a problem, using decent clothes or being well dressed and combed is certainly a matter of good education. The problem is when this outward fit becomes more important than what's inside of us, in the heart! How much time do we spend straightening our look in front of the mirror in comparison with studying the Bible and trying to be fit in God's sight? The mirror of the heart is God's message for us, and only His love can change us to a beautiful state while we admire His character. Thanks be to Him who looks through us and sees such a quality that moved Him give His only Son's life for His creatures! Even though we really have nothing too good to offer back.
Agrippa’s curiosity meant that Paul would have another opportunity to speak God’s truth to a Gentile ruler.
So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.
What a great opportunity for Paul to proclaim the gospel once again to a captive audience.
Are you bound for Christ? If you are bound by Christ even in chains God is in the business of reaching others with the gospel.
“Brethren, this is why we must keep on preaching Jesus Christ, because he is still so little known. The masses of this city are as ignorant of Jesus as Festus was.” (Spurgeon)
Here are some thoughts on the conversation Paul and Agrippa had. https://ssnet.org/blog/i-dont-need-what-the-world-has-the-world-needs-what-i-have/
Paul appeared to be less of a human being before the entourage (Agrippa, Festus, the chief captains and Bernice with great pomp, Acts 25:23) laborately clothed in dignitaries apparel. I can imagine seeing him in his unsightly prison clothes before the dignitaries. What a contrast!! Nevertheless, Paul felt like a child of the King, who is rich in houses and lands and holds the wealth of this world; all he wanted was to give them the heavenly riches that he possessed. Haven't you been in the presence of people who thought that you looked so humble and deprived of this world's goods, that they seem to be of more value than you? What a lesson from Paul! God's children are rich with Godliness, we have much to distribute to the poor in righteousness.
Remember the poor servant girl in the house of Naaman, she introduce3d him to the prophet Elijah, and he was cured of an incurable disease!!
While some will live to obtain the heavenly home with Christ and “all them which are sanctified”, most live and work to make this sinful world their “heaven”. The world acknowledges those who have attained power, influence, means, and the honor of others, while those who seem poor in this world's goods, though rich towards God, are thought of as inferior and of no real worth. However, a day approaches with great haste that will reverse this perception of true worth once and for all. Only the gospel can give anyone this correct understanding in this life.