Acts 25 - 26

I Obeyed That Vision

Paul testifies before Festus, the governor who replaced Felix, and King Agrippa (Herod the Great's grandson) in the two chapters today. With Festus, he recounts how the accusations of the religious leaders are without any basis and ought to be summarily dismissed.  Festus, though, was concerned about what the Jews thought of him and asked Paul to stand trial in Jerusalem.  Paul, knowing this meant his death for no good reason, refused and appealed his case to Rome. Paul knew that he had a better chance of receiving a fair trial before the secular government of Rome instead of the religious leaders of Jerusalem. He also knew that once he was out of control of the Romans, he would be killed, thus his appeal.

King Agrippa and his wife, Bernice, visited Caesarea and Festus and wanted to hear Paul testify in his defense. While before Agrippa, Paul (who knew Agrippa was familiar with the religious ways of the Jews and was aware of the Christian movement) recounts his experience with the pillar of fire on the road to Damascus. The was the seminal experience in Paul's life, the experience to which he always returned when testifying. He explains the events of that day and how the Lord told him personally that he was to witness the good things of God to the Jews and Gentiles.  In 26:19, Paul makes his famous confession, "And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven." In the King James version it is worded, "Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision."

When our reading journey takes us to the Epistles (week 38) we will see that Paul remained true to his promise and obeyed the Lord in all things.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.