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PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 14, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 40.

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PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA.

[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]

Lesson Scripture, Acts 26: 19-32.

19. Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20. But declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
21. For this cause the Jews seized me in the temple, and assayed to kill me.
22. Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23. How that the Christ must suffer, and how that he by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.
24. And as he thus made his defense, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning doth turn thee to madness.
25. But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.
26. For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner.
27. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28. And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.
29. And Paul said, I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds.
30. And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them;
31. And when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32. And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
Golden Text.—"Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." 1 Cor. 1: 24.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

1. Mention the most important intervening events between this and the last lesson. Note 1.
2. Give the summary of the first part of Paul's speech before Agrippa. Acts 26: 1-18. Note 2.
3. How did Paul regard this vision of the Lord and its instructions? Verse 19.
4. What did he say of his work? Verse 20.
5. What did this preaching of Christ cause? Verse 21.
6. Who helped him in this preaching? Verse 22.
7. What only did he preach? Verses 22, 23.
8. What was proclaimed by the resurrection of Christ? Note 3.
9. What did his noble defense lead Festus to think? Verse 24.
10. What was Paul's reply? Verse 25.
11. To whom did he appeal as to the facts concerning Christ? Verse 26.
12. With what earnest appeal did he turn to Agrippa? Verse 27.
13. What did Agrippa reply? Verse 28.
14. What earnest wish did Paul express? Verse 29.
15. To what conclusion did Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice come? Verses 30-32.
16. Who was ever the defense of Paul and the subject of his preaching? Golden text. Note 4.

NOTES.

1. For two years Paul remained a prisoner at Caesarea, but was allowed large liberty. Acts 24: 27. When Festus, the new governor of Judea, came to succeed Felix, the Jews renewed their complaint against Paul, and asked that he might be sent to Jerusalem, which request was refused. At Caesarea Festus heard their charges, which they could not prove; but Festus, anxious to please the Jews, asked Paul if he were willing to go to Jerusalem, whereupon Paul appealed unto Caesar, knowing that he would have no justice among the Jews. Festus after some time brings Paul before Herod Agrippa II., king of the country east of the Jordan, and Bernice, who was both his sister and mistress, that he might better know what he should say to Nero when Paul was sent to him. Chapter 25. Before these Paul was permitted to defend himself by preaching Christ.
2. In his wonderful defense before Agrippa Paul first expresses his thankfulness that he is permitted to speak before one who is acquainted with the customs of the Jews (chapter 26: 1-3); he next speaks of his manner of life, of the sect of the Pharisees (verses 4, 5); and then of the hope of the fathers, the resurrection of the dead (verses 6-8); of his own former position and work toward Jesus and his disciples, even to persecution (verses 9-11); of his journey to Damascus bent on this very object (verse 12); of how the Lord appeared to him in the way, arrested his work, and told him that he was chosen as a minister and witness of Christ to the Gentiles, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they might be saved (verses 13-18). Here begins our lesson scripture.
3. By the resurrection of the dead.—By the resurrection of the dead Christ proclaimed the absolute victory over death, and hence over sin, the cause of death. His resurrection was a pledge of all other resurrections. His resurrection to immortality was a pledge of the resurrection to immortality of all who will put their trust in him.
4. Christ.—When Paul was brought before courts for trial, he preached Christ; when speaking to defend himself, he gave his own experience; when accused, he simply told the story of the cross. What better defense did he want? Did not Christ promise words for such an occasion? Did he not promise to be with his people always, even to the end of the age? Could we ask for a better defense? Paul and Christ were more than all earthly courts.