v.1-7
8-11
Paul's wrongful mind and wrongful passion determined his wrong action.
Acts 26:9 (NET 2nd ed.): Of course, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene
Acts 26:11 (NET 2nd ed.): Because I was so furiously enraged at them
Pray that God will prevent me to have the wrong kind of determination (being convinced in falsehood and therefore have the wrong passion.
12-27
Wed's answer v.18
to be sent to open thier eyes. What do we usually describ this work? Evangelize (coverting other people to become a Christian)
What are the results when people's eyes are open?
turn from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God
What do we usually called these people? salvation, saved
What will happen when people are saved? 1. receive forgiveness of sins 2. receive a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ.
What do believe receive when they are sanctified by faith (positionally set apart to God by His redeeming work)?
In your own word what will happen when Paul was sent?
how do you describe the work of Paul?
What do this tell you about the importance of obedience of being sent?
What does God send you to do?
When Paul was in defense in front of K Agrippa, after he explained why he was caught, what was he trying to do in v.12-23? Salvation testimony
What did he try to do in v.27? “Do you believe the prophets?” Note how Paul made the issue believing the OT prophets and God’s promise which God fulfilled in Christ. He was pushing King Agrippa toward a decision not for or against Paul’s guilt of any crime, but concerning Paul’s message.
What is central in Paul's life?
How about us?
24-32
1. Paul's suffering was unjust and Paul knew about that.
29 Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.”
NET The chains represented Paul’s unjust suffering for the sake of the message. His point was, in effect, “I do not care how long it takes. I only hope you and everyone else hearing this would become believers in Christ, but without my unjust suffering.”
32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
NET Ultimately Agrippa and Festus blamed what Paul himself had done in appealing to Caesar for his own continued custody. In terms of Luke’s narrative, this still appears unjust and a denial of responsibility.
2. Instead of being distracted from the injustice, Paul focused on preaching the Gospel. He turned the trial into a preaching and turned the king into one being questioned.
27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?”
NET The question “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?” was probably a ploy on Agrippa’s part to deflect Paul from his call for a decision. Note also how the tables have turned: Agrippa was brought in to hear Paul’s defense, and now ends up defending himself. The questioner is now being questioned.
Reflection: What can I learn from Paul by not focusing on my own suffering and focus on the Gospel?
28:16-31
Repeated phrase: the kingdom of God and the teaching of Jesus v.31, the kingdom of God and Jesus v.23, the hope of Israel v.20
(BKC) This term and concept was used by Paul a number of times in the last part of Acts (cf. 23:6; 24:15; 26:6–7). The hope of Israel was more than a resurrection; it meant fulfillment of the Old Testament promises to Israel (cf. 26:6–7). Paul firmly believed Jesus is the Messiah of Israel who will return someday and establish Himself as the King of Israel and Lord of the nations (cf. 1:6).
The ending of the book:
30 Paul lived there two whole years in his own rented quarters and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete boldness and without restriction.
NET Once again Paul’s imprisonment is on benevolent terms. The word of God is proclaimed triumphantly and boldly in Rome. Acts ends with this note: Despite all the attempts to stop it, the message goes forth.
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