The Gospel for All
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.” Acts 26:1-3
Agrippa II, known as Marcus Julius Agrippa II son of Agrippa the Great or Herod Agrippa and great grandson of Herod the Great (mentioned in the birth of Christ (Matthew 2) Agrippa had both a Jewish and Roman identity which enabled him to intercede on behalf of the Jews with the Roman authorities and gave some Jews a hope for the restoration of an independent Jewish kingdom.
Paul is giving his salvation testimony but he is also legally testifying to the most important leader in Judea along with other leaders and dignitaries. Paul is in the prime of his ministerial life (in his 60's), and carries within him the spiritual DNA of the New Testament Church. Sometimes it's hard to understand why God would choose to imprison such a prolific church planter, worker of miracles, mentor to leaders, brilliant theologian, and arguably one of the greatest men who ever lived. The Roman legal process became Paul's platform to preach the gospel to the Elite, their administration and their military. Acts 26 captures a poignant example of preaching the gospel to Jewish and Roman leaders, and describes the legal means to reach the Emperor himself. As much as the gospel is to the poor (Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:5, Luke 6:20), God cares about the wealthy and ruling class.
Not many of the elite are able to humble themselves in order to receive Jesus as Savior (1 Corinthians 1:26-30), but the Lord has chosen that the gospel be preached to everyone regardless of their receptivity to demonstrate his mercy and justice. The Bible does record the Lord calling the Elect from amongst the elite. Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin (Matthew 15:43) who provided Jesus' burial tomb. Zacchaeus, the tax collector repented and made restitution after encountering Jesus (Luke 19:1-10). Lydia, a wealthy seller of purple goods, was noted for her faith and hospitality towards the early church in her large home (Acts 16:14-40). And there are others. Paul's legal troubles provided an all-expenses paid trip to Rome while preaching the gospel to leaders and dignitaries that he would not otherwise be able to reach. Prison also required Paul to write lengthy letters to churches and leaders he was mentoring which is why we have two-thirds of the New Testament Bible. May we see every occasion, good and bad, as an opportunity to give glory to God that some might be saved.
Agrippa II, known as Marcus Julius Agrippa II son of Agrippa the Great or Herod Agrippa and great grandson of Herod the Great (mentioned in the birth of Christ (Matthew 2) Agrippa had both a Jewish and Roman identity which enabled him to intercede on behalf of the Jews with the Roman authorities and gave some Jews a hope for the restoration of an independent Jewish kingdom.
Paul is giving his salvation testimony but he is also legally testifying to the most important leader in Judea along with other leaders and dignitaries. Paul is in the prime of his ministerial life (in his 60's), and carries within him the spiritual DNA of the New Testament Church. Sometimes it's hard to understand why God would choose to imprison such a prolific church planter, worker of miracles, mentor to leaders, brilliant theologian, and arguably one of the greatest men who ever lived. The Roman legal process became Paul's platform to preach the gospel to the Elite, their administration and their military. Acts 26 captures a poignant example of preaching the gospel to Jewish and Roman leaders, and describes the legal means to reach the Emperor himself. As much as the gospel is to the poor (Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:5, Luke 6:20), God cares about the wealthy and ruling class.
Not many of the elite are able to humble themselves in order to receive Jesus as Savior (1 Corinthians 1:26-30), but the Lord has chosen that the gospel be preached to everyone regardless of their receptivity to demonstrate his mercy and justice. The Bible does record the Lord calling the Elect from amongst the elite. Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin (Matthew 15:43) who provided Jesus' burial tomb. Zacchaeus, the tax collector repented and made restitution after encountering Jesus (Luke 19:1-10). Lydia, a wealthy seller of purple goods, was noted for her faith and hospitality towards the early church in her large home (Acts 16:14-40). And there are others. Paul's legal troubles provided an all-expenses paid trip to Rome while preaching the gospel to leaders and dignitaries that he would not otherwise be able to reach. Prison also required Paul to write lengthy letters to churches and leaders he was mentoring which is why we have two-thirds of the New Testament Bible. May we see every occasion, good and bad, as an opportunity to give glory to God that some might be saved.
Posted in 1 2 Corinthians, Acts, Luke, Matthew
Posted in The Gospel, Salvation, Evangelism, Persecution, Sovereignty of God
Posted in The Gospel, Salvation, Evangelism, Persecution, Sovereignty of God