They Made A Decision

Acts 26:24-27:8

Several years ago, The Sword of the Lord sponsored a soul winning sermon contest. The focus was on the presentation of Christ in a way that would elicit a response from people. By the criteria used, Paul did not preach much of a message here, but the Holy Spirit used it in the lives of both Festus and Agrippa.

“And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” (Acts 26:24)

Having little or no understanding of the historical facts or philosophical background, Festus rejected the entire message out of ignorance as the thoughts of a person who has obsessed with something so long he’s unable to consider anything else.

“But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.” (Acts 26:25-26)

Agrippa’s father and grandfather had been king during Christ’s ministry and the development of the church. They practiced the Jewish religion to some degree, and thus knew the basis for what Paul was saying. As a result, unlike Festus, he was prepared to make a valid judgment, and Paul addressed him directly.

“King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” (Acts 26:27)

Knowing Agrippa’s belief, Paul has reminded him of the events surrounding Christ’s life and death. Now he invites him to compare these events with the prophecy.

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28)

When he compares the prophecy with the facts of Jesus’ life, Agrippa recognizes intellectually that Jesus must be the Messiah, but he is unwilling to commit himself to Christ for what ever reason. Paul didn’t spend a lot of time trying to get him to reconsider. Like Festus, Agrippa had decided not to believe.

“And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:29)

Both Agrippa and Festus could change their decision, but it would have to be their decision, despite Paul’s desire for them. He respected the decision and didn’t try to make them change their mind, even though he disagreed. If you’ve ever had a salesperson try to make you buy after you decided not to, you know how disrespectful and insulting such efforts are. They are not the result of spiritual leading, but of a refusal to accept the person’s decision.

“And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” (Acts 26:30-32)

After considering what Paul was teaching, the entire assembly agreed that whether one believed what Paul said or not, it did not violate either Jewish or Roman law, even as stirring up conflict. Legally, there was no grounds for holding Paul, and he had been imprisoned illegally for two years. Because of his appeal to Caesar, however, they could not just drop the matter, as Paul had unquestionably been done wrong. God used the imprisonment and Paul’s appeal to protect him from the Jewish conspiracy. As Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

“And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.” (Acts 27:1-3)

Acting on their conclusions, Paul was shipped to Rome. Knowing he had been illegally imprisoned, he was given a great deal of freedom, and allowed the company of his friends.

“And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.” (Acts 27:4-8)

Early ship and sail designs made sailing against the wind difficult, and the Journey took a great deal longer than usual, forcing repeated stops along the way.