Daily Bible Study

Tweet

Day 108 Acts 26:1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So, Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself, 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa because today I will answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which the Jews accuse me, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee. 6 Now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, the Jews accuse me. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? 9 Indeed, I thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 12 While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 When we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ 19 Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and the Gentiles.” Many people have stood before a judge and given testimony about what took place. Perhaps you have done so. After the judge heard your testimony about the facts, he or she decided regarding your case. Paul had been accused by the Jews of causing an insurrection against the Jews regarding the Law of Moses. When they tried to kill him, the Roman soldiers rescued him. When they found out he was a Roman, they sent him to Governor Felix in Caesarea to stand before him and give testimony about the charges brought against him. Felix left Paul in prison for two years before Festus replaced him. Festus couldn’t find a reason to hold him and suggested he go back to his accusers in Jerusalem. Paul then appealed to Caesar. When King Agrippa arrived, Festus asked him to hear Paul so he could give a reason to send him to Caesar. Paul told King Agrippa he was happy to give his testimony about Jesus and showed that He would suffer, rise from the dead, and he would proclaim light to both Jews and Gentiles. As Christians, how do you feel when people bring accusations against you for your faith? Do you feel happy as Paul did to give a testimony about your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you show your accusers they have nothing to accuse you of because you did nothing wrong? Sadly, many Christians feel affronted by the accusations and want revenge for the actions brought against them. They want justice. However, when they take matters into their own hands and do not give their situation over to the Holy Spirit, they make their situation worse. Paul relied on Jesus to help him in every circumstance. Jesus told him what would happen and that he would testify about Him in Rome. Therefore, Paul appealed to Caesar. When you rely on Jesus to see you through your circumstances, He will help you. He will send His Holy Spirit to give you the words you need to speak. Matthew 10:18 “You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak. 20 For it is not you who speaks, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Peter also talked about what to do and how to act when accusations were brought against you. 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part, He is blasphemed, but on your part, He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Paul gave God glory when he testified about Jesus Christ. You are to do no less when someone brings accusations against you. Give glory to God and testify about what Jesus did in you. Let’s pray: Father, give me words to say when people bring false accusations against me regarding Your gospel. Let me speak those things told to me by the Holy Spirit and let me have a clear conscious regarding my life and testimony in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 1 November 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.