Paul’s Defence Before Agrippa

I really admire Paul’s courage in facing so many persecutions, hardships and also constantly defending the truth.

In this passage that we are reading today, Paul was defending the truth before Agrippa, a king. And I believe Paul was fearless even though he knew very well that this king could actually end his life.

Besides seeing how Paul defended the truth courageously before the authority, we can also learn something in Paul’s confession of his life as a Pharisee before the Lord called him to be His witness.

Bible Passage: Acts 26: 2 – 29 

Paul’s Confession

 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 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.

Acts 26: 9 – 10

Paul told the king that he lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect in the religion (v5), and that was why he went on to persecute the Christians whom he had judged and condemned as preaching heresies.

Paul was definitely a very sincere Pharisee, and he definitely was also very sincere in his believe and faith in the God of his forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

But when the Lord met him on the road to Damascus, only then that Paul realized that he was sincerely wrong in his understanding of God’s will.

So in this defense for the truth, he wanted the king to understand that he was all along zealous for the One True God of heaven who promised the Jews of the hope of salvation; and that he was not preaching anything new or unbelievable to the Jews especially about God raising the dead.

Our Reflection

Paul was all too self-righteous and confident in himself and the Pharisaic religion that he couldn’t see the will and mercies of God towards man, so he thought he was doing things pleasing in the eyes of God by punishing the followers of Jesus.

Therefore, let us ponder to ourselves; are we all too confident that whatever we are doing or have done for God are right and pleasing in His eyes?

Are the principles and the concepts that we strongly hold on to in line with the will of God? Can we be humble to listen to the Word of God and follow His commandments instead of our own hearts?

Have we insisted to do things in church that we feel and think that they are beneficial for the church without even wanting to discuss them first with the church ministers?

For our Christian friends who are reading this blog, I believe without any doubt that you are sincere to yourselves and to God; and you know for certain that Jesus is the only Savior of man; but have you considered whether the things that are being practiced in the different Christian denominations are they according to the instructions of the Holy Bible or not?

Is the statement, “Doctrines (of the Bible) divides, but love unites” justifiable in the light of the Holy Bible? Do consider the following verses,

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

1 Timothy 4: 6

 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1Timothy 4:16

 (Do visit this site to find out more about Biblical Doctrines: www.tjc.org)

So we all need to be mindful of our thoughts and actions, always get back to the Bible for instructions and understandings that are in line with the mind of Christ; lest we run contrary to the will of God and zealously kicking the goads.

May God guide and bless us with courage not only to witness boldly for Him, but also have the strength to humble ourselves to submit to the word of God.

Shalom