Church attendance in America went from 73% in 1937 (large majority of the people) to 47% in 2020 (less that half of the people). Largest drop occurring in the last ten years as shown on the slide. 

75% of college students are influenced by left-leaning radical professors, and end up leaving the faith, which takes us to Ratio Christi’s efforts to bring Christ to the college campus. Collectively, we can help make a difference by joining them in sharing the Gospel with the college world. Why not share this link with a friend. Together we can help make a difference. Here is their website: https://give.ratiochristi.org/

The Bible, as the inerrant Word of God, was inspired, not just to read in our spare time, but to pray over and ponder. As we approach the final chapters of Acts, there is a constant message about sharing Jesus with the world. As Adrian Rogers said in one of his sermons, we are the 29th chapter of Acts. Pastor Rogers reminds us that Acts ends at chapter 28, but as God’s people we too are called to bring Christ to the world around us. 

In chapter 25, Paul was brought before King Agrippa II, which is where we pick up again in chap. 26, with Paul standing before Agrippa. He was the son of King Herod Agrippa I whose death is recorded in chapter 24.

In chapter 25, Paul stood trial before the Roman governor Festus, with his Jewish accusers testifying against him, the details of which he explained to King Agrippa II. 

At the close of chapter 25, Festus made the following statement, regarding the accusations against Paul: "King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome.” With Paul not guilty of breaking Roman law, why did Festus make the decision to send Paul to Caesar? Most likely, to rid himself of that problematic Jew and his accusers. 

We had looked at King Agrippa II in chapter 25; additional information is being provided. He ruled over the Syrian kingdom of Chalcis (map). He was given extended authority by Rome to supervise the temple in Jerusalem and appoint the high priest, which gave him a lot of authority in Jewish affairs. Festus, as procurator of Judea, would naturally turn to Agrippa for counsel concerning the handling of Paul’s case. 

King Agrippa extended his hand with a motion (v.1) signifying permission for Paul to speak. Paul begins with a compliment at being allowed to offer his own defense (v.2-3). Paul’s main reason was not to defend himself, but as an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with King Agrippa and all those present, something not otherwise possible. We will never know if any of those present accepted Jesus Christ, although quietly.

Paul’s own country (v.4) was Cilicia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), born in the City of Tarsus. Paul begins by telling of his own background as a Jew. We know he had studied in the Jerusalem school of Rabbi Gamaliel, one of the leading Jewish thinkers of his time. He reminds Agrippa of God’s promises to the Jews, and how he stands accused for professing that same prophesy given by and through the prophets. 

In about 931 B.C., the 12 tribes of Israel (v.7) were divided into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Around 722 B.C., a little over two hundred years later, the Assyrians invaded and destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel. A remnant of those 10 tribes migrated south merging into the two Southern tribes in Judea, thus representing all of historic Israel as stated by Paul.  Paul notes that all the Jews were waiting for those promises to be fulfilled, yet they rejected the very One who fulfilled them, and for that reason, he now stands accused by the Jewish leaders for professing Jesus as the promised Messiah. 

He tells how he himself, like his accusers, had persecuted the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, with the full authority of the chief priest and Sanhedrin. And that he himself even voted against them and stood by as a witness to their death. 

He told of his intense hatred of the "the Way" the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, even traveling to foreign cities outside of Judea to persecute them. 

He tells about traveling as far as Damascus, Syria, where he was met by that same Jesus. A “goad” (v.14) is a spiked stick used for prodding/driving cattle (image shown on slide). Another way of stating it is the NLT: 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to fight against my will.’

Paul was commission by Jesus to share the Gospel with the Gentile world (v.16). Every apostle, including Paul, was handpicked by Jesus, except Matthias, who was chosen by the other apostles by casting lots (Acts 1:26). It would seem that, although they meant well, they were somewhat presumptuous in choosing a replacement for Judas. We see here that Jesus had selected a replacement. Matthias isn’t mentioned any where else in the New Testament. 

Paul states his case (v.20-21) as to why the Jews seized him, and how he ended up on trial. If not for the Roman guards, the Jews most likely would have stoned him to death (v.21) either in the temple court or during their planned ambush. 

Once again, Paul clearly states that all he did was profess the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies stated by both the prophets and Moses, including that the Messiah would rise from the dead, as Jesus had done, being witnessed by more than 500 people; with the word of His resurrection spreading to many more, perhaps even to the King.

Festus acknowledges Paul’s years of learning as a Pharisee (v.24). Being a Roman, Festus was not familiar with Jewish prophesies, thus concluding that Paul was insane to make such statements—that Jesus rose from the dead—which Paul rebutted saying his claim was both true and reasonable when put within context of Jewish prophesy. 

Paul points out that Agrippa, himself, is familiar with these same prophesies (v.26) and is prone to believe them (v.27). 

Agrippa saw Paul’s comments as an attempt to convert him to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, but he wasn’t going to have any part of it. As noted earlier, Paul’s intent was to share the Gospel with everyone there. Paul didn’t count on his words converting them, but to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit. All of which leads us to the doctrine of predestination and election (Rom. 9:11)—perhaps a future Sunday morning Foundations study. 

At that point, Festus, Agrippa and Bernice left the room to discuss the situation. Even Agrippa agreed that Paul did nothing to deserve death or imprisonment, and could have been set free had he not, as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar. Actually, it was the easiest decision for both Festus and Agrippa, because if they released Paul it would have created a backlash from the Sanhedrin and potential unrest, even mob protests. 

A brief summary of where we are. Paul’s decision to go before Caesar wasn’t a spur of the moment decision…it only came after two years of confinement—minus an opportunity to effectively share the gospel further, since he did so to everyone he came in contact with during his two years in confinement. 

The charges against Paul by the Jews, were without merit under Roman law. Those in power will do almost anything to retain power, especially at the highest levels, being those who have the most to lose. It was easier to send Paul to Rome, than to release him and risk backlash from the Jews. Out of sight, out of mind. 

End of

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 26

Paul took the Gospel to a pagan world. Today’s America is every bit as much in need of God’s Word, as was the Roman world of Paul’s day. Too many of our young people have left the faith during their formative years at college. Can we as parents and grandparents make a difference? The next two slides tells us how. If not us, then who? 

Who would have thought that America could change so dramatically so quickly? America’s future depends on the direction of our youth, with far too many being indoctrinated on college campuses by left leaning college professors and student activists. What can we do as parents and grandparents? Visit Ratio Christi’s website at https://ratiochristi.org/about/

Ratio Christi, sharing Christ and Christian values with the college generation. What’s happening in America is a religious-secular movement, and the answer is Jesus Christ, at church and the college campus. 

Chapter 24 closed with Porcius Festus replacing Marcus Antonius Felix as Procurator, (a.k.a. governor) of Judea. The year was 59 AD. Upon leaving, Felix left Paul in confinement because he did not want to create unrest with the Jews. Chapter 25 opens with Festus traveling to Jerusalem, but first a brief review of the closing of chapter 24. 

A flashback to Chapter 24, with Paul under house arrest. No politician wants to be criticized, especially if it could damage their reputation and position. Such was the case with Felix. He could not afford to let the Jewish leaders’ criticism reach Caesar. It would signal unrest and potentially damage—i.e., diminish—his standing and reputation as governor of Judea. 

Early in chapter 24, Paul was taken by the Romans from Jerusalem to Caesarea following the route shown on the map. This is the route the Romans traveled—a distance of about 64 miles. Since bandits were common, we can be certain Festus traveled with a compliment of soldiers. Camels 30 miles/day. Donkeys 20 mi./day. Horses 25-35 mi./day. 

Chapter 25 opens in Caesarea Maritima and then onto Jerusalem. Once again, we see the Jewish religious leaders conspiring against Paul. Even though Jerusalem in south of Caesarea (map on previous slide), it is situated at a higher elevation, therefore going up to Jerusalem is noted.

Festus invited the Jewish leaders to accompany him to Caesarea to confront Paul face-to-face. If he is truly guilty, it would be determined there, and not in Jerusalem. Most likely he was aware of Paul’s Roman citizenship. 

Caesarea was the Roman capital of Judea, built by Herod the Great in 22-10 BC. You can see the temple near the bay. Our goal is to step into the events with visual aids, as we read about them. This is where most of chapter 24 took place. 

What it’s believed to have looked like. Most of which is in ruins today. 

A closer look at the temple, shown in the right image. Again, it was built by Herod the Great and dedicated to Caesar Augustus. At the time, Roman Emperors were glorified as gods. Pagan gods were worshipped in Palestine by the Romans and other Gentiles. We can be sure the temple priests in Jerusalem, not only hated but despised visiting that Roman pagan city. This helps set the stage for Paul’s trial. It had also been the headquarters of Pontius Pilot. 

So much biblical history noted in Acts are in ruins, equally true of the Roman Empire of Jesus’ day. Think about it as putting history into perspective. God has a plan, He always did. 

The goal of the temple restoration is to triple tourists visits to the area. It currently draws about 1 million tourists annually. Those pagan gods are no longer worshiped, and the temples devoted to them are mostly in ruins. 

Modern man’s fascination with the past. If you had visited that site, I would like to hear from you. Luke’s message written in the Acts of the Apostles is as relevant today as it was then. The Word of God endures forever, and is relevant for each generation. 

We’re not told how many members of the Sanhedrin were there, but enough to "stand around Paul". They viewed Paul as a threat to their position and their belief that there was no resurrection. If Jesus truly rose from the grave as professed by Paul, their belief would be in error, which would undermine their authority and credibility; something they would not tolerate. 

Just as Felix wanted to avoid confrontation with the Jewish leaders, the same was true of Festus for similar reasons, especially as the new governor whose primary role was to maintain order. So here we see Paul facing yet another potential trial in Jerusalem, where local mobs could and would be incited to create a hostile situation and even riot, shouting accusation against Paul, just as they had against Jesus. 

Paul states that if he was guilty, then he deserved to die, but he proclaimed his innocence. He reminds Festus that as a Roman citizen he is under Roman law—and not mob rule as would happen in Jerusalem. Paul, as a Roman citizen, is not just proposing, but demanding to be sent to Rome to appear before Caesar. 

The decision let Festus off the hook. He thus avoids getting himself in how water with Rome, that complaints against him by the Jewish leaders would have caused. He could have freed Paul, but not without Jewish backlash, who most likely would have forwarded their complaints to Rome and Caesar, something Festus certainly did not want. 

Another dimension takes place with King Agrippa arriving. He most likely traveled from Caesarea Philippi where his palace was located. Bernice was Agrippa’s sister. He was appointed as King of Judea by Rome—and grew up in Rome. 

Agrippa is also called King Herod in Acts 12 where he arrested members of the Church, intending to persecute them. He also had James, the brother of John, put to death. More information on the next slide. 

(Chal-cis) (A-ris-to-bu-lus) 

Festus explains the guidelines of Roman law, in regard to Paul. Charges against Paul were religious, not legal in accordance with Roman law that applied equally throughout the Roman Empire. 

Festus continues his explanation. Once again, his goal is to maintain peace and order in Judea and yet, stay on the good side of the Jews. As he explained, their charges were religious concerning a dispute over Jesus’ death, and not legal under with Roman law. 

Yet, releasing Paul would be like pouring gasoline on an open flame. There were two options: the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem or Caesar in Rome. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, sending him to Rome was the safest choice politically. 

It may have been late in the day, so speaking to Paul would be delayed until the next day. Most likely Agrippa was tired from his trip. 

I’ll let this slide speak for itself regarding how Agrippa and Bernice traveled to Caesarea. It was noted that Bernice was living with him as his wife and later she became mistress to Emperor Vespasian and Emperor Titus. 

The following day, Paul was brought in to present his case to King Agrippa. 

Here, Paul addresses King Agrippa, while Festus and Bernice listened. Agrippa, being appointed king by Rome, had a lot of authority and ability to assert it. 

Once again Festus states that Paul did not break any Roman laws and therefore did not deserve death; so at Paul’s request, he would be sent to Rome to appear before Caesar, which left the Jews without a trump card against Festus for not turning Paul over to them. 

Even King Agrippa would not voice opposition to Roman law. Since Paul didn't break Roman law, Festus had no legal charges against Paul for the Emperor. What charge does one lay on an innocent man? We won’t know until chapter 26. / chapter 25 ends here at v.27.

Just the facts! The value of Roman citizenship is once again Paul’s defense against the Jewish religious leaders who were destined to have him killed. We see God’s sovereignty from the moment of Paul’s birth, being born of Jewish parents who held Roman citizenship in the city of Tarsus, a principle Roman city in the province of Cilicia, Asia minor.  

We close chapter 25 with Paul before King Agrippa. Rome’s power, like a modern day politician, is swayed by unrest or pushback by the people. Yet Paul’s Roman citizenship by God’s sovereignty, was his escape from the Jewish religious leadership, opening the door for sharing of Christ with a pagan world. A similar challenge exist on our college campuses today. 

See Adrian Rogers message on the next slide. Think about Ratio Christi’s efforts on college campuses as you watch Adrian Rogers message. America’s future rests in the hands of our young people, especially those in colleges across the country who are being influenced and even indoctrinated by the far-left secular world.

A message that is very relevant today. Pastor Adrian Rogers 43-minute message, “The Generation to Come and the America of Tomorrow.”  https://youtu.be/ucf444GCFzM  (copy and paste in your web browser)

End of

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 25