Almost Persuaded

Now when Festus was come into the province…

He  began an investigation…

concerning Paul.

He spoke with the Jews in Jerusalem…

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.  Acts 25:2-3

He spoke with Paul…

While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.  Acts 25:8

And he spoke with King Agrippa…

And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:   Acts 25:14

Yet unresolved…

Paul’s case captivated the attention…

of royalty.

King Agrippa desired to hear Paul…

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.   Acts 26:1-3

Paul testified of his youth…

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.   

Acts 26:4-5

And his religious zeal…

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Acts 26:9-11

He spoke of what he saw…

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.  Acts 26:13

And what he heard…

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And who he met…

on the road to Damascas…

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. Acts 26:14-15

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Paul spoke of his mission…

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.  Acts 26:15-18

his obedience…

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.  Acts 26:19-20

and his adversaries…

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Acts 26:21, 24

And as he thus spake for himself…

Festus said with a loud voice…

Paul, thou art beside thyself;

much learning doth make thee mad.

Earnest. Purposeful. Fixed.

Paul respectfully replied…

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. 

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.  Acts 26:24-27

Cautiously, the King answered…

Then Agrippa said unto Paul,

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

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 26:28-29

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

Three rulers in agreement…

This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Felix…trembled.

Festus…mocked.

Agrippa…was almost persuaded.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.   1 Corinthians 1:18

God’s plan for Paul continues to unfold…

Be of good cheer, Paul:

for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem,

so must thou bear witness also at Rome.  Acts 23:11