But take Heart

Acts 26:1-12

The chapter begins with Agrippa saying to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”  Have you wondered why Agrippa made such a statement?  We find that when the high priest came to the court before Felix at Caesarea, he had a spokesman, one Tertullus that laid out their case against Paul.  After asking the Holy Spirit, my teacher, to give me understanding and looking to the Scriptures, I began to see what others had said was the reason for granting this permission to speak.  “Then Agrippa said unto Paul... After Festus had made the above speech to him, and to all present, and had introduced the affair of Paul, who now stood before them: thou art permitted to speak for thyself; which a prisoner might not do, until he had leave; and this leave was granted by Festus the Roman governor, who was properly the judge, and not Agrippa, though the permission might be by both; and so the Arabic and Ethiopic versions read, "we have ordered", or "permitted thee.” (Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible)
Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense, and historians tell us that it was common for a person to raise both hands as they began to speak but we find that it is stated that Paul only raised one hand.  If you read down in the chapter to verse 29, you will find the answer that Paul was chained to a Roman guard, more than likely.
Paul begins his third defense before king Agrippa and the court in this manner: “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.  “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? (Acts 26:2-8 ESV)
Paul telling Agrippa, I’m an open book, and that book has been well read in Jerusalem, and from my youth I’ve been zealous for the traditions of my people and the things of God. I’m a Pharisee and I like all of the twelve tribes, and my hope is Messiah, or the Christ, and the resurrection of the dead.
As a follower of Christ it has become clear that the name of Jesus changes the way people view me, when the name of Jesus is used in a manner of gratitude, and acknowledgment of His great love for us, by paying our sin debt.   As Paul begins his defense, never forget that he is not a target for death because he opposed the name of Jesus of Nazareth for at the time he did he was the favorite of the chief priest and the religious leaders.  If you have not read verses 9-11, you will understand these words of Jesus to His followers: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice