For the past six weeks, we have been studying the Gospel according to Matthew in our LIFE Lessons Bible Study time. Matthew reminds us both John the Baptist and Jesus preached the need for repentance of sin [unbelief] and turning our allegiance from the world and self to God and his love [worship]. Forming a relationship with the Holy One, requires that we desire to share in His holiness.
The Gospel is not about adding Jesus and his forgiveness to the practice of a sinful lifestyle—it is about a complete change in the human mindset which brings a change in human behavior and actions. Jesus shines the Light [opens our spiritual eyes] and makes us look at the Truth of our sin against God and our neighbors—He makes us take responsibility for our lives. Living in the change Jesus brings is the evidence or proof of our salvation.
In our passage from the Book of Acts, today, the Apostle Paul testifies to Festus [Roman governor] and Agrippa [king of Judea] about His encounter with Jesus Messiah on the Damascus Road. He continues the repentance narrative of Jesus for salvation; one must receive Christ’s divine transforming work to human perspectives, priorities, and practice. Human lives must be touched and renewed by the pure Love and Life of God.
When he is finished testifying, the Apostle Paul calls for a decision, because he knows it is his responsibility to share the Truth. It appears these leaders push the Truth aside; at least for the present time. Believers continue to testify to the Truth of repentance and transformation, because God wants Jews and Gentiles [everyone else] to receive the work of Christ on the cross to bring spiritual life from above.
Acts 26:19-29 NLT
19 “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. 20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. 21 Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. 22 But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God’s light to Jews and Gentiles alike.”
24 Suddenly, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!”
25 But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. 26 And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do—”
28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
29 Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work of the Spirit to make us bold in our witness and open to the transformation you desire to bring each life. Your love not only finds us in our lostness, but heals and transforms us in our foundness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.