Do you remember in Genesis, after God created Adam and Eve, he commanded them to be fruitful and multiply? From Genesis, the human race certainly grows and multiplies, but in all the wrong ways. Instead of bearing God's image, humankind becomes so wicked that the inclination of men's hearts was only evil all the time. By the time we get to the Gospels, and especially Acts, that sad chapter of human history has begun to close. We see and taste what God had in mind all along.
In Acts 12:24 we read these simple words: “But God’s word grew and multiplied.” N.T. Wright observes that Acts 12:24 is a direct echo of Genesis 1:28. That now in the church God has a holy word-responsive people, a priesthood of believers, who bear his image, who reflect his love, and boldly declare his glory to the nations! The Word is causing the Church “to be fruitful and multiply!” Isaiah’s prophecy that God's word not return empty but accomplish its purpose is now realized in the Church!
These months we've seen the word grow and multiply. The closing chapters of Acts are certainly no exception! And the grand climax of Acts no exception…how Paul stays at a rented house in Rome 2 years. Acts 28:30-31, “. . . And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
As we close our Acts series, we find Paul coming before a series of Roman Authorities to give, in his own words, a defense of his hope of resurrection. Last week we saw how the Jewish authorities (like they did with Christ) falsely accused Paul, and worse, conspired to murder Paul. They went nuclear at the thought that God could raise the dead—even though prophets like Ezekiel speak of resurrection and the restoration of God's people. The authorities are so hell bent on killing Paul they conspire to have his trial moved to Jerusalem (where they control all the chess pieces). But every time they try, Paul appeals to higher and higher authority.
First Paul appeals to Felix, and then Felix's successor Festus. Then King Agrippa. Then the Emperor himself. But like Jesus, Paul understands these powerful leaders are chaff in God's hands. They are mere servants, mere instruments. They have no authority or true power except what is given by the true King of Kings, the Lord God Almighty. So, I encourage you to read these closing chapters of Acts and see how Paul proceeds with utter confidence knowing God is the sovereign King and in full control of Paul’s fate. And even better, the Holy Spirit is directing the Mission of Jesus through and through.
Paul is first brought before FELIX. I don't know why all these leaders have cat names, it really disturbs me. FESTUS… sounds like a cat’s name too! But in Acts 24:14 Paul defends his ministry, expressing his belief in the Word of God, the Law and the Prophets. In Acts 24:14 he says, “I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept [His Jewish accusers], that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.” Paul has a clear conscience. No matter what they say, in Acts 24:21 he reminds FELIX the cat, “‘Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”
Felix's wife is Jewish—and a remarkable thing happens. Acts 24:24-26, “Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. 25 Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I’ll call for you.”
If you are a good Bible student, you will recall that the Holy Spirit is here doing what Jesus earlier promised! John 16:8. When the Spirit comes, he will "convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment.” Felix has every opportunity to repent and believe, but refuses. Acts 24:26 says he was hoping Paul would offer him money. Felix was a sly cat, a politician through and through. Still, Felix “sent for him quite often and conversed with him.” The point here isn't that every spiritual conversation ends in baptism. For two years, Paul is kept by Festus! Festus was like the rich young ruler, who so loved wealth, his heart was divided.
Paul next appears before FESTUS the cat, who succeeds FELIX. He wants to get the show on the road so he calls for a trial. The Chief Priests try to move the trial, hoping to ambush and kill Paul. In Acts 25:8 Paul reiterates his defense, “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned in any way.” As the Jews try to manipulate Festus, Paul cleverly appeals to Caesar to keep the trial moving toward Rome. The irony is that Paul is seeking and finding greater justice in Rome than in Jerusalem, city of God.
FESTUS is confounded by Paul’s case. He's quite sure Paul is innocent of Jewish charges, but now that Paul has appealed to the higher courts. He’s stuck. In Acts 25:26-27 FESTUS says to King Agrippa and Bernice, “ “I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this examination is over, I may have something to write. For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.” [Festus didn't have AI]
King AGRIPPA and Bernice the cat agree to hear from Paul directly! Acts 26: “Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: 2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially since you are very knowledgeable about all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 “All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand on trial because of the hope in what God promised to our ancestors, 7 the promise our twelve tribes hope to reach as they earnestly serve him night and day. King Agrippa, I am being accused by the Jews because of this hope. 8 Why do any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?”
[Sometimes people have sought to embarrass me about some miracle in the Bible. But the only right response is Paul. There is not a single miracle, except creation itself, that eclipses the resurrection. Why should we consider it incredible that Creator raises the dead?]
9 In fact, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I was in agreement against them. 11 In all the synagogues I often punished them and tried to make them blaspheme. Since I was terribly enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.
12 “I was traveling to Damascus under these circumstances with authority and a commission from the chief priests. 13 King Agrippa, while on the road at midday, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 “I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
“And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
“19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and were trying to kill me. 22 To this very day, I have had help from God, and I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said would take place— 23 that the Messiah would suffer, and that, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”
24 As he was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You’re out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad.” 25 But Paul replied, “I’m not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment. 26 For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak boldly to him. For I am convinced that none of these things has escaped his notice, since this was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.”
[Paul never missed an opportunity to call men to obey the gospel. Every man is accountable, the Holy Spirit convicts all men regarding sin, righteousness, and coming judgement. Agrippa, Bernice, the Emperor himself is no exception! Boldness.]
28 Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?” 29 “I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains.” 30 The king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them got up, 31 and when they had left they talked with each other and said, “This man is not doing anything to deserve death or imprisonment.”
If only I had time to share about Paul’s harrowing shipwreck in Acts 27, or Paul's time stranded on the island of Malta. Paul is faithful to bear witness to the resurrection no matter the circumstance, no matter the audience. And God's Spirit is faithful to work right alongside Paul, confirming truth of resurrection.
On that ship we read how “For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope was fading that we would be saved.” But Acts 27:23-25 Paul recounts how “For last night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me 24 and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to appear before Caesar. And indeed, God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me.”
The same unfinished business that came before the courts of Jerusalem, and all courts of Rome also came before these terrified, storm-wearied, terrified sailors… and it comes before you and me. Will we take courage believing everything will be just the way God spoke? Can we take God fully at his word, regarding sin, righteousness, and coming judgement… regarding resurrection of living and dead? Will we stake everything in faith upon God's word… the sailors had to throw all remaining food and grain in the water trusting God's promise to Paul. We have to throw everything overboard trusting God’s promise…
Will we take courage in hope? Declare it with boldness? Believe and have life?