Defining Moment

GETTING STARTED

Paul, in chains, is standing before a room of influential dignitaries. A dramatic scene is about to unfold—those in attendance strongly oppose Paul’s theological beliefs. There are certain defining moments that forever change the identity and destiny of an individual, a movement, or a nation. In today’s reading, Paul gives a strong testimony that highlights the defining moment for all of human history and for every individual—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  • What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you personally?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 26:1-11 (ESV)

26:1 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 “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, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 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. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 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! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Describe the approach that Paul used to set up his defense before King Agrippa.
  2. What was the discontinuity between Paul’s claims about Jesus’ resurrection and the prevailing assumptions of Jews and Gentiles alike?
  3. What do you think is the promise made by God to the Jewish fathers (vs. 6)?
  4. Why is the resurrection of Christ a challenge to any worldview?
  5. What compelling example does Paul demonstrate for you as a Christ follower?

RESPOND TO GOD

The Lord had told the apostle Paul that he would bear his name before the Gentiles and kings

(Acts 9:15). In this speech, Paul laid out the nature of his mission. He did not defend himself, but boldly declared the gospel. He also brilliantly framed his conversion to trust wholly in Christ and to live out an eternally significant, life-giving mission. This scene reflects the teaching of Peter: “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15). The ultimate hope for the Christ follower is the life and resurrection of Jesus.

  • Ask God to reveal whatever is holding you back, or slowing you down, from boldly living out this hope.
  • Pause for a moment and express your personal gratitude to God for the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus.