The Living Resolution

GETTING STARTED

I remember the wave of anxiety I felt prior to taking an oral exam in graduate school. This exam was part of a capstone class at the end of my degree program that determined my academic success. I was invited to a boardroom to defend my conclusions in front of two men with a lot of formal letters after their names. Other students were also in the room, adding to the adrenaline rush. I was asked to support my case for what I believed, knowing the men at the table had the power to change my graduation plans.

  • Think of a time when you had to defend your choices and actions to those who had the authority to dismiss your argument. How did you handle the situation?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 26:19-23 (ESV)

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I [Paul] was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

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

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. In Paul’s defense to King Agrippa, what was his primary concern (vs. 19)?
  2. Which group of people and territory was Paul most concerned about (vs. 20)?
  3. Why did the Jews seize Paul and attempt to kill him?
  4. What three things was Paul preaching (vs. 23)? Who did Paul say had taught these things before him? Why would that have been significant to the Jews?
  5. When you act on what you believe, what tension does this bring to your relationships with those who do not know or believe in Jesus? What opportunities does this tension create for you to respectfully present to them your dependence on and faith in Jesus Christ?

RESPOND TO GOD

Paul’s preaching challenged Jewish cultural values and beliefs. He was willing to reject self-protection and accept personal cost when there was cultural opposition. Paul’s agenda was to reflect the truth of the gospel, no matter the circumstances. What we believe will often confront and offend the culture around us, yet these confrontations can bring powerful opportunities to present Jesus to a lost world.

  • Ask God who you need to share Jesus with, and then ask him for the opportunity and courage to do it.