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John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
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MacArthur comments that "Paul’s testimony contains two main themes: Jesus Christ’s resurrection proves Him to be the Messiah, and Paul’s transformed life proves the reality of Christ’s resurrection. He masterfully weaves the saving gospel through this first-person account." (Acts Commentary) POSB notes that "It was the custom for a prisoner to raise his hand to the court as an act of appreciation for the privilege to speak." (Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Acts) Then Paul stretched out his hand - Not to call for silence (not for silence as in Acts 12:17+; Acts 13:16+ or Acts 21:40+) but in the common gesture of an orator opening his discourse. This is a dramatic gesture on Paul's part. Some say this was as a "salute" to the king. Don't you wish you could have seen this scene. (Watch the Video of this scene). His hand was chained to a Roman soldier (Acts 26:29+)!. The text does not state it but clearly Paul is a man filled with the Holy Spirit, for as Jesus Himself declared to His disciples But be on your guard (present imperative); for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. (Exactly what Paul is doing in Acts 26) "And the Gospel must first be preached to all the nations. "And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand (present imperative) about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for (term of explanation) it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. (Mark 13:9-11) To make his defense (imperfect tense)(626)(apologeomai from apó = from + lógos = speech) literally means to speak oneself off, hence to plead for oneself, to defend or speak or plead for oneself before a tribunal or elsewhere, seeking to convince the audience he was innocent of the charges. Of course in this case Paul was not charged with anything so his "defense" is actually his conversion, which in a sense is a defense of the veracity of the supernatural Gospel and the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, Whom he had personally seen. As John MacArthur says "Paul's testimony contains two main themes: Jesus Christ's resurrection proves Him to be the Messiah, and Paul's transformed life proves the reality of Christ's resurrection. He masterfully weaves the saving gospel through this first-person account." (New Testament Commentary – Acts) Apologeomai in NT - Lk. 12:11; Lk. 21:14; Acts 19:33; Acts 24:10; Acts 25:8; Acts 26:1; Acts 26:2; Acts 26:24; Rom. 2:15; 2 Co. 12:19
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MacArthur explains that the hope of the promise "was the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom (cf. Acts 1:6+; Acts 3:22–24+; Acts 13:23–33+; Gal. 3:17–18; 4:4; Titus 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:11–12) and, specifically, the resurrection connected with His coming. It was that promise that was made by God throughout the Old Testament: Messiah would come to take away sin and establish His kingdom of righteousness. (Ibid) The Old Testament prophets had prophesied of this hope of the coming Messianic Kingdom. For example, the prophet Isaiah wrote... The LORD of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain (WHAT MOUNTAIN? MOUNT ZION, SITE OF THE HOLY CITY); A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, And refined, aged wine. 7 And on this mountain He will swallow up the covering which is over all peoples, Even the veil which is stretched over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. 9 And it will be said in that day (WHAT DAY? THE DAY MESSIAH RETURNS TO DELIVER ISRAEL - the believing Jewish remnant - read Zechariah 12:10-14+, Zech 13:1+, Zech 13:8-9+, Ro 11:26-27+) “Behold, this is our God for Whom we have waited (Heb = qavah; Lxx = elpizo = HOPED FOR) that He might save us (Lxx = soteria = deliverance, salvation, see Lk 1:69-75+). This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” 10 For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, And Moab will be trodden down in his place As straw is trodden down in the water of a manure pile. 11 And he will spread out his hands in the middle of it As a swimmer spreads out his hands to swim, But the Lord will lay low his pride together with the trickery of his hands. 12 The unassailable fortifications of your walls He will bring down, Lay low and cast to the ground, even to the dust. (Isaiah 25:6-12) John Martin explains that Isaiah 25 "is a praise psalm extolling the Lord's deliverance of His people. Soon after God in His judgment will wipe out sinful people (Isaiah 24:1-23) the Messiah's glorious kingdom will begin. In poetry Isaiah described the praise that will be ascribed to the Lord in the Millennium for His marvelous work." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Related Resources: Messiah Son of David Messianic Prophecies Millennial Reign of Christ Our Deliverer is Coming Psalm 22:6-I Am a Worm The Messiah - The Anointed One The Resurrection of Christ Hope (1680) see note below on elpis. Not a hope so but a hope sure. An assurance that God would keep His OT prophetic promises to Israel. The promise - This refers to the Promised Messiah (e.g., read Acts 3:22, 23, 24), to His coming and His Messianic Kingdom. This promise was inherent in the covenant promise God made to our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Regarding the hope of the Promised Messiah Luke records Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. 23 ‘And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 “And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days (THIS HOPE WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE TO THE JEWS WHO READ THEIR PROPHETS). (Acts 3:22-24+) Regarding the hope of the Messianic Kingdom the disciples' questioned Jesus indicating they cherished and longed for the fulfillment of this hope. Luke records... So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6+) Promise (1860)(epaggelia/epangelia from epí = intensifies + aggéllo = tell, declare) literally means to "tell at or upon" and originally referred to an announcement or declaration (especially of a favorable message). In other words the first sense of epaggelia is that of a . declaration to do something which came to be associated with the implication of obligation to carry out what is stated and thus the meaning of a promise, pledge or offer. In Scripture, epaggelia refers primarily to God's pronouncements that provide assurance of what He intends to do. Uses of epaggelia/epangelia by Luke other than Acts 26:6 - note the first 3 uses refer to the promise of the Holy Spirit (who had been promised in the OT, e.g., see Joel 2:28-29+, Zech 12:10+, Isaiah 32:15, Isaiah 44:3, Ezek 36:27+, Ezek 39:29+ and of course the promise of the Holy Spirit could not be given until Jesus had been glorified in Jn 7:37-39+, which implied that he had to be crucified and resurrected). Luke 24:49 “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Acts 1:4+ Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; Acts 2:33+ “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. Acts 2:39+ “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” Acts 7:17+ “But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, Acts 13:23+ “From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, Acts 13:32+ “And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, Acts 23:21+ “So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” Compare Peter's reference in his sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem... "It is you who are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.' (Acts 3:25+) Comment - Messiah was the ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant and its blessings (Gal 3:16-note), which are still available to the Jews. God's covenant promise to Abraham: Gen 12:3+ And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Gen 17:19 But God said, "No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. Gen 22:18 "And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." God's covenant promise to Abraham's son Isaac: Gen 26:4 "And I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; God's covenant promise to Isaac's son Jacob Gen 28:14 "Your descendants shall also be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. A Witness Of Hope Read: Acts 26:1-8,24-32 Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. —1 Peter 3:15 As a child growing up in the former Soviet Union, Nickolas was the only one in his school who refused to join the political group for young people. Because of his faith in God, he was singled out for ridicule, given bad grades he did not deserve, and denied a recommendation to the university. Despite the opposition, he persisted, and in later years he led some of his persecutors to trust in Jesus Christ. Now he is the pastor of a thriving church in Belarus. The apostle Paul also suffered persecution. His faith landed him in the court of King Agrippa, and he had opportunity to tell how God had changed his life. He testified, “Now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers” (Acts 26:6). His witness to the king about salvation in Christ and the hope of resurrection was clear and convicting. When witnessing, if people ask, "How do you know it's true?" Remember that they can't deny What Christ has done for you. —Sper Our witness for Christ is the light for a world in darkness. The Messianic Promise - R. Tuck - Acts 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, to our fathers: The words of this verse include the whole expectation of a Divine kingdom, of which the Christ was to be the Head, as well as the specific belief in a resurrection of the dead. It is said of the early revelations of God, by the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews, "God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners" (Revised Version). And the presentation of Messiah in the Old Testament Scriptures has been likened to the painting of a great picture, on which, during the many ages, many hands have worked. At first we have but the barest outline figure, drawn by God himself in the promise to our first parents. Then patriarch, lawgiver, judge, king, poet, and prophet in their turn become artist-painters, and help to fill in the wondrous outline, until in the later days of Isaiah the Messiah stands forth full and clear before us, the suffering, conquering King. Dealing with the scriptural promise of Messiah, the Prince and Savior, we note - I. THAT IT WAS EARLY GIVEN. In the world's very morning. In the first hem's of the world's sin and woe. Almost before the shadow of man's sin could fall upon his life, God sent forth this great ray of hope. (cp Ge 3:15) II. THAT IT WAS OFTEN RENEWED. For every generation; for every new set of circumstances. In ever-varied forms. With a gracious advancing clearness and fullness. The actual instances provide the illustrations. For lists of them, see appendices to modern Bibles. III. THAT IT WAS STRANGELY MISCONCEIVED. Because men would not take the Messianic figure as a whole, but chose the parts of it which they preferred. And because men did not take the revelation in its simplicity, but read it in the light of their circumstances, and especially of their temporal necessities. So a nation whose liberty had been taken from them only saw in Messianic promise a liberator, a Judas Maccabeus, a triumphing prince, after the pattern indicated by Daniel. Messiah is for men, not for Jews only, for sinners, and not for an enslaved nation only. Acts 26:7 the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. Amplified - Which hope [of the Messiah and the resurrection] our twelve tribes confidently expect to realize as they fervently worship [without ceasing] night and day. And for that hope, O king, I am accused by Jews and considered a criminal! BGT Acts 26:7 εἰς ἣν τὸ δωδεκάφυλον ἡμῶν ἐν ἐκτενείᾳ νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν λατρεῦον ἐλπίζει καταντῆσαι, περὶ ἧς ἐλπίδος ἐγκαλοῦμαι ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων, βασιλεῦ. NET Acts 26:7 a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God night and day. Concerning this hope the Jews are accusing me, Your Majesty! GNT Acts 26:7 εἰς ἣν τὸ δωδεκάφυλον ἡμῶν ἐν ἐκτενείᾳ νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν λατρεῦον ἐλπίζει καταντῆσαι, περὶ ἧς ἐλπίδος ἐγκαλοῦμαι ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων, βασιλεῦ. NLT Acts 26:7 In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope! KJV Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. ESV Acts 26:7 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! CSB Acts 26:7 the promise our 12 tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve Him night and day. King Agrippa, I am being accused by the Jews because of this hope. NIV Acts 26:7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. NKJ Acts 26:7 "To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. NRS Acts 26:7 a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! YLT Acts 26:7 to which our twelve tribes, intently night and day serving, do hope to come, concerning which hope I am accused, king Agrippa, by the Jews; NAB Acts 26:7 Our twelve tribes hope to attain to that promise as they fervently worship God day and night; and on account of this hope I am accused by Jews, O king. NJB Acts 26:7 the promise that our twelve tribes, constant in worship night and day, hope to attain. For that hope, Your Majesty, I am actually put on trial by Jews! GWN Acts 26:7 Our twelve tribes expect this promise to be kept as they worship with intense devotion day and night. Your Majesty, the Jews are making accusations against me because I expect God to keep his promise. BBE Acts 26:7 For the effecting of which our twelve tribes have been working and waiting night and day with all their hearts. And in connection with this hope I am attacked by the Jews, O king! to which our twelve tribes hope to attain . Ezra 6:17; 8:35. Mt 19:28. Lu. 22:30. Ja. 1:1. Rev 7:4–8. as they earnestly serve God night and day. Acts 20:31. Ps 134:1, 2; 135:2. Lu. 2:36, 37. 1 Th. 3:10. 1 Ti. 5:5. And for this hope. Lu. 2:25, 38; 7:19, 20. Phil 3:11. Acts 26:6. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Paul Presents His Testimony to Agrippa - Acts 26:1-21 Acts 26:1-3 His Congeniality Acts 26:4-5 His Character Acts 26:6-8 His Confidence Acts 26:9-11 His Cruelty Acts 26:12-15 His Conversion Acts 26:16-18 His Commission Acts 26:19-21 His Compliance THE JEWISH HOPE Andrews that "Paul had not left his orthodox beliefs—he had not denied the faith. Paul expands on it." the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain - Paul is pointing out that even now the Twelve Tribes themselves were trying to obtain the hope. As the NLT says "In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope!" Toussaint - Paul's reference to the 12 tribes of Israel shows the error of British-Israelism with its "10 lost tribes of Israel" (cf. Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30; James 1:1; Rev. 7:4-8; 21:12). (Bible Knowledge Commentary) (See also Related Resources below). MacArthur on the promise to the 12 tribes that the hope of the promise "was the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom (cf. Acts 1:6; Acts 3:22–24; Acts 13:23–33; Gal. 3:17–18; Gal 4:4; Titus 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:11–12) and, specifically, the resurrection connected with His coming. It was that promise that was made by God throughout the Old Testament: Messiah would come to take away sin and establish His kingdom of righteousness. And it was that very promise to which the twelve tribes of Israel hoped to attain as they earnestly served God night and day. (Paul’s mention of the twelve tribes shows that the ten northern tribes are not lost [cf. Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30; James 1:1; Rev. 21:12].) Yet, incredibly, it was for proclaiming that very hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ that Paul was being accused by these apostate Jews. (Ibid) Kent: the issue was the hope of salvation for Israel. This had been promised to the patriarchs and enlarged by the prophets to include the sending of a divine Deliverer whose coming would bring the salvation for which they longed, and would also issue in resurrection that even those who had died might participate in Messiah’s reign. Hope (1679)(elpizo from noun elpis = hope, absolute assurance of future good) means to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial. To express desire for some good with the expectation of obtaining it.
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MacArthur - By raising Jesus from the dead, God validated the Old Testament promise of resurrection, at the same time demonstrating that Jesus was Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. But it was just this point that Agrippa, along with many other Jews, was not willing to concede. Most Jews (except for the Sadducees, Matt. 22:23) accepted the general concept of resurrection (cf. John 5:28–29; 11:24). What they did not accept was that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and was their Messiah. (ibid) F F Bruce - That a faithful Pharisee believed in the resurrection of the dead, and saw no fulfilment of Israel’s ancient hope apart from the resurrection, went without saying. But the amazing and indeed absurd feature of the present dispute was that he was being prosecuted for his proclamation of this very hope – and prosecuted by Jews, of all people! But this hope was the hope that God would keep the promise which He made to the fathers of the nation long ago; it was the hope which gave life and meaning and purpose to the ordinances of divine worship, faithfully maintained by all twelve tribes of Israel generation after generation – the hope that God would one day come down to deliver His people as He had done when they were slaves in Egypt, that He would raise up a horn of salvation for them “in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old” (cf. Luke 1:69f+). Henry
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MacArthur - If he could not kill them, he at least wanted to force them to recant. Viewing Christians as dangerous and blasphemous heretics caused Paul to be furiously enraged at them (cf. Acts 9:1; Gal. 1:13–14). And being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities - Notice that what "filled" Paul (anger), also controlled him (pursued the Christians). How different was Paul now that he was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit! Being furiously enraged - This verb is used only here and gives us a striking picture of the intensity of Paul's emotional state regarding the Jews who had converted to Christianity. You can almost pictures his nostrils flaring, neck veins bulging and face beet red! The picture is a person who is so enraged they appear to be out of their mind! It is amazing given the intrinsic meaning of emmainomai that Paul adds a modifying adverb (perissos) which means exceedingly, even beyond measure! I am not sure he could have painted a much more striking picture of his anger! As a physician, I can only imagine what his blood pressure was! Enraged (1693)(emmainomai from en = in+ maínomai = to act as a maniac) means literally to be mad or furious with or against any person or thing, followed by the dat. (Acts 26:11). Louw-Nida - to be so furiously angry with someone as to be almost out of one's mind - 'to be enraged, to be infuriated, to be insanely angry." BDAG - to be filled with such anger that one appears to be mad." It is interesting that the one who forced the Christians to blaspheme later confessed he was the one who blasphemed writing "even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief." (1 Ti 1:13) Larkin comments on enraged pursuit - Yet even such strong persecution was not outside the sovereign plan of God; and Jesus has promised such for all true disciples (Lk 12:4, 8-12+; Lk 21:12-19+). Pursuing (imperfect tense = repeated attempts) (1377)(dioko) means Paul was pressing hard after them, pursuing them with earnestness and diligence in order punish them.
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MacArthur - The spiritual blindness of Israel will no longer exist. Jesus gives the words an additional meaning, applying it to His ministry of physical healing for the deaf and blind (Mt 11:5; cf. Isa 35:5). Isa 32:3 Then the eyes of those who see will not be blinded, And the ears of those who hear will listen. Ed: This is a a prophetic promise which God will fulfill in the Messianic Kingdom Isa 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Ed: This is a a prophetic promise which God will fulfill in the Messianic Kingdom Isa 42:7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon, And those who dwell in darkness from the prison. Isa 43:8 Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, And the deaf, even though they have ears. Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are downtrodden, Luke 24:45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, John 9:39 And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see; and that those who see may become blind." 2 Co 4:4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Eph 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that (1) you may know what is the hope of His calling, (2) what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is (3) the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Ed: This is Paul's prayer for believers! Beloved, let us pray this for one another, believing God will answer it! This passage has just been prayed for as you read the note! I covet your prayers! Study the uses of the related verb dianoigo (derived from anoigo) and found in Lu 24:45, Acts 16:14-note, Acts 17:3-note Open (455)(anoigo from ana = again + oigo = to open) means to open, to open up, to open again, to give access to. To open one's eyes causing them to see (Acts 26:18). To open one's mouth that they might begin to speak (Mt 5:2). Figuratively, to open a "door" meaning to make possible (Col 4:3). Luke records the parallel passages (Lk 11:9, 10). Of heavens open = have the heavens opened or divided so that celestial things become manifest - Mt 3:16; Lu 3:21; Jn 1:51; Acts 7:56; 10:11; Rev 19:11; (Lxx of the following passages) Isa 64:1; Ezek 1:1; Ps 78:23. In 2 Cor 6:11 the idea is to pour out one’s mind, open one’s heart, to speak fully and frankly. Anoigo is used in NT and Lxx of Jesus not opening His mouth - Not to open one’s mouth = not to utter complaints (Acts 8:32; Isa 53:7 cp Ps 38:14; 39:9) NET Note on to open their eyes so that... - Here is Luke’s most comprehensive report of Paul’s divine calling. His role was to call humanity to change their position before God and experience God’s forgiveness as a part of God’s family. The image of turning is a key one in the NT: Luke 1:79; Rom 2:19; 13:12; 2 Cor 4:6; 6:14; Eph 5:8; Col 1:12; 1 Th 5:5. See also Luke 1:77–79; 3:3; 24:47. Here is an old Maranatha classic "Open Our Eyes" - while I don't agree with the "reach out and touch Him" lyrics, I do agree with the prayer that God might open the spiritual eyes of our heart to see by faith as Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:18-19+ "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might" TURNED FROM SPIRITUAL DARKNESS UNTO SPIRITUAL LIGHT So that they may turn - This is a descriptive definition of repentance. A purposeful, personal (not private) decision to turn to God (as the Spirit leads to repentance = Ro 2:4) not only in mind but in conduct. Repent! Return! Why do they need to turn? That they may receive forgiveness...that brings joy to one's heart because sin weighs one's heart down as David taught in [Ps 32:3-4] The power of God's forgiveness is also taught in [Pr 28:13] Turn (1994)(epistrepho from epí = motion toward + strepho = twist, turn quite around or reverse) means to revert, to turn about, to turn around, to turn toward, to return and figuratively to convert. The idea is a definite turn to God in conduct as well as in one's mind. Study the 39 uses below and note the association with repentance and conversion. Resources on Repentance: Repent (3340) metanoeo Repentance (3341) metanoia Vines' Expository Dictionary Repent, Repentance Girdlestone's Synonyms of the OT Repentance Nave Topical Bible Repentance Scofield Reference Index Repentance Thompson Chain Reference Repentance The Topic Concordance Repentance Torrey Topical Textbook Repentance American Tract Society Repentance Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Repentance Baker Evangelical Dictionary Repentance Charles Buck Dictionary Repentance Chabad Knowledge Base Ten days of repentance CARM Theological Dictionary Repentance Easton's Bible Dictionary Repentance Holman Bible Dictionary Repentance of God Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Repentance Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Repentance Repentance (2) King James Dictionary Repentance Morrish Bible Dictionary Repentance Hawker's Poor Man's Dictionary Repentance Webster Dictionary Repentance Watson's Theological Dictionary Repentance International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Repentance McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Repentance The Jewish Encyclopedia Repentance From darkness to light - Unbelievers are blinded to spiritual truth by Satan, "the god of this world (who) has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.(2 Co 4:4+). Paul describes them as "being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness." (Eph 4:18-19+) But God is greater than Satan and He is light and in Him there is no darkness at all and it is "God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness" (2 Cor 4:6+) "brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Ti 1:10+). God "is the One Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." (2 Cor 4:6+) John
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MacArthur explains that "The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to open the eyes of the spiritually blind....by "[convicting] the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged." (John 16:8–11) Genuine conviction will result in transformation of life, as those convicted turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God." (ED: Dr MacArthur's comment emphasizes the critical need to pulpits to preach the word and not give way to itching ears! We need to remember the words of Amos 8:11 "“Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the LORD.") Darkness (4655)(skotos from skia = shadow thrown by an object. Skia it can assume the meaning of skotos and indicate the sphere of darkness) is literally that sphere in which light is absent. Skotos figuratively refers to spiritual or moral darkness (including a lack of understanding) as in the following examples "(Jesus declared) And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. (John 3:19) "(the gospel would) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' (Acts 26:18) If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth (truth is not only something we should believe and teach but also something we should practice, otherwise our life is a "lie") (1John 1:6-note) And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; (Ephesians 5:11 sermon note) For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, (note Colossians 1:13) The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (see note Romans 13:12) Absence of light leaves room for evil and sin. In this sense darkness may be described as evil. In his first epistle Peter used skotos figuratively explaining to the believers that... you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness (the moral and spiritual condition that enshrouds this present world and all those who do not know Christ) into His marvelous light (note 1 Peter 2:9) Darkness is used to describe the spiritual powers of Satan and his evil empire... "While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours." (Luke 22:53) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 note) Larkin - Luke will use the metaphor of "closed eyes" for a sinful condition (Acts 28:27/Is 6:10; compare Lk 19:42) and "seeing eyes" for those blessed to witness of God's saving purposes (Lk 2:30; 10:23; compare Is 42:7). (Ibid) So that they may turn from darkness to light - Cross references Acts 26:23 that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He should be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." Acts 13:47+ (Quoting Isa 49:6) "For thus the Lord has commanded us, I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, That You should bring salvation to the end of the earth. " Henry
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MacArthur - Addressing Zion (Isa 59:20; 60:14), Isaiah told the city and thus the nation Israel that her light has come, putting her in contrast with the rest of the darkened world. This expressed the glory of Jerusalem during the millennial kingdom. Jerusalem’s light will attract other nations seeking relief from their darkness (2:3). Only believing Jews and Gentiles will enter the earthly kingdom after the Day of the Lord, but as the 1,000 years goes along children will be born and nations will become populated by those who reject Jesus Christ. The glory of the King in Jerusalem, and His mighty power will draw those Gentiles to His light. Mal 4:2+ "But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. Mat 4:16 "The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, And to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a light dawned." Lk 1:79- note To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace." Lk 2:32-note A light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Thy people Israel." Joh 1:4-9 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. Joh 3:19 "And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. Joh 8:12 Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." Joh 9:5 "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Joh 12:35 Jesus therefore said to them, "For a little while longer the light is among you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness may not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 "While you have the light, believe in the light, in order that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and He departed and hid Himself from them. 2 Co 4:6+ For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Co 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Eph 1:18+ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Eph 4:18+ being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; Eph 5:8+ for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light Eph 5:14+ But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light (esp the light of the Gospel), for everything that becomes visible is light. 1 Th 5:4-8+ But you, brethren, are not in (spiritual) darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; 1 Pe 2:9+ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim (Every believer's purpose until we go home) the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Jn 2:8+ On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 2:9 The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. TRANSFERRED FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT From the dominion of Satan to God: From the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan who has the authority (the right and the might) to rule over those trapped in spiritual darkness. Paul describes the effect of the Gospel as producing in a effect a transfer from Satan's kingdom (darkness) to God's kingdom (Light). Paul describes this supernatural, miraculous transfer in Colossians saying we are to be... giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain (same Greek word ad dominion = exousia) of darkness, and transferred (methistemi) us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:12-14+) Larkin - The bondage of Satan's power ("authority"; Lk 4:6+; Lk 22:53+) can be exchanged for the gracious sovereignty of God, who is greater (Lk 4:36+; Lk 5:24+; Acts 8:19+). The positive blessings that flow from this transformation encompass one's past, present and future. There is forgiveness of sins, one of Luke's favorite ways of describing what salvation provides for us (Lk 4:18+/Is 61:1; Lk 24:47+; Acts 2:38+; Acts 5:31+; Acts 10:43+; Acts 13:38+). And there is a new eternal destiny grounded in a new identity. We have a place (kleros, a lot or portion of an inheritance, Ps 78:55; compare Acts 1:17+; Acts 8:21+) among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus (Acts 16:31+; Acts 20:32+; Acts 20:21+; Acts 24:24+). Trust in Christ is our defining moment. (Ibid) Dominion (1849) (exousia from éxesti = it is permitted, it is lawful meaning liberty of action) means the power to do something and was a technical term used in the law courts, of a legal right. "Authority or right is the dominant meaning (of exousia) in the New Testament." (Vincent) Exousía in short refers to delegated authority and combines the idea of the "right and the might", these attributes having been granted to someone. Vine says exousia evolved "from the meaning of "leave or permission," or liberty of doing as one pleases, it passed to that of "the ability or strength with which one is endued," then to that of the "power of authority," the right to exercise power...or "the power of rule or government," the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others. In short exousia is "the right & the might" (see Ro 9:21). Exousia describes the authority a person has delegated to him fr someone else. The person delegating authority is in a sense OUT OF HIMSELF and acting in the person to whom he has delegated the authority. Thus, the word means "DELEGATED AUTHORITY" or the power of authority and of the right of that authority.
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MacArthur observes that "Festus had listened with growing bewilderment as Paul continued speaking in his own defense. Paul was obviously a learned and brilliant man, so how could he believe what he was saying was really true? Did he really think that Jesus of Nazareth, a man executed under one of Festus’ predecessors as governor, Pilate, was alive and had spoken to him? Finally, Paul’s explicit declaration of Christ’s resurrection was too much for Festus’ rational sensibilities....Every intelligent Roman knew that dead men do not come back to life and talk to people; therefore, Paul’s mental musings must have caused him to lose touch with reality." (Ibid) Warren
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MacArthur - Paul called Agrippa as a witness to his sanity, since the Jews believed in resurrection, and the matters of which the apostle spoke (the death of Jesus, and the claim of the Christians that He rose from the dead) were common knowledge in Palestine. By remaining silent, Agrippa confirmed the truth of what Paul said. (Ibid) Acts 26:27 "King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do." NET Acts 26:27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe." GNT Acts 26:27 πιστεύεις, βασιλεῦ Ἀγρίππα, τοῖς προφήταις; οἶδα ὅτι πιστεύεις. NLT Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do--" KJV Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. ESV Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." CSB Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe." NIV Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." NKJ Acts 26:27 "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe." NRS Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." YLT Acts 26:27 thou dost believe, king Agrippa, the prophets? I have known that thou dost believe!' NAB Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe." NJB Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe in the prophets? I know you do.' GWN Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe them!" BBE Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, have you faith in the prophets? I am certain that you have. believe. Acts 26:22, 23. Me A Christian - Alexander
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MacArthur explains that "The implication was that if he did, he would have to concede that Jesus was the Messiah. Agrippa was stuck in a quandary. Admitting his belief in the prophets was tantamount to acknowledging Jesus as Messiah. That would make him look foolish before his Roman friends and outrage his Jewish subjects. Yet a Jewish king could hardly disavow the revered prophets of his people. Consequently, he avoided the question, mockingly replying instead (in Acts 26:28)." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) Almost Saved -- But Lost King Agrippa, believe you the prophets? I know that you believe.… A boat went over the Niagara cataract with two men in it, leaving another clinging to a log which lay against a weir, just above the edge of the descending flood. The morning which rose upon the night of disaster revealed the imperilled man. Thousands gathered upon the banks of the river, and every invention was tried to save him. Lifeboats were swept away until the day began to decline. At length a frail skiff was brought by ropes from each shore to his side. Hope shed its light upon all faces, and shone on no feature so brightly as upon his who lifted his foot to step into the last means of rescue. With the footfall the boat shot upward and backward into the boiling waters, and then downward to the abyss of destruction below went the victim of pleasure. Almost saved! What agony of feeling that expression declares! The Almost Christian G. Whitefield. Acts 26:27-29 King Agrippa, believe you the prophets? I know that you believe.… I. WHAT IS MEANT BY AN ALMOST CHRISTIAN? One who wavers between Christ and the world. II. WHY SO MANY ARE NO MORE THAN SUCH. Because of — 1. False notions of religion. 2. Servile fear of man. 3. Prevailing covetousness. 4. Love of pleasure. 5. Instability of character. III. THE FOLLY AND DANGER OF SUCH A CONDITION. It is — 1. Ineffectual to salvation. 2. Prejudicial to others. 3. Ungrateful to Christ. Acts 26:28 Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian." GNT Acts 26:28 ὁ δὲ Ἀγρίππας πρὸς τὸν Παῦλον, Ἐν ὀλίγῳ με πείθεις Χριστιανὸν ποιῆσαι. NLT Acts 26:28 Agrippa interrupted him. "Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?" KJV Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. ESV Acts 26:28 And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" CSB Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?" NIV Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" NKJ Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." NRS Acts 26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, "Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?" YLT Acts 26:28 And Agrippa said unto Paul, 'In a little thou dost persuade me to become a Christian!' NAB Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You will soon persuade me to play the Christian." NJB Acts 26:28 At this Agrippa said to Paul, 'A little more, and your arguments would make a Christian of me.' GWN Acts 26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think you can quickly persuade me to become a Christian?" BBE Acts 26:28 And Agrippa said to Paul, A little more and you will be making me a Christian. Do you think you can persuade me. Acts 26:29; Acts 24:25. Ezek 33:31. Mt 10:18. Mk 6:20; 10:17–22. 2 Co. 4:2. James 1:23, 24. Me A Christian - Alexander
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MacArthur - No matter how long it took, it was Paul’s heartfelt desire that all who heard him would come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. The scene is again one of startling incongruity. A lowly prisoner in chains tells the gathered political and military leaders and other important figures that he wishes they could be like him. Their fading, fleeting treasure was here on earth; Paul had “an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys” (Luke 12:33+). Vance Havner - STOCKS AND BONDS He went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:22. I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. Acts 26:29. The rich young Ruler's wealth kept him out of the Kingdom and many a man gains the world and loses his soul. Stocks and bonds can make it difficult to lay up treasure in heaven. Paul's stocks and bonds were of another sort, stocks for his feet and bonds for his wrists, but he could wish that kings had his heavenly treasure. The Scriptures do not teach the denial of money or its deification but its dedication. If we can be poor in spirit and rich at the bank well and good, but it is a rare combination. One may wear earthly chains and be a spiritual millionaire. Far better that than a capitalist in chains! Acts 26:29 The Obedience Secret - Samuel Logan Brengle INTRODUCTION: This reveals the secret of Paul’s success as a soul-winner. He was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Those who win others are soldiers who obey orders (Jer. 1:4–7). This Obedience Must Be Prompt. The King’s business requires haste (1 Sam. 21:8). If I speak when the Spirit moves me, I can usually introduce the gospel with good results, but if I delay, the opportunity slips by. This Obedience Must Be Exact. Saul lost his kingdom because his obedience was only partial (1 Sam. 15). This Obedience Must Be Courageous. God told Jeremiah and Ezekiel to be unafraid of reactions to their message (Jer. 1:8; Ezek. 2:6). Saul lost his crown because he feared the people more than he feared God (1 Sam. 15:24). This Obedience Must Be Glad. (See Ps. 100:2.) CONCLUSION: The soul-winner is a servant of God, a friend of Jesus, a prophet of the Most High, an ambassador of Heaven to the sons of men. We must speak Heaven’s words and represent Heaven’s court, seeking not our own will but His. The Difference Jesus Makes - Read: Acts 26:1-18, 27-32 I would to God that . . . all who hear me today, might become . . . as I am. —Acts 26:29 Throughout history, people have treated others with unbelievable cruelty in the name of religion. They have often done so without feelings of remorse or guilt. Muslims and Christians have fought “holy wars” against one another, which have been anything but holy. And within their own ranks, so-called Christians have persecuted other Christians. Like Saul of Tarsus before he became Christ’s apostle to the Gentiles, they think they are doing God a service when actually they are persecuting Jesus (Acts 9:4). When I first learned about the atrocities committed in the name of religion, my boyhood confidence in the Christian faith was shaken. I didn’t dare tell my parents about my misgivings, so I talked to the Lord about it. He led me to notice what happened in Paul’s life. As a powerful member of the Pharisees, Saul (the Hebrew name of Paul) thought he was pleasing God by persecuting Christians. Then he met Jesus (Acts 9:1-19). From then on, he peacefully sought to bring even his enemies to Christ. Thinking It Through How did Jesus react to Peter's attempt to defend Him with a sword? (Jn. 18:10-11). What did Jesus say should be our attitude toward our enemies? (Mt. 5:43-48). No force is greater than the power of God's love. By Herbert VanderLugt Acts 26:30 The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, NET Acts 26:30 So the king got up, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them, GNT Acts 26:30 Ἀνέστη τε ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ ὁ ἡγεμὼν ἥ τε Βερνίκη καὶ οἱ συγκαθήμενοι αὐτοῖς, NLT Acts 26:30 Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left. KJV Acts 26:30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: ESV Acts 26:30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. CSB Acts 26:30 So the king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them got up, NIV Acts 26:30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. NKJ Acts 26:30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; NRS Acts 26:30 Then the king got up, and with him the governor and Bernice and those who had been seated with them; YLT Acts 26:30 And, he having spoken these things, the king rose up, and the governor, Bernice also, and those sitting with them, NAB Acts 26:30 Then the king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and the others who sat with them. NJB Acts 26:30 At this the king rose to his feet, with the governor and Bernice and those who sat there with them. GWN Acts 26:30 The king, the governor, Bernice, and the people who were sitting with them got up. BBE Acts 26:30 And the king and the ruler and Bernice and those who were seated with them got up; Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries PAUL'S DEFENSE FINIS! The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them - While Paul had just had the "last word," now the King in essence signals the "last word" by standing to his feet. The King realizes Paul had put him on trial and the courtroom was a heavenly one and he had heard enough! The hearing was over or as they say "finis."
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MacArthur concludes this section - The question arises as to why Paul could not be released, since both Festus and Agrippa had found him innocent of wrongdoing. Noted expert on Roman law A. N. Sherwin-White explains: When Agrippa remarked: “this man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar,” this does not mean that in strict law the governor could not pronounce an acquittal after the act of appeal. It is not a question of law, but of the relations between the emperor and his subordinates, and of that element of non-constitutional power which the Romans called auctoritas, “prestige,” on which the supremacy of the Princeps so largely depended. No sensible man with hopes of promotion would dream of short-circuiting the appeal to Caesar unless he had specific authority to do so. ( Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament [Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1963], 65) NET Note on Agrippa - King Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II (A.D. 27–92/93), son of Herod Agrippa I (see Acts 12:1). He ruled over parts of Palestine from A.D. 53 until his death. His sister Bernice was widowed when her second husband, Herod King of Chalcis, died in A.D. 48. From then she lived with her brother. In an attempt to quiet rumors of an incestuous relationship between them, she resolved to marry Polemo of Cilicia, but she soon left him and returned to Herod Agrippa II. Their incestuous relationship became the gossip of Rome according to Josephus (Ant. 20.7.3 [20.145–147]). The visit of Agrippa and Bernice gave Festus the opportunity to get some internal Jewish advice. Herod Agrippa II was a trusted adviser because he was known to be very loyal to Rome (Josephus, J. W. 2.16.4 [2.345–401]). NET Note on Festus - Porcius Festus was the procurator of Palestine who succeeded Felix; neither the beginning nor the end of his rule (at his death) can be determined with certainty, although he appears to have died in office after about two years. Nero recalled Felix in A.D. 57 or 58, and Festus was appointed to his vacant office in A.D. 57, 58, or 59. According to Josephus (Ant. 20.8.9–10 [20.182–188]; J. W. 2.14.1 [2.271–272]), his administration was better than that of his predecessor Felix or his successor Albinus, but Luke in Acts portrays him in a less favorable light: He was willing to sacrifice Paul to court Jewish favor by taking him to Jerusalem for trial (v. 9), regardless of Paul’s guilt or innocence. The one characteristic for which Festus was noted is that he dealt harshly with those who disturbed the peace. Set free (released) (630)(apoluo from apó = marker of dissociation, implying a rupture from a former association, separation + luo = loose) is used often of sending a person or a group away from someone (Mt 14:15, 22, 23, 32, etc). Apoluo in this passage has the sense of to let loose from or to release from arrest or custody) (cf Acts 17:9) and thus to let go free or set at liberty.