Acts 26 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. (Acts 26:2-5 KJV) Agrippa II was the son of the Agrippa that died in chapter 12 because he accepted worship. His great grandfather was King Herod, who tried to kill Jesus as a baby and killed many baby boys in his pursuit of our Lord. Agrippa himself had an inappropriate relationship with his sister Bernice, but Paul wasnt put off by what he did or what his family did or even his royal status. He just witnessed to him anyway. He appealed to Agrippas position (saying oh king over and over in what Im sure was a respectful tone) and his knowledge of Jewish custom. There is no doubt that Agrippa knew who Paul was before he was saved. He was a Pharasee, which meant he adhered to the law much more closely than had he been from any other group of Jews. At a different time, he would have passed judgment on himself. Paul presented his personal testimony first. After preaching his heart out, Agrippa said that Paul almost made him believe. He even said he would have released him if Paul had not appealed to Caesar, but God wanted Paul to testify in Rome. As for Agrippa II and Bernice, history makes it look like they never converted to Christianity. They sided with Rome and celebrated Jerusalems destruction. They continued their affair until he died then Bernice finished her life in another illicit affair. I wonder how different things would have been in Israel and Rome had they just believed. We have to witness. Thats our job. We cant make anyone choose Jesus. Everyone has to choose for themselves. I remember witnessing to a woman years ago who was so convicted. Someone interrupted the conversation and the moment past. She left lost then the relationship she was in ended and since he had been the one bringing her to church she didnt return. I planted a seed and I still pray for her. Ive seen her a few times through the years, and shes always glad to see me. I hope to see her one day and hear of her salvation, but the truth is there are so many people who almost get saved. I pray she wont be one of them. On Judgement Day, almost wont be good enough.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 15:12:27 +0000
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