The Strand Study Bible

ACTS 25:16  26:2

1832

Paul Stands Before Festus

16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. 17 Therefore, when they were come hith- er, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. 18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: 19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Je- sus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I doubted of such man- ner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of 1 Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. 22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, 2 I would also hear the man myself. To mor- row, said he, thou shalt hear him. 23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men

of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. 24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the mul- titude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, cry- ing that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But when I found that he had com- mitted nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Au- gustus, I have determined to send him. 26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and special- ly before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. 27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. Acts 26 Paul stands before King Agrippa Date - AD 60 1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

1. meaning, “holy or reverend” 2. Acts 9:15 3. or, “blessed” - Lk 7:23 & Mt 5:10- 12 & I Pet 3:14-16 & 4:14

2 I think myself 3 happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day 26:2 The Apostle Paul “loved” ( I think myself happy ) to witness for Jesus and often used terminology that was in reference to the seven feasts ( Lev 23:2 ): 1. Paul talked about “forgiveness of sins; salvation” ( that they may receive forgiveness of sins –vs 18), which was illustrated by the Feast of Passover . The Feast of Passover was set up to remind God’s people what CHRIST did for them concerning salvation (I Cor 5:7). 2. Paul talked about “inheritance” ( and inheritance among them –vs 18), which was illustrated by the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles was set up to remind God’s people what CHRIST would do for Israel concerning their future as a nation (after Christ’s Second Coming - Rev 3:2) during the Millennium. 3. Paul talked about “sanctification” ( which are sanctified by faith that is in me –vs 18), which was illustrated by the Feast of Unleavened Bread . The Feast of Unleavened Bread was set up to remind God’s people what CHRIST did for them concerning sanctification (I Cor 5:8). 4. Paul talked about Christ’s “coming” ( which the prophets and Moses did say should come –vs 22), which was illustrated by the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets was set up to remind God’s people what CHRIST would do for Israel concerning their future regathering as a nation (after the Rapture - I Thess 4:13-18) during “Phase I” of His coming. 5. Paul talked about Christ’s “coming” ( which the prophets and Moses did say should come –vs 22), which was illustrated by the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement was set up to remind God’s people what CHRIST would do for Israel concerning their future restoration as a nation (at Christ’s Second Coming - Mt 24:30-31,42-46) during “Phase II” of His coming. 6. Paul talked about “resurrection” ( should rise –vs 23), which was illustrated by the Feast of First Fruits. The Feast of First Fruits was set up to remind God’s people what CHRIST did for them concerning resurrection (I Cor 15:20-23 and I Jn 3:3 ). 7. Paul talked about “oneness and unity” ( unto the people , and to the Gentiles –vs 23), which was illustrated by the Feast of Pentecost. The Feast of Pentecost was set up to remind God’s people what CHRIST did for them through the HOLY SPIRIT concerning the unity they were to share with all believers (Acts 2:1 and Eph 3:1-6). NOTE – God in His wisdom set up seven different feast days for His people to observe throughout the year. These feasts, if observed, would help His people “stay on schedule” spiritually, and thus “stay right” with Him. Paul knew that “getting right” with God meant sacrificing a lamb ( Lev 1:2,3 ), however, “staying right” with God meant focusing on the principles behind the seven feasts. Christians who desire to “stay right” with God must focus on what Christ did for them, now and in the future.