Bible Studies

Acts 24 to 26, Paul's Continued Persecution and Defense of his Faith

by John Clark 
03/26/17
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The three chapters of Acts 24-26 consist of Paul's continued persecution, sharing his background and personal testimony, and defending the faith. There are no particular observations or insights, except for one. Acts 26:28 is a summary verse: "And Agripa replied to Paul, 'In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.'"

     This is a very important verse for several reasons. One, it says that Paul was a very persuasive person in speech. Two, the Holy Spirit used what Paul said to plant spiritual seeds of truth. Three, Paul shared his faith before very influential people. 

     There are also some practical applications from this verse. As Christians we must not shy away from sharing the gospel with those in authority. We can learn to share the faith in such a way that does not judge, but gets people thinking about spiritual truth. The Bible says that we should know how to defend our faith, and to be able to give an answer for the hope that is within us.

     Paul's message never changed. He preached the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ with persuasion, but it was the Holy Spirit that worked in the hearts of those who heard. Paul declares in I Corinthians 1:17 that God sent him "to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void."

Personal applications:

1. Do you have a convincing personal life experience to share with others that will lead them toward acceptance of Christ?

2. Do you seek to establish common ground with people that might make them more receptive to the gospel?

3. Are you well informed in how to use apologetics in sharing your faith?

4. Do you share your faith with the awareness that it is not your words that have the persuasive power. It is the Holy Spirit working in hearts