Acts 26:24–32
Be still: Here I am, Lord. Please meet with me today. Amen
Read: Acts 26:24–32
At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defence. 'You are out of your mind, Paul!' he shouted. 'Your great learning is driving you insane.' (v24)
Encounter: During my 80 years I've listened to well over 2000 hours of sermons/talks. I haven't always agreed with everything and have been known to be critical (sorry, Lord) but I have never leapt up and shouted at the preacher, 'You must be insane!'
Which is what Governor Festus does. Paul is defending himself before Roman Governor Festus and invited 'guest' judge King Agrippa, when Festus interrupts, shouting at Paul 'You're out of your mind!' What has Paul said to provoke this reaction? This—
'..our Messiah had to suffer and to die and be the first to rise from the dead, to release the bright light of truth both to our people and to the non-jewish nations.'
Too much for Festus; his mind is closed. Paul instead addresses Agrippa, a Jew, and reminds him of the Old Testament prophets who pointed ahead to Jesus. Agrippa implies he's almost persuaded – but not just now.
Apply: I remember a preacher saying that most people's hearts are inclined towards God; only a minority have their backs resolutely turned against him. So how do we win the 'agrippas' for Christ?
Not by argument.
Sam Hailes, editor of Premier Christianity magazine, interviewing Bible scholar John Lennox writes about him: 'he is the Christian apologist best known for taking on New Atheists such as Richard Dawkins in debates viewed millions of times on YouTube. But Lennox's deepest passion is evangelism, which is very different from merely winning arguments.' (my italics)
We can rarely 'argue' people into following Jesus, but we do need to know how to respond to their questions – sometimes admitting our ignorance, but also prepared to give good reasons for our faith, responding to questions like: 'How do you know Jesus was real?' 'Why does God permit pain?' 'Doesn't science disprove God?' etc etc etc. Is there a christian apologetics book or podcast which would help you think about answers?
Devote: Lord, I know love wins over arguing, but help me be ready and prepared, like Paul, to answer questions about you from 'agrippas'. May their 'not yet' become 'Yes!'
John Lennox's autobiography: My Story (SPCK)