More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 4)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

In this last of four installments about what the redeemed receive from God in addition to forgiveness of sins, note the last phrase: “those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” The redeemed are not only justified (declared righteous) when we first believe, but from that point forward in this life we embark on the process of sanctification. Sanctification is the process in which we grow in holiness until we go to be with the Lord and are glorified (actually become righteous in Heaven). How does this happen? Here are two simple answers:.

First, sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit. It is by His power and grace. Let us trust in and depend on the Holy Spirit.

Second, it happens as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit by applying the ordinary means of grace by which we grow spiritually (e.g., the Word, prayer, the sacraments, and fellowship to name only a few). Let us diligently cooperate with the Holy Spirit. And let us be thankful to Him when we see spiritual growth in our lives.

Forgiveness of sin is followed by lives that progressively experience victory over sin.

More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 3)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

We have been considering the blessings of salvation in addition to the obvious one: forgiveness of sin. In this installment let’s think about the inheritance received by the redeemed.

We are heirs of God because the redeemed are children of God. The more heirs there are, the smaller the inheritance each receives because the estate is split more ways. That is not true for the heirs of God, however. Why? Because as Paul states in Romans 8:16-17:

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…

As joint heirs with Christ, we all receive the same full portion that Jesus receives. This may seem that all (including Jesus) would get smaller shares, but for the fact that the riches of God are infinite. No matter how many times one splits what is infinite, every share is infinite! May our minds not freeze up trying to comprehend that.

God loves every one of His children infinitely and equally to His love for Jesus. Add that to the blessing of forgiveness!

More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 2)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

Last time we considered that there is more to being saved than just forgiveness of sin. That first bonus (yesterday’s blog) is that the saved have eyes to see what they could not see before they were born again.

In this second installment, we will consider that in addition to forgiveness, the redeemed are “turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.” Stated differently, the redeemed no longer walk in spiritual darkness and are no longer under the spiritual sway of sin and Satan. Paul says it this way in Romans 6: Though we were slaves to sin, once we are saved we are free from that bondage (paraphrased).

But as Paul also states in Romans 6 that we are not free to sin. Instead, we are slaves to righteousness (v.16-22), rendering us free to obey the Lord. And with that freedom we are likewise empowered to live righteously in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit instead of languishing under the power of sin, our flesh, and Satan.

Forgiveness is great, but the freedom from bondage to sin makes salvation that much greater!

More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 1)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

Our salvation is more than mere forgiveness of sins.

Don’t get me wrong. Forgiveness of sins is HUGE! But what our Savior did for us is even more comprehensive.

Salvation opens our eyes (v.18). When we are born again, what we could not previously see or comprehend, becomes clear. The list of things we can see when we are saved is too lengthy for a single blog, so here are a few key items that come into focus when we are born again.

We see something of the holiness of God, without which we cannot see that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. I say “something” because the infinite holiness of God is not revealed all at once. Our understanding of God’s holiness grows as we grow in grace.

We see something of how sinful we are which prompts us to cry out to God in Christ for forgiveness. Again I say “something” because as we grow in grace, and in our understanding of God’s holiness, we grow in our understanding of our sinfulness.

We see something of the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ. Again, I say “something” because as we grow in grace, we grow in our understanding that Jesus is not only the only way to the Father, but He is the all-sufficient way to the Father. Subsequently we grow in our love for Him!

The list could go on, so let me just list a few more. When we are born again our eyes are opened to the Word of God, the power of prayer, the necessity of fellowship, and the urgency of evangelism and missions.

And some think being saved is “only” forgiveness!

Paul's commission and ours

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:16-18

We understand from (v.15) that it was Jesus Himself who was speaking to Paul. Understand: This was a special circumstance during the transitional time of Acts, and Paul was being commissioned to be an Apostle. Why are these important facts to remember? Jesus does not appear to or speak audibly to people now. Not that He can’t but He doesn’t. The normal way God leads us today is through His written Word, the Bible.

Though the details of Paul’s commission is not the normal specific way the Lord leads us, there is an aspect of what Paul received from the Lord that is generally true for all believers. Paul’s was an Apostolic commission to be a witness for Christ urging others to believe in and follow the Lord (v.16-18). Though we are not commissioned to be Apostles in the formal sense, all believers are commissioned to be witnesses for Christ urging others to believe in and follow the Lord (Matthew 28:18-20).

In the next verse (v.19) Paul recounts that he “was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” May we, like Paul, be obedient to the Great Commission we have all received, to make disciples. Let us do so by passing on what we know of the Lord, trusting that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of the lost, turning them from darkness to light, and forgiving their sins even as He has graciously forgiven ours.

Persecuting Jesus Himself

…at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 26:13-15

Paul was a persecutor of Christians, but as Jesus told him during his conversion experience, Paul was actually persecuting Jesus Himself. Here are some truths to learn from this:

• Jesus loves and identifies with His people so intimately that when people abuse His people, they are abusing Him!

• When Christians are being persecuted, we must not take it personally. Their hateful abuse may be suffered by us, but it is Jesus they actually hate—even though they do not usually realize it!

• The just vengeance God will one day pour out on those who persecute His people will be no less severe than the vengeance He unleashes on those who crucified Jesus.

We can thank God that we have not yet suffered persecution the way so many of our brothers and sisters have and do. I say “not yet” because persecution of Christ’s Church is gaining momentum here in our nation. The laws and court decisions are leaning against any who hold to a biblical worldview. Disagree with same sex unions, “gender transitioning,” and any one of the other abominations that are being shoved down our throats by the insanity of “woke-ism,” and you will soon be labeled not only a hater to be cancelled, but a criminal to be prosecuted, and imprisoned—or worse!

Our only hope when being persecuted is to keep our eyes on Jesus, pray for a revival, and for the salvation of those who hate and persecute our Lord!

God so loves that He gives

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Today, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has come to be called “Giving Tuesday.” Every non-profit seems to have their hands out today.

First, I am not writing to find fault with this.

But second, may I point you to 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 to remind us all that if believers are giving as prescribed in these verses, the need for special giving drives would be seldom, if ever. Giving regularly, proportionately, and generously to/through organizations that one trusts (2 Corinthians 7-8) is not only God’s will, but makes the special requests virtually unnecessary.

Third, let us be reminded that giving is an essential way of following God’s example, as found in John 3:16.

Lastly, may our giving always be an act of worship in response to what God has given us!

Black Friday and Good Friday

"It is good for nothing," cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
Proverbs 20:14

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

I write this blog post on “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving when buyers shop for incredible deals.

I thought about the best deal ever which was purchased for us on “Good Friday,” the day when Christ Jesus was crucified to pay for His people’s sins. Good Friday was followed, of course, by Easter Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead, sealing the Good Friday deal.

If you are shopping today, I pray you get good deals. If you want the best deal of all time and eternity, however, seize the deal Jesus purchased for His people. Instead of paying less money for more stuff (as in Black Friday deals), the Good Friday deal is when the redeemed give up our sin and receive everlasting and abundant life in Christ! And it is available 365 days of every year!

Be sure to tell other people about this greatest of all deals!

A Thanksgiving devotional for you and yours

How sad to live without being thankful since we are all blessed in so many ways.  But it is sadder still to simply be happy about life being good while not knowing who our blessings come from or who to give thanks.

James 1:17 tells us Who gives us the good gifts we enjoy:

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…

 Let us acknowledge that our blessings come from God!

Psalm 103 reminds us that we can know God who gives us all good gifts:

Psalm 100:1-3
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, He is God!
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

 Let us know that the LORD is God who made us!

Psalm 103  also reminds us that we can know God Who gives us all good gifts:

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name!
For the LORD is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.

 Let us give God thanks and praise because the LORD is good!

Psalm 136  reminds us again to give thanks to God because His is good and because His love is everlasting:

Psalm 136:1–3
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for His steadfast love endures forever

 Let us  give thanks to God because His is good and His love is everlasting!

1 Thessalonians teaches us to give God thanks and praise no matter what, even when life is difficult:

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 Let us give God thanks and praise to God, no matter what!

Colossians 3:15–17 teaches us that whatever we do, we are to give thanks in everything:

Colossians 3:15–17
…be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

 Let us give God thanks and praise to God in the name of the Lord, at all times, no matter what we are doing!

 Pray

Sing the Doxology:
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures her below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Amen. 

Being found by the One we were not seeking

…at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 26:13-15

Paul’s conversion experience was admittedly more dramatic than most. But here is one thing about his that is like many of ours. He was going about his business, not looking to have any sort of encounter with Christ—much less a converting encounter!

Paul’s “business” was persecuting Christians. Thankfully, few, if any of us, were engaged in the business of actively persecuting Christians as Paul was. Most of us, however, were living our lives with either little or no thought of Christ, or worse, we had just enough religion to think we needed no more than what we had. But as the Lord did in Paul’s life, He intervened in ours. He found us when we were not seeking Him! And that is biblical:

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none to seeks after God.” Romans 3:10-11

Or as Paul says in Romans 10:21 (quoting Isaiah 65:1):

But Isaiah is very bold and says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.”

Yes, there are those who were “seeking the Lord” before they were saved, but unless the Bible is wrong (and it is not!) the only reason anyone ever even seems to be seeking the Lord is that the Lord was already at work, seeking that person.

• Praise God that you were not a persecutor of Christ and His Church as Paul was.

• Rejoice in that when we were not seeking Him, He found us.

• And let us be encouraged regarding the salvation of lost loved ones who have no interest in Him. He will save His people, often when they are tending to their own business with little or no thought of Him!

We were all sinners before receiving Christ

"Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. Acts 26:9-11

While our testimonies are not a chance to revel in our past sinful life styles, it is important that we acknowledge that coming to Christ includes acknowledging that before we trusted in Christ, we were lost in sin and deserving of God’s judgment.

Again, we do not need to have been notorious sinners. It is a wonderful testimony when a person does not remember a day when one did not know of and believe in Jesus. This is the encouraging testimony of one who has been raised in a Christian home and has not gone off into the world to follow a lifestyle of sin. But even in these testimonies, one must acknowledge that there was a time when he or she was born again and came to understand that he or she needed a Savior.

Paul had been a great sinner. He had been a persecutor of Christ’s people, His Church. Thankfully not all people are as radical in their sin! But why is our sinfulness (to whatever degree) important to acknowledge? A testimony like Paul’s helps those who think they are too sinful to understand that no one is too sinful to be saved. Conversely, the testimony of one who was not a radical sinner encourages those who don’t think they are so bad that they need Christ because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and are therefore in need of Christ the Savior.

How many testimonies present a false gospel

Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
Acts 26:8

We are also reminded by Paul’s testimony before Agrippa II that the death and resurrection of Christ are essential components of any gospel presentation. Without the resurrection, Paul argued (1 Corinthians 15:14-19) that our preaching is vain, our faith is in vain, and we are dead in our sins. And of course without a death, there is no resurrection, so the two go hand in hand.

Though one need not understand every theological nuance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in order to be saved, the basic reality of Christ’s death and resurrection is essential for salvation. Consider Romans 10:9-10.

…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

By this we can see that faith in Christ necessarily includes believing that Jesus died and rose to save His people from our sins. Sadly, all too often this essential detail is neglected in favor of a false gospel that merely invites people “accept Jesus into our hearts so we can be happier and have better, more purposeful lives.”

I bring this up not merely to remind us to include the death and resurrection of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins in our testimonies, but also to challenge us all to examine our own faith in Christ. Are you believing in a Jesus who merely takes away our troubles, or the one and only Jesus who takes away our sins? The answer to that question matters!

Testimonies and the gospel

"My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 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. Acts 26:4-7

After addressing Agrippa ever so respectfully, Paul began his message with a bit of biographical background. We Christians refer to this as giving “our testimony.”

Our testimonies are an important part of what we have to say about Jesus. But our testimonies are often devoid of the gospel itself. The gospel is the most important part of what we have to say about Jesus. It is the gospel that is “the power of God to salvation,” not our testimonies. Our story of what Jesus has done in and for us is important for two reasons, however.

First, it is a bridge to gain a hearing. People may not be eager to hear about the gospel, but they are more likely to hear about “something really important” to you, espeically if they know you. Of course if you only tell them your story without including the gospel, your story is of no spiritual avail. So incorprate the gospel into your story by saying something like this:

“It was at that time that I understood that I am a sinner and need to have my sins forgiven. And I understood that trusting in Jesus who died on the cross to pay for my sins is the only way to be forgiven. Does that make sense to you?”

Second, our testimonies validate the impact of Christ and the gospel. By sharing your testimony when speaking about Christ, the gospel becomes more than religious facts. Christ and the gospel become personal and real. People with whom we are speaking may not believe, but they cannot refute what happened to you!

So, tell your story about coming to Christ, but be sure to include the gospel!

Paul speaks to Agrippa II, respectfully

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
Acts 26:1-3

Let us be reminded that this assembly before which Paul will now speak is not an official trial. Agrippa II knows that Paul has appealed to Caesar, and giving Paul an opportunity to speak for himself is merely an attempt to get some ideas about what to write to Caesar regarding why they were sending Paul his way.

If there was any other reason for this meeting, it may have been to satisfy Agrippa and Bernice’s curiosity about Paul and this Christian sect of Judaism (as they would have thought it to be). We know from Acts 25:22 that Agrippa was curious to hear Paul preach.

Even Agrippa’s invitation to Paul to speak is unlike a trial. Paul was not asked about the charges against him. He was invited to say whatever he wanted to say on his own behalf. Of course, Paul made a beeline for the gospel!

Paul began speaking with a hand motion. This waving of the arm and hand was a common way that orators in that day began to speak.

We will consider several components of Paul’s presentation to Agrippa in the coming blog posts. For now let’s just consider how respectful Paul was.

Paul was happy to speak to Agrippa. While the Romans were garbed in impressive clothing, Paul was in chains. This did not intimidate Paul who began to speak, as always, as a man on a mission to proclaim Christ and the gospel. Being in chains surely didn’t make Paul happy, but having the opportunity to preach Christ to a person as “important” as Agrippa thrilled Paul!

Paul was complimentary towards Agrippa about his expertise in Jewish ways. Was Paul “buttering Agrippa up?” Not in a disingenuous sort of way. Yes, saying affirming words to people often does help ensure that they will listen more intently. What Paul said about Agrippa’s knowledge was true, and therefore not rank flattery.

We could all learn from this in our snarky, in-your-face culture. Even when we disagree, let us always seek to be agreeable with everyone to whom we speak. Civility, politeness, and just plain good manners are ways in which Christians must speak—especially when representing Christ and the gospel.

Contrasting human and divine justice

Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," he said, "you shall hear him." So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought in. And Festus said: "King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him." Acts 25:22-27

What a contrast there is between human and divine courts!

Notice the pageantry and pomp by the Roman authorities (v.23). Much care and respect was given to these authorities, yet Paul, the spokesman for almighty God, was in chains—not unlike his Savior, Jesus, who is the ultimate Judge who was condemned by the Roman governor, Pilate.

Note that in Festus’ introduction, the Apostle was referred to simply as “this man” (v.24). We are still reading Paul’s words in the Bible, and the Roman dignitaries would have been altogether forgotten except that they are mentioned because of what was happening to him.

Festus correctly stated: (a) Paul’s religious accusers wanted the Apostle dead and (b) there were no legitimate charges (v.24-25).

Note what Festus never mentioned in the rest of the chapter: Justice. Festus was not interested in justice. His interest was in shuffling Paul away and saving face by completing the paperwork satisfactorily. God, the Judge of all the earth, judges the lost justly. His deals with His elect lovingly and mercifully, because Jesus took the justice we deserve, giving us the reward of righteousness that only Jesus deserves.

No human judge or court could ever devise such a perfect plan. Hallelujah!

Irony or Providence?

To them I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.' Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar."
Acts 25:16-21

Festus was recounting to Agrippa II the back story of Paul’s case. Festus was at least astute enough to realize that the case against Paul was of a Jewish religious nature and not a Roman legal matter. His interest was not in justice for the accused, but rather about how he could send Paul to Rome and not end up in trouble himself for sending such a prisoner to Caesar without legitimate legal charges. Instead of seeking justice, he was seeking to pass the buck and spare himself embarrassment.

Note also who was being asked for advice: Herod Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the great. Herod the Great was the one who sought to eliminate the baby Jesus by killing all boys, two years old and under, in and around Bethlehem (Matthew2:16-18). Now years later, his great-grandson, Herod Agrippa II, was involved in the life or death verdict of the Apostle Paul who was on trial for preaching that Jesus was still alive.

These kinds of ironies are all a part of God’s sovereign providence, as is every detail of our lives. Sometimes God’s providence is comfortable and to our liking. Sometimes, not so much! But that all things that happen are by God’s decree, and all things that God decrees will happen. That this is true affords us comfort—especially when God’s providence is uncomfortable. By such providences we are reminded that God has bigger and broader plans than merely our happiness.

When justice is delayed

When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying: "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him.
Acts 25:14-15

Felix, Festus, and now Agrippa II. The groundless case against Paul had passed through three sets of hands by this time. Over two years had passed. How the wheels of justice can turn ever so slowly! And of course, the longer legal matters drag on, the less likely justice will even be served. How easy it would have been for Paul to lose heart. But God. Paul was ever mindful that the Sovereign over all who exists is in complete control of all things. Yes, even over flawed human legal systems.

Legal matters that are rushed often ignore justice. Emotional haste can often result in the innocent being condemned while the guilty watch in silence. That is not good. On the other end of the spectrum, so called justice systems that take inordinately too long tend to evade justice and passively condemn the accused to prolonged imprisonment without a verdict.

As is often the case, the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle. But regardless, God will have the final word. And as long as we live in this world tainted by injustice of every sort, let us be encouraged that God will judge righteously, at precisely the right time of His choosing.

Who were Agrippa II and "Queen" Bernice?

And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
Acts 25:13

Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa, who was one of the sons of Herod the Great. When his father died in A.D. 44, Agrippa II was seventeen years old and living in Rome. He had hoped that Emperor Claudius would appoint him to his father’s crown of rulership of Palestine, but Claudius knew that the teenager was not ready for such responsibility. He was granted a much less important position but in time he was given more responsibility. One of Agrippa II’s roles was to appoint the Jewish high priests. He was knowledgeable of the Hebrew Scriptures (Acts 26:27), and was known as an expert in all things Jewish, though he was not personally Jewish religiously.

Who was Bernice? She was not officially Agrippa II’s wife, though she functioned as his queen. She was more properly Agrippa II’s sister. At the tender age of thirteen Bernice married her uncle and remained married for seven years until his death, when she went to live with her unmarried brother, Agrippa II. Roman rumors about the two (though it is unknown how true they were) included that Agrippa II was a homosexual, or that though not married to Bernice, the two lived together in sin as though husband and wife. To counter the rumors that might hurt them politically, Bernice married the king of Cilicia, but quickly deserted him to return to her brother. Agrippa II and Bernice were fiercely loyal to Rome in order to maintain their privileged lifestyles.

Agrippa showed his allegiance to Rome by visiting Festus soon after his arrival in Caesarea.

Agrippa was the last of the Herodian dynasty. He died in A.D. 100, after which Bernice faded from prominence.

How tragic that these sinful people appointed Jewish high priests and were to sit in judgment over the Apostle Paul!

Enter: Agrippa II and Bernice

And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
Acts 25:13

As a Roman citizen, Paul requested that his case be heard in Rome by Caesar, Festus knew that he had to honor Paul's appeal. But Festus knew that he couldn’t send a prisoner to Rome without some substantial charges, Festus also knew that the charges against Paul were flimsy at best, and completely groundless fabrications as worst. To bother the Roman legal system, not to mention Caesar himself, over nothing would reflect badly on Festus since the charges were of a Jewish religious matter (about which Rome did not care), and had nothing to do with Roman law.

Coincidently (if you believe in such things), King Agrippa II and his “queen” Bernice happened to be in Caesarea. Though not fully Jewish, Agrippa was partly of Jewish descent, so he understood the religion better than did Festus. In addition, Agrippa’s family was well acquainted with Roman government protocols. Festus thought that maybe Agrippa could hear Paul’s case and advise Festus how to proceed.

Before proceeding with Agrippa’s role in Paul’s legal affairs, a few words about Agrippa II and Bernice might be of interest and a bit helpful. We’ll give time to that in the next post.

Why, God?

Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!" Acts 25:12

Paul had been in jail and in court for two years. He was there because of the Jewish religious leaders’ hatred of him, which was in fact hatred of Christ and the gospel. Though the Roman governors in Israel were wearied with the matter, Paul’s religious accusers were no less vitriolic in their demands for Paul’s death than when the whole affair began. They wanted the trial moved from Caesarea to Jerusalem where there was more Jewish animosity against Paul. Remember, their plan was to ambush the transport of prisoner Paul in order to kill him.

Paul wisely asked for the next phase of his trial to be held in Rome before the emperor—which was his legal right as a Roman citizen, and Festus agreed. How sad that Paul could get a fairer trial before a pagan Caesar in Rome than in Jewish Jerusalem!

Why did the Lord allow things to go this way? Why not just cause the local Roman authorities to dismiss the case and let Paul go free? While I cannot say for certain, there are three reasons that God in His providence wanted Paul to go to Rome.

• The rest of the book of Acts tells us of great things that God did through Paul on the way to Rome.

• While imprisoned in Rome, Paul was able to encourage the Roman Christians.

• While still imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote several letters that ended up in our New Testaments. (Thank God for Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon!)

God in His providence does not always do as we would desire, but what He does is always right. May we learn, as Paul had to, to rest in God’s good providence even when it is not what we would have chosen.