Persuasion

Text: Acts 26

Theme: Paul had tremendous experience in communicating, and he used it for the Gospel.

Key verses: “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You may speak in your defense.’ So Paul, gesturing with his hand, started his defense: ‘I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense today against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders, for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently! As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem. If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion. Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors. In fact, that is why the twelve tribes zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yes, Your Majesty, they accuse my for having this hope! Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead? I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem” (v. 1-9). “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with authority and commission of the leading priests. About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?…” v. 12-14). “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God–and prove they have changed by the good things they do. Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen–that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God’s light to Jews and Gentiles alike. Suddenly, Festus shouted, ‘Paul, you are insane…” But Paul replied, I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things…King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do–” Agrippa interrupted him. ‘Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?’ Paul replied, ‘Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.’ Then the king…and all the others left. As they went out, they talked it over and agreed, ‘This man hasn’t done anything to deserve death or imprisonment.’ And Agrippa said to Festus, ‘He could have been set free if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.'” (v. 19-32)

What I believe God said to me: Dwayne, it’s good to have you back journaling. It’s been over a month since you sat down with this wonderful book of the Acts of my Apostles. Remember, although you have a lot on your plate, nothing is more important than feasting on my Word. We’ll get to the point and point out the obvious from this passage. First of all, notice the outcome of Paul’s communication. He convinced them. King Agrippa and Festus would have let him go free had he not appealed to Caesar. He was that good and convincing in his presentation. So, now that you know what he did worked, it begs the question–what did he do? Here’s a play-by-play of tactics Paul employed to get his point across and communicate his message: 1) He used intentional hand motions and body language. 2) He started by complementing his judge. 3) He stated clearly what he needed Agrippa to do (listen). 4) He understated the reality of what his accusers should already know (thus putting them on the defense). 5) He stated his credentials. 6) He related his beliefs to those of his accusers and pointed out the absurdity of their protest against what they themselves say they believe (thus making them look thoughtless and reckless). 7) He put in the form a rhetorical question an obvious truth he knew they couldn’t argue with. 8) He briefly identified himself with his accusers as though he had been among them at one time. But then, he shared how he was enlightened to advance beyond that thinking (thus making him appear wiser and more superior). 9) He shared a personal testimony that was also provocative and impossible to refute or explain away. 10) He credited his actions as divine intervention and direction, saying he obeyed a heavenly vision and that God was with him. Playing the God-card made it even more difficult to ignore or discount. 11) He didn’t waste an opportunity to very clearly and boldly share the Gospel of his Messiah. 12) He didn’t allow himself to get drawn in by Festus’ outburst. Paul remained calm and respectful. 13) Paul pressed his message and mission with Agrippa, not worrying how Agrippa might take it. 14) Paul’s goal clearly wasn’t freedom. His goal was the Gospel and salvation for those who listened to him. You can learn a lot from Paul.

What I said to God: Thank You, Lord, for speaking clearly today through Your written Word. I am blown away every time I dissect what Paul preached and said. No matter the circumstance, Paul remained consistent to his calling, his communication skills, his wits, and his determination to share the Gospel. Yes, may I learn and apply much through this amazing study from the Acts of the Apostles.