[NIV] 24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul‘s defense.
"You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Yourgreat learning is driving you insane."
25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied.
"What I am saying is true and reasonable.
- P132
31 After they left the room, they began saying to oneanother, "This man is not doing anything that deservesdeath or imprisonment."
32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have beenset free if he had not appealed to Caesar." - P133
Festus interrupts Paul and calls him insane. Paul replies that what he says istrue and reasonable and addresses Agrippa, asking him if he believes theprophets. Paul says that he hopes all who are listening will put their faith inChrist. - P133
As the king, the governor, and Bernice leave, they agree that Paul didnot do anything deserving death or imprisonment. - P133
To Festus, the Roman governor, Paul‘s words are nonsense. King Agrip-pa, however, is a different story. Agrippa‘s familiarity with the Scripturesand the promise of the Messiah, combined with his knowledge of thefacts surrounding Jesus and this new community of believers, makeshim a prime candidate for conversion. Yet he remains unpersuaded.
- P134
Still, it is important to understand that neither the Roman governornor the Jewish king is unreachable by God‘s grace. - P134
Paul expresses hislonging that all those hearing his testimony might come to faith in hisLord. It is easy to wash our hands of those who reject Christ. - P134
It is easy tothink they are beyond hope. But they are not. And like Paul, our heartsshould long for all people to come to faith in Jesus. - P134
Luke, the author of Acts, makes one point clear in this passage: Paul isinnocent and both the king and the governor agree on this fact. But thegreater truth in this passage is that the sovereign Lord‘s will is accom-plished. - P134
Paul‘s prayers and longing to go to Rome are answered, albei in a way he likely never imagined. - P134
But as the story continues to unfoldin Acts, we see in Paul a man of unshakable faith, who, like Jesus did,
sets his face toward the future God has prepared for him. - P134
We shouldnever assume that God will answer our prayers the way we expect. - P134
Onething, however, is certain: God will answer. And His answer will bringglory to the name of Christ Jesus our Lord. - P134
Lord, the path before me is unclear. Only You know what lies ahead. - P135
But I knowthat regardless of what the future holds, You will lead me in a way that glorifiesthe name of Jesus, and that is all I could ever hope for. In His name, amen. - P135
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