Title: True and Calm Words
Contents Wool's apologetics is the title of a sermon from one of the texts he answered while preaching Christ to King Agrippa (verses 19-23) when he heard that Festus had gone mad. Today is Bible Sunday, and the values of the saints should be based on the Bible, and if the content of evangelism is also based on the Bible and concentrates on the salvation movement, the Lord will welcome it.
1. Governor Festus remarked. Verses 24-26
“24, Paul made this excuse . . . that your many studies are driving you crazy” Governor Festus, who had no knowledge of Christianity, went crazy before Paul’s preaching of the resurrection of Christ he had never heard of (verse 23). is what led to nonsense. If we, too, are led by the Holy Spirit and believe in Jesus according to the Bible, we hear that we are crazy because we do not understand the way of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18) and because we do not have realization and spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14), Jesus is also treated as a madman. (Mark 3:21, John 10:20), the disciples of the prophets (2 Kings 9:11), and Paul himself said that he was not even for God (2 Corinthians 5:13). Paul's “many studies” means that he had learned the law under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), and he must have had extensive knowledge of the Greek philosophy and science of the time, and “John 7:15” also refers to the Bible. “25, . . . speaks true and sensible words” means speaking with “a sound and normal mind.” Paul did not lose reason in spite of Festus' reckless accusations, and in a respectful manner, he stated his integrity through the gospel. Even if there are those who speak nonsense before us, we must show our perfect self through the word and bear the fruit of evangelism.
2. Preaching to King Agrippa. 26-27
“26, The king knew these things, so I spoke boldly to the king… On the other hand, what I did in the corner…” Compared to Festus’ ignorance, King Agrippa, a Jew, knew that it would be understandable, so he opened the door to evangelism to the king. . Paul said, “I speak boldly” to “speak all things without hesitation” without being sarcastic. In particular, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and the conversion of Paul who was called on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3~) were secretly “not done in a corner”. Jesus' life was public (Luke 22:53), His death was also seen many times (Luke 23:26, 35-37), and the empty tomb (Matthew 28:9-11; Mark 16:12, 14) ), the disciples preached the gospel also publicly. Paul spoke of the prophesied Scriptures (verse 27) and of actual events. “27, ... King, I know that you believe in the prophets.” The Jews believe in the prophets, and if so, the conclusion is that they believe in the Christ prophesied by the prophets. King Agrippa is a Jew and has a duty to protect the temple, but Paul responded with the Bible, saying, “I know that you believe,” and the king was not allowed to speak further.
3. May the king be saved. 28-29
[Conclusion] When the king who received Paul's evangelism said to the governor, that he could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar (verses 31-32), he proved his innocence. However, it was the Lord's will (Acts 23:11) and God's economy (Acts 27:24) that came to this point, and believers must be biblical in everything they do.