Tag: Acts 26:15-18
Obeying the heavenly vision
Scripture reading for June 10: Acts 26
“”Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:19-23
Paul, lead by the Holy Spirit, was given the opportunity to share the Gospel with King Agrippa. In this account, Paul again shared how his view of Jesus and those following Him was radically altered by an encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road. During this encounter, Paul was given an appointment to serve Jesus as a witness to his people as well as to the Gentiles. Jesus had promised to deliver Paul from the Jews and from the Gentiles. Through Paul, God would open the eyes of all those in darkness granting repentance through Jesus Christ. (Acts 26:15-18)
In sharing his personal repentance in response to God’s revelation of Jesus Christ to King Agrippa, Paul was obedient to that vision. His world view was powerfully altered and after the vision Paul changed from a persecutor and killer of Christ’s followers to a witness of Christ’s love and mercy for all men. Paul powerfully proclaimed Jesus as the fulfilment of Moses and the prophets through His suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead. This placed him in conflict with the Jews, who like him before this vision, considered Jesus an impostor and his followers as dangerous.
Have you ever had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that brought repentance and dramatic conversion? How have you sought to be obedient to that heavenly revelation? Are you aware of the conflict that comes when you change your world view to embrace Jesus and His followers?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your personal revelation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and my appointment to preach Your amazing Gospel. I have sought to obey that heavenly vision and continue to daily walk it out. Deliver me from those bent on my destruction and use me to reach lost people. Amen.
Following orders!
Scripture reading for May 11th: Acts 26
Key
0000 Scriptures: Acts 26:15-18 “And I said, ‘Who are You Lord?‘ And the Lord Said, ‘I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen Me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles–to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”
Paul shared his testimony again. This time before King Agrippa and Festus the governor. Paul told of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He quoted to them the appointment he received from the risen Jesus to appear before Gentiles. His assignment was to open their eyes that were in darkness and to bring them light. He was to deliver them from the power of Satan and return them to the power of God. By repentance and faith they would receive forgiveness of sins and righteousness before God. In the testimony of his encounter with Jesus, he effectively preached the Gospel and then specifically called them to repentance and faith. Like Paul, we should waste no opportunity to share our testimony and the Gospel!
Acts 26:27-29 “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am–except for these chains.””
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the clear appointment and mission You gave to Paul and all who follow You. Give me open doors to share my testimony and the Gospel today as I seek Your will.
Acts 16:30-31 “Then he brought them (Paul and Silas) out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Appointed as servant and witness!
Scripture reading for June 10: Acts 26, Psalm 115, Proverbs 22
Key Scriptures: Acts 26:15-18 “And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen Me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles–to who I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'”
Paul was sharing with King Agrippa the testimony and witness of his encounter with Jesus Christ on the Damascus road. He told of Jesus appearing to him and appointing him to be His witness and servant. Jesus would enable him through the Gospel to turn people from darkness to light and deliver them from Satan’s power to restoration of a relationship with God by forgiveness of sins. This was available for all who would receive and repent!
Faith Confession: Thank You Lord Jesus for opening my eyes and appointing me to be your skillful servant and witness. (Faith action: Share the Good News of Jesus with someone God places in your path today.)
Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”