Trouble Ahead
* On Paul's "third missionary journey," God warned him of the trouble ahead (20:22-23). On his way to Jerusalem, Paul was warned again and again. In Tyre, the disciples "urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem" (21:4). In Caesarea, the prophet Agabus told Paul that he would be bound and handed over to the Gentiles (21:11). The people urged him not to go.

* But Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (21:13, NIV).

1. Paul's attitude may seem extreme. Is this reasonable? Explain.

Trouble in Jerusalem
* After arriving in Jerusalem, Paul went to the temple. Some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul and "stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting…'This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place" (21:27-28, NIV).

* The hostility toward Paul was persistent. Outside the temple, they tried to kill him (21:31). After hearing him speak, they shouted, "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!" (22:22). Later, more than forty Jews plotted to kill him, taking a solemn oath (23:12-15). The Jews continued to testify against him and seek his death (24:1-9; 25:1-3, 25:24).

Trials & Hearings
* The trouble in Jerusalem led to a series of hearings and trials:

- Before the crowd in Jerusalem (21:40-22:21).
- Before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem (22:30-23:10).
- Before Governor Felix in Caesarea (24:1-23).
- Before Governor Festus in Caesarea (25:6-12).
- Before King Agrippa (and Festus) in Caesarea (25:23-26:32).

* Each of these hearings provided Paul an opportunity to defend the truth and his actions, give his testimony, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Trial before Agrippa
* After Paul's hearing before Festus, King Agrippa came to visit. Festus explained the situation to him. Then Agrippa said, "I would like to hear this man myself" (25:22).
* The next day, they brought Paul before Agrippa, Festus, and the assembly. Read Acts 26.

Paul's Speech

- Respect to Listener (26:2-3) - Paul showed respect to Agrippa.
- Reference to Common Ground (26:4-5, 9-11)

* Paul's opponents knew his background. He lived as a Pharisee (26:4-5). Like them, he was convinced that he ought to strongly oppose the name of Jesus. And he did! (26:9-11).

* Paul could say, "I was not unlike you!" (or "I was like you!") But something changed.

2. As a Christian, what "common ground" can you find with others who either disbelieve or oppose the Christian faith?

Reason for Change

- Experiential (26:12-18)
- Saw a Light (26:13)

* Heard a Voice (26:14-18) - Paul shared his testimony.

3. In what ways today might people "see a light" and "hear a voice" that lead them to become followers of Jesus Christ?

Repentance/Obedience (26:19-20)

* Paul obeyed the voice he heard. And God's voice still goes out into the world. "He commands all people everywhere to repent (turn to Him)" (Acts 17:30).

* Paul not only repented, he obeyed the Lord's commission to proclaim the gospel (26:17-18). He practiced what he preached. He proved his repentance by his deeds (26:20).

Reason for Change - Rational (26:6-8, 22-23, 26-27)

- Paul started with "common ground" (the Old Testament Scriptures) and reasoned that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and hope.

-The Christian faith is reasonable! It can be rationally defended from different grounds.

Reactions & Paul's Responses

* Festus: "You are out of your mind, Paul!...Your great learning is driving you insane." (26:24)

* Paul: "I am not insane…what I am saying is true and reasonable." (26:25) Then Paul turned to Agrippa, who supposedly accepted part of the basis of Paul's argument (i.e., the prophets). If he were reasonable, he should confirm its validity (26:26). He was "put on the spot."

*Agrippa: "Do you think that in such a short you can persuade me to be a Christian?" (26:28)