Acts 23:12-26:32: Incessant Evangelism

Read Acts 23:12-26:32

The vision of Paul set forth in this text I find extremely convicting. Here we see Paul as the constant, tenacious evangelist, yet the setting of his evangelism is the court room. Yes, the court room. Paul is repeatedly on trial for his life. While he presents powerful argumentation for his innocence, he preaches the gospel. To each of his examiners and judges he presents the facts as well as the truth of God's Word in hopes of not only being released but also of gaining a convert for Christ. Paul is somehow able to guide each case into a presentation of Christ. Being that he was imprisoned for his preaching of Jesus resurrection, it was not terribly difficult. But Paul went beyond presenting just facts.

First, when speaking with Felix and his wife Drusilla (Acts 24:24-25), Paul “reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment.” Roman governors were not known for their moral scruples, and Felix was no different. In fact, Felix employed a “magician” to coax Drusilla to divorce her first husband and marry him. Can’t imagine Felix wanting to hear about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. Notice Felix’s quick dismissal of Paul after the message. Not exactly the way to win friends. The explanation for Paul’s approach can only be that he was not as interested in winning a friend as he was in bringing sinners to repentance. I am repeatedly amazed by Christian leaders the urge us not to speak of “righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment” because people today don’t want to hear that. Whereas Felix and Drusilla did? If Christianity is a popularity contest, then these are taboo subjects. But it isn’t a popularity contest. It’s truth. Truth that makes an eternal difference. Therefore, popularity and likability can never replace this world’s desperate need to hear the truth of righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment.

Paul’s approach to Agrippa is entirely different. It is not that Agrippa had an upstanding moral character (Bernice is his slightly younger sister and apparently also lover), but he had a knowledge of the OT and Judaism. Knowing that Paul begins presenting more fully the whole gospel of Jesus as the fulfillment of the OT. Agrippa’s response: “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”(26:28) Paul’s answer: “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”(26:29). I believe that there are many well-intentioned Christians who desire the same thing as Paul. Many do not lack the desire for others to turn to Jesus. What we lack is the correlating conviction that the gospel has the power to bring others to Jesus. In other words, our desire for other’s salvation ironically keeps us from sharing the gospel, because we are afraid of pushing them away. Paul wanted others to know Christ and believed the only way for that to happen was to present the truth about Jesus. The incessant evangelist is the one who can bring these two convictions together: a passion for the salvation of others and a confidence in the gospel. May God grant us more of each.