I am reading from the latter chapters of the Book of Acts. These chapters have always seemed a bit dry to me. They recount Paul’s appeal to civil authorities, his request that they hear his defense. I realize that part of the reason I have a ho-hum attitude toward these chapters is the greatly differing circumstances under which I live my life and practice my faith.
We do not worry that someone will haul us into court for being a Christian. We need not plan a defense against those who would silence our message.
In Acts 26-27 Paul pleads his case before Agrippa and Festus. They find no fault with his teaching. “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” they conclude. How important this pronouncement would be, in the years which follow. The day would come when Christians become a persecuted class, blamed for the civil unrest, and martyred for the entertainment of the masses. The pronouncements of Agrippa and Festus assured the faithful that when given a fair hearing, nothing can be found wrong with our message.
The message will be unwelcome, by many. In a conversation on Sunday, I responded to questions of why some will poke fun at those who devote their lives to Christ. Many will not welcome our story and accept out witness. But this does not mean that we are wrong, or that our message is harmful, or that we need to be silenced. Paul’s appearance before Agrippa and Festus settled that question.
These latter chapters of Acts have little to add with regard to information about Christ or insights to Paul’s theology. However, they have much to give when it comes to understanding why the message is sometimes opposed.
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