Acts 25:13-27 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to salute Festus.… Here we have — I. BITTER ANTAGONISM. This is revealed in the Jews. They hated "the one Jesus whom Paul preached as having died and risen again." There are men now who hate Christianity — its principles, author, advocates, and disciples. The opposition, however, is as futile as it is wicked. II. IDLE CURIOSITY. This is revealed in Agrippa. "I will also hear the man myself." Being a Jew, he could not have been ignorant of Paul, and now an opportunity occurred for him to see the man and hear his tale. His wish was not a wish for spiritual instruction. Multitudes now go to hear preachers from the same motive. III. PROUD INDIFFERENCE. This is revealed in Festus. He cared nothing about "this one Jesus who was dead, and whom Paul affirmed to be alive." Religious indifferentism is the prevalent sin of Christendom. This is worse, for many reasons, than theoretic infidelity. IV. VITAL FAITH. This is revealed in Paul. 1. Paul had a faith. 2. His faith was in Christ. 3. His faith was his very life.To it he lived, and for it he was prepared to suffer and to die. "For me to live," he said, "is Christ, and to die is gain." (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.WEB: Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus. |
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