Introduction:
A. One day a small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial.
1. The witness was a grandmotherly, elderly woman.
2. He approached her and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know me?”
3. The elderly woman responded, “Why, yes, I do know you Mr. Williams. I’ve known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat, you manipulate people and you talk about them behind their backs. Yes, I know you.”
4. The lawyer was stunned and there was whispering among the courtroom audience.
5. Not knowing what else to do he pointed across the room and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?”
6. The woman answered, “Why, yes I do. I’ve known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. Yes, I know him.”
7. Again the courtroom was alive with chatter.
8. At this point, the judge pounded his gavel until the courtroom came to silence and he called both lawyers to the bench.
9. In a very quiet voice, the judge said, “If either of you asks her if she knows me, I’ll throw you in jail for contempt in a flash!”
B. That woman was certainly an interesting witness.
1. I’m guessing that she was a truthful witness, but she was one without a filter or a sense of what is appropriate or inappropriate.
2. What kind of witness are you? I’m not asking about what kind of courtroom witness you are, but what kind of Christian witness are you?
C. Someone has said that the Gospel in the first century was carried by a good system – it was called the “teleperson system.”
1. It was a system where one person tells another person about Jesus.
2. That system is still the best system for sharing the good news.
3. Even in our modern world of mass communication and slick marketing, few things are more compelling than the simple truths of Jesus relayed from one person to another.
D. In Acts chapters 24 through 26, we see that Paul was called to witness for Jesus as he was put on trial before several government officials.
1. Let’s try to get a sense of the power of the faithful testimony of Paul, and then let’s take what we can learn and apply it to our own lives.
I. Paul’s Witness
A. Last week, we watched as Paul had to be transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea by 470 of the Roman Empires finest soldiers to ensure Paul’s safety.
1. After waiting five days for his accusers to arrive, a hearing took place before governor Felix.
B. The Bible says: 1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
9 The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. (Acts 24:1-9)
1. So we see that Tertullus, a lawyer, presented the case against Paul on behalf of the high priest and elders.
2. He began his speech with a passage of almost nauseating flattery, every word of which both he and Felix knew was quite untrue.
a. Some people might say that Tertullus was just “blowing smoke.”
b. The truth of the matter was, since Felix had been appointed to this leadership post in Judea in A.D. 52, Judea had suffered widespread bloodshed, and that Felix’s greed was notorious.
c. Felix had been born a slave, but had risen to power on the shoulders of his brother a freedman, who was a favorite of Claudius.
3. Tertullus went on to state things that were equally untrue about Paul.
4. He claimed that the Jews had arrested Paul, but the scene in the Temple was more like a lynching than an arrest, and it was actually the Roman commander who had arrested Paul.
5. The charges against Paul were subtly inaccurate as well – the charges basically were:
a. Paul is a trouble maker.
b. Paul is a leader of an illegal sect.
c. Paul is a defiler of the temple.
6. Can you imagine how hard it must have been for Paul to sit quietly and wait his turn?
B. Then governor Felix motioned for Paul to speak. The Bible says: 10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin – 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ” (Acts 24:10-21)
1. We notice that Paul did not flatter governor Felix, like Tertullus had done, rather Paul merely acknowledged that the governor was a man of experience and therefore he was glad to make his defense before him.
a. Felix is actually an obscure figure in history.
b. If it had not been for his encounter with the Apostle Paul, he would have slipped into eternity as someone who was not well-known.
c. What you may not realize is that Felix is Pontius Pilate’s successor.
2. After his brief, but honest introduction, Paul proceeded to answer the charges of Tertullus.
3. Basically, Paul said their charges were not true and this prosecutor could not prove their case.
4. However, Paul did admit that he was a worshiper of the God of their fathers as a follower of the Way, that he believed everything written in the Law and Prophets, and that he had the same hope in the resurrection as these men.
5. As a matter of fact, Paul was on trial because of his hope in the resurrection.
C. At that point, Felix stepped in and brought the proceedings to an abrupt end.
1. Luke tells us that Felix was well acquainted with the Way, which is the church.
2. Felix said that when Claudius Lysias, comes from Jerusalem, he would give his decision.
3. Felix then ordered that Paul be kept under guard, but that he should have some freedom, including the ability to receive visits from friends who could take care of Paul’s needs.
D. The Bible says: 24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. (Acts 24:24-27)
1. Luke tells us that Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come.
2. Paul’s preaching hit a chord in Felix’s heart and he became afraid, and rightly so.
3. Felix and his Jewish wife had not lived according to the laws of God, and Paul reminded him of the demands of God and the judgment of God.
4. Sadly, rather than come to faith and repent, Felix just distanced himself from Paul and the truth.
5. Here was a man who was well acquainted with the truth, had had an emotional response to the truth, but still refused to repent and trust in Jesus.
6. Luke tells us that Felix sent for Paul frequently, not to hear more preaching, but in hopes of receiving a bribe.
7. After two years, Felix’s ears went deaf to the truth, and Felix moved on into obscurity and was replaced by Festus, while Paul sat alone in a cold prison cell.
8. I would think that those may have been frustrating years for Paul, and yet I’m certain that Paul believed he was where God wanted him and he continued his ministry even while in chains.
E. The Bible says: 1 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong.”
6 After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.
8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” 9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!"
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!” (Acts 25:1-12)
1. So we see, that when Festus took his new office, his first order of business was a trip up to Jerusalem to meet with the Jewish leaders and try to establish a working relationship.
2. The plan of the Jewish leaders was to lure Paul back to Jerusalem for a hearing and then ambush him en route – sounds like the same song, second verse, doesn’t it?
3. Festus agreed to a hearing, but it had to be in Caesarea, and soon.
4. And so, two weeks later Paul appeared before Festus and the Jewish leaders.
a. The scene was all too familiar for the seasoned apostle.
b. He again found himself surrounded by a group of prejudiced, but pious looking Jewish leaders who leveled empty accusations against him.
5. Paul again rose to the occasion and offered a calm, reasoned rebuttal.
a. This time he condensed the entire speech to what amounts to eighteen English words.
b. Basically, Paul said, “Governor, what is said against me is wrong. I have made no offense against the Jews, or against the temple, or against Caesar.”
6. Unfortunately, just like his predecessor, Festus yielded to the Jewish pressure and offered Paul an opportunity for a defense in Jerusalem.
a. It may have been an easy way out for Festus, but it was certainly a bad deal for Paul.
b. A Roman judge could not move a case to another court without the consent of the accused, and so the ball was in Paul’s court.
7. Paul knew that a journey to Jerusalem spelled trouble, and Paul also remembered God’s promise that he would witness for him in Rome.
a. So Paul again called upon his rights as a Roman citizen, and said, “I appeal to Caesar.”
b. If a Roman citizen felt he was not getting justice in a provincial court, he could appeal directly to the Emperor.
c. Only if he was a murderer, a pirate, or a bandit caught in the act, was the appeal invalid.
8. It didn’t take Festus long to confer with his advisors and realize he had no choice but to honor Paul’s request – “You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.”
9. So we realize that no band of illegitimate Jewish leaders, nor some small time Roman governor can outwit God Almighty – God’s plan and God’s promises will always prevail.
10. Paul would soon find himself on his way to the capital of the world, but before that would take place, there was one more defense Paul had to make before Herod Agrippa.
F. The Bible says: 13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.
16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” (Acts 25:13-22)
1. So, King Agrippa just happened to pay a visit to Festus, the new governor.
a. Festus took advantage of the visit to discuss Paul’s case with the Jewish king.
b. Festus hoped that Agrippa might help him clarify the charges against Paul before he sent him off to Caesar.
c. Now the stage was set for Paul to plead his case and bear witness before a king, just as Jesus had predicted.
2. Let me give you a little background on the shallow and sordid character of these regal figures.
a. King Herod I gained biblical notoriety partly for being the king who attempted to kill the apostle Peter.
b. Not long after Peter escaped, King Herod died a miserable death.
c. He left several surviving children, all cut from the same soiled piece of cloth.
3. One of his sons was Herod Agrippa II – he’s the Agrippa of this story.
a. Although he was only 32 years old, he enjoyed a certain respect among the Jewish people.
b. Agrippa’s father, Herod I, also had two daughters, Drusilla and Bernice.
c. Earlier in the story, we noticed that Drusilla was married to governor Felix.
d. Bernice, Drusilla’s sister, was married to their brother, Agrippa – it was an incestuous relationship.
e. The whole family was a mess of ethical corruption and gross immorality.
4. So, these are the ones who had come to sit in judgment on the apostle Paul! How ironic!
G. The Bible says: 23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. (Acts 25:23)
1. It seems incredible that all of this pomp and ceremony was because of this one little Jewish man who preached the good news about Jesus.
2. So they met in the audience room of the palace, and present were the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city.
3. Once given permission, Paul began to tell his story.
H. The Bible says, Paul said, “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (Acts 26:2-3)
1. Paul told his story for 28 verses or so in chapter 26 – I wish we had time to read it all.
2. Paul hit all of the high points of his story.
a. He had lived as a Pharisee and he had done all he could to oppose the name of Jesus.
b. But then he had seen a light and heard a voice, and it was Jesus and He gave him a mission
c. He was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
d. He preached that everyone should repent and turn to God.
e. In verse 22 he said, “22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen – 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
3. At that point, Festus interrupted Paul shouting, “You are out of your mind, Paul! You’re great learning is driving you insane.”
4. The Bible says: Paul responded, 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:25-32)
I. Right out of the chute, we can learn this lesson from Paul: When God grants us the rare opportunity to stand before prestigious people and high-ranking officials, it is best to be courteous and graceful.
1. Regardless of their lifestyle, or track record, we should speak with respect and model grace.
2. Not surprisingly, Paul’s audience hung on every word.
3. Paul hid nothing from Agrippa and the skeptics sitting near.
4. Paul modeled quiet courage and vulnerable authenticity.
5. And when Festus rudely interrupted Paul, he turned his attention to King Agrippa and appealed for Agrippa to acknowledge that Paul was right.
6. But Agrippa resisted saying, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
7. Paul’s reply may be one of the crowning moments of his life.
a. The chains on Paul’s wrists rattled as the prisoner raised his arms to deliver his closing line: “Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29)
8. Agrippa quickly and awkwardly arose to his feet, cueing the rattled guests to do the same.
a. The meeting was over and Paul had brought proud Agrippa so close to the throne of grace, but Agrippa refused to bow down – he simply walked away.
9. Make no mistake, though Paul remained in chains, he viewed the entire meeting as a victory.
a. Those rulers had heard the gospel.
b. The irony of it all is that the only real free one there that day was the one who wore the chains and had to go back to his prison cell.
c. The ones who thought they were free, we actually prisoners of sin sitting on death row.
II. Our Witness - So, what can we learn about being an effective witness from the example of Paul?
A. First of all, we learn that an effective witness should be reasonable.
1. Paul’s presentations were always based on reason – his messages were clear and concise.
2. Paul made sure all his points were built on Scripture – he encouraged people to check it out.
B. Second, we learn that an effective witness should be personable.
1. As Paul told the story of Jesus, he shared how the story of Jesus changed his story.
2. Paul’s testimony was his “before and after” experience.
3. All of us have a “before and after” experience.
4. Although experience alone is not enough to verify the truth of Jesus, it is a valuable demonstration of the truth.
C. Finally, we learn that an effective witness should challenge a person to make a decision.
1. When Paul witnessed for Christ, no one in the crowd remained indecisive.
2. They either agreed with Paul and became a Christian, or they violently opposed him.
3. We need to help people see how urgent is the message and how important is their choice.
4. Let’s ask God to help us to be bold and effective witnesses for Christ.
D. As I bring this lesson to a close, let me speak for a moment to those who are not yet Christians.
1. What do you think Paul would say to you today if he were here?
2. I hope you won’t respond like some of the people in today’s story.
3. I hope you won’t be like Felix, who felt the conviction of the Spirit, but he hardened his heart and said, “I will address this at a more convenient time.”
a. There is no more convenient time than now – and there is no promised time beyond now.
4. I hope you won’t be like King Agrippa, who was amused by the thought that he might be convinced to become a Christian after such a short time.
5. Short time or long does not matter – what matters is that all of us understand that we are sinners whose only hope is in the grace that comes from believing in Jesus and living for him.
Resources:
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit, by Charles Swindoll, Word Publishing, 2002, Chapters 18-19.
Paul the Witness, Sermon by David Owens
