Life Lessons From The Chief of Sinners
Don’t Stop At Almost
Acts 26:1-29
Introduction
“The saddest word in the whole wide world is the word, almost.” - Nikita Gill
Today’s text has a wealthy ruler saying, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (KJV)
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (NIV)
However you read it, in such a short time Agrippa was given opportunity to be a Christian - but he did not.
Marcus Julius Agrippa was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12). His father was the Herod of Acts 12 who killed James and tried to kill Peter. His great-grandfather as Herod who instigated a search and destroy mission against the baby Jesus. Agrippa was the last of the Herod dynasty. (Roper)
Born in A.D. 28. Agrippa II was raised in Rome and was friends with both Emperor Claudius and the future emperor Titus. Agrippa’s father died when he was 17 and Claudius thought he was too young to take control of the kingdom. He eventually was given the title king in A.D. 53.
Agrippa’s sister Bernice had been married previously to their uncle and after his death set up house with Agrippa. Rumors were that they were having an incestuous affair - a scandal among Jews and Gentiles alike. Eventually Bernice moved to Rome to be mistress of Titus. Agrippa himself never married nor had any children. He died about the year 100 after a 47 year reign. This is the man that Paul appeared before and gave a defense of his faith. He’s the man that the word ‘Almost’ is associated ?with in the Bible. Paul’s message to Agrippa and us is to fully give our lives to Jesus - to be all-in, not Almost! We are All-In with Jesus because…
1. We Are All-In With Jesus Because…
Jesus Is Life (Acts 26:2-8)
Paul was talking about the hope of the resurrection. Philippians 3:10-11 That I may know him and the power of
his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Jesus is Redemption (Acts 26:9-15).
Paul was not proud of his past, but he was proud of the rescue he had experienced at the gospel of Jesus. Jesus: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (14). Goad is a sharp stick to prod and direct an animal. Paul had resisted the direction of God, but no more! Your past may define you, but it does not lock you in. Ephesians 3:8 "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ…” Because of His Grace, Jesus redeems everyone who comes to Him and gives them new life.
Jesus is Hope (Acts 26:16-23).
Following Jesus isn’t just about us; it’s about bringing hope. Paul’s mission was bringing light into the darkness of the world - helping people experience forgiveness and faith. And not just Jews, but Gentiles as well. What hope is in the Gospel? (18) It sets people free…
-From spiritual confusion (darkness to light)
-From spiritual darkness (Satan to God)
-From guilt and condemnation (forgiveness of sins)
-From being strangers to God to a place in the Family
All of this is only from Christ, our only Hope.
Jesus is Choice: Reject or Receive (Acts 26:24-29)
Many will reject Christ! Festus thinks Paul is crazy! Agrippa is not really entertaining a life of faith, but seems more interested than Festus.
Receiving Christ is an initial step, and a Life Pursuit.
Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him…
We receive Christ initially just as Paul did - by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, turning away from sin, and being
baptized into Jesus. We follow up Receiving Him by walking in Him . (Col. 1:9-12)
-Pray for One Another (Col 1:9 - And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you)
-Study His Word! Fill Yourself With Knowledge of His Will (Col. 1:9b that you may be filled with the knowledge of
his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, )
-Live out the Jesus life Every day (Col 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God)
-Relying on God’s power for spiritual growth (Col 1:11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy)
-Giving thanks to God all the way (Col. 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.)
Conclusion
Almost is a haunting word. King Agrippa gave up so much; Almost
Philip Bliss was born in July of 1838 in Pennsylvania. He left home as a young boy to make a living by working on farms and in lumber camps, all while trying to continue his schooling. He was converted at a revival meeting at age twelve. Bliss became a music teacher and writer. His first song was published in 1864. Eventually Bliss and his wife traveled and led music at revival meetings. At the age of 38, they wife were traveling to Chicago to sing for a revival services when the train they were on wrecked and fire claimed their lives. If you grew up in the church, you sang some of his songs. He wrote the music for Horatio Spafford’s It Is Well. He wrote Hallelujah, What a Savior and Let the Lower Lights be Burning as well as Wonderful Words of Life. And one lyric that speaks to our lesson today.
“Almost persuaded” now to believe; “Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say, “Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day, On Thee I’ll call.”
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today; “Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, Angels are ling’ring near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wand’rer, come!
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail—“Almost,” but lost!
“The saddest word in the whole wide world is the word, almost.” - Nikita Gill
Let’s not be ‘almost’ today, Be All-In for Jesus! Receive the Life, Redemption, Hope in Christ Make the choice in Faith, Repentance, Baptism. Live the Jesus Life!
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Video of this message will be available on our YouTube Channel Here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ForsytheChurchofChrist
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Discussion Questions for Acts 26:1-29
1. What did Paul identify as the central point of conflict between himself and the Jewish leaders (Acts 26:1-9)? How does he link the Hebrew Scriptures with his faith in Christ?
2. Why was it important for Paul to talk about his past? Is that an example for us?
3. What makes people reluctant today to speak either clearly for or against Jesus?
4. How might remembering Festus’ response to Paul in 26:24 help prepare us to reach out to others?
5. N. T. Write notes: For the final time in Acts (26:31-32), an official appointed by Rome vindicates Paul of wrongdoing against Rome. We have seen this at Philippi (16:25-40), in Corinth (18:14-17), a form of it in Ephesus (19:35-41) and in Jerusalem (23:26-31). Now Paul is heading to Caesar for his final trial, a trial which is itself not recounted in Acts. What may all this indicate about who Luke hoped would read his book?
6. Agrippa cleverly avoids giving a direct answer to Paul’s question in 26:27. Why would it be difficult for Agrippa to answer either yes or no?
7. Explain why you think this was this a victory or a defeat for Paul?
8. If a friend is ‘almost’ ready but indecisive, what one thing would you share with them to encourage them to take the next step?
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Resources
Bliss, Philip
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Bliss
https://hymnary.org/person/Bliss_Philip
Long, Phillip J. Acts 26, Who Was Agrippa?
https://readingacts.com/2019/04/11/acts-26-paul-before-agrippa/
Merida, Tony. Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Acts.
Holman: Nashville, TN, 2017.
Roper, David L. Truth for Today Commentary: Acts 15-28. Searcy:
Resource Publications, 2001.
