Like Me

Acts has the stories of the adventures of Paul, as it were. Acts 21 and following contains the events that got him arrested in Jerusalem and sent to Rome. He had multiple trials and difficulties, but one of my favorite parts was Paul before Festus and Herod Agrippa. Festus was the Roman GIC -- guy in charge -- and Herod Agrippa was Rome's token Jewish leader. In this part of the story, Festus is new on the scene and trying to figure Paul out. He knows Paul isn't guilty of violating any Roman laws, but he's not familiar enough with Jewish stuff to get the problem. He wants help figuring out what to charge Paul with when he sends him to Caesar (Acts 25:25-27). So in chapter 26, Paul stands before Festus and Agrippa and makes his defense.

This text is Paul's fifth of six such defenses in Acts. They're all very similar because they're all ... Paul's testimony. Paul started as a Pharisee -- pretty zealous and high up -- and was met by Jesus. Jesus called him and commanded him and he answered. This defense is interesting because Paul is specifically talking to Agrippa, so he tells him first that he's simply following the Scriptures. "I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews" (Acts 26:6-7). In his testimony, after he tells of Christ's call on his life, he tells Agrippa, "So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19). So, Paul, in obedience to the Scriptures and in obedience to the Son of God, "did not prove disobedient." At this point, Festus gets agitated. "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad" (Acts 26:24). (Interesting that Festus acknowledged Paul's learning.) Paul appeals to Agrippa. "King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do" (Acts 26:27). Agrippa says something like "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28), and Paul answers, "I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29)

What do you suppose Paul meant? Clearly, he wasn't saying, "Become a prisoner." He said, "except for these chains." What, then? I think he made it clear. Paul was saying, "I would wish to God you would honor the Scriptures like me." He was saying, "I would wish to God you would receive the gospel like me." He gave the gospel clearly in his explanation of Christ's commission on his life (Acts 26:16-18), including being sanctified by faith in Christ. He was saying, "I would wish to God you would obey Christ and come to Him like me." And, note, he "wished to God" ... because it is God alone that can make that happen. And isn't that what we all would wish? That "all who hear" would be just like that? Paul was called as Christ's witness (Acts 26:16). So are we (Acts 1:8). Paul was called to repent and do works appropriate to repentance. So are we (Acts 26:20). Are we being the example that people should follow. Do you want unbelievers to become like you as you become like Christ? Or are you more of a "Do what I say, not what I do" type?