Second Sunday of Easter

 Sermon Text: Acts 26:19-29

 Other Readings: 1 John 5:1-6 and John 20:19-31


 

  1. In these verses Paul is defending himself in court before Roman officials. In verse 21, he mentions a bit about what started his legal troubles. What were the charges against him? Read Acts 21:27-32.
     
  2. Paul said that what Jesus did was “not done in a corner” (v. 26). What did he mean by that? How can that help you defend your faith before the world?
     
  3. Paul said that what he believed and spoke was “true and reasonable” (v. 25). How is the bodily resurrection of dead people “reasonable” when science says it’s impossible?
     
  4. In the world, we Christians still face opposition for our faith, even if it looks different than what Paul faced. What practical tips can you take away from how Paul defends himself?
     
  5. Why did Paul say, “I pray to God that… all… may become what I am” (v. 29)? How will that impact your interactions with the world?

 

  1. Some Jews from Asia (where Paul had done much mission work) accused him of defiling the temple by bringing Greeks (i.e., Gentiles) into places they were not allowed to go. They also attacked his character and accused him of talking ill against the Old Testament, the temple, and his fellow Jews.
     
  2. Paul meant that Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection appearances were witnessed by many people of many backgrounds. It is helpful to remember that there is a so-called “historical witness” to the things Jesus did. The historical evidence makes it clear Jesus really lived among real people; he’s not some legendary god whom no one saw.
     
  3. If (a) God is all-powerful, if (b) Jesus rose from the dead, and if (c) Jesus promises to raise us too, we would be “insane” not to believe in our bodily resurrection. The miracle defies science, but there still is divine “logic” behind the promise.
     
  4. Answers may vary based on personal observations, but here are three suggestions: (a) Paul knew his Scriptures well and based his message off what they said, (b) Paul helped show the observable facts of what happened, and (c) he was composed and courteous throughout -- even when Governor Festus called him “insane” (v. 25).
     
  5. Only God can convert hearts, and only God gives peace through Jesus Christ. (Confer our Gospel reading.) We cannot force or persuade people to believe. We simply speak what Scripture says, pray for people, and let God do the rest. This helps take pressure off us, doesn’t it?!