Acts 26:12-23
…that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. (v. 20b) In our world today there are discussions about salvation by grace alone vs. working one’s way to heaven. And often imbedded therein is a sub-topic discussion of works in general. Why do we perform works? What is the purpose behind Christians doing good things? Here Paul seems to suggest a tit-for-tat. As God has done for us such a great deed as forgiving us and allowing us to have fellowship with Him, in return we need to do the same for others – deeds worthy of our salvation. I like that explanation.
…to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God… (v. 18a) I don’t often think of Satan’s influence on the Jews in Jesus’ time and in prior Old Testament times. Yes, I think of their ups and downs, of their following after the gods of the nations around them. And yes, we know that we are born with a sin nature (after the Fall), but I think we can also say that all sin is from Satan’s influence on us. It’s a truth that the Lord makes explicit here, that Paul’s contemporary Jews are in Satan’s power and that they need to turn to God. Paul is couching that sentence as coming during his visit from Jesus, but I can imagine the audience reaction to Paul making that statement!! Like throwing a match on spilled gasoline!!
…that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles. (v. 23) Paul has a simple phrase here, “to our people”. Paul is addressing his defense to King Agrippa (Therefore, O King Agrippa…, v. 19a), so in using the phrase “our people”, Paul is identifying himself with King Agrippa, that they are both one and the same with the Jews who have brought charges against him. In so doing Paul has set the stage for a direct challenge to King Agrippa as to his own salvation. Check back tomorrow…!!
Slava Bohu!