Note for 20250814 - Acts - Part 26 - Acts 26

Acts

Note for 20250814 - Acts - Part 26 - Acts 26 - Almost

1. Opening

In our last session of reading, we saw how King Agrippa and Bernice came to salute the new governor, Festus, who replaced Felix. The Jews were found still wanting to kill Paul even after 2 years in bonds. In the hearing of Paul in the presence of his accusers, Paul made an appeal to Caesar. Now, in Acts 26, Paul is speaking before Agrippa, Bernice, Festus and those with them.

Before we dive into the text, there are a few ways in which you can partake in the Daily Devotional. You can:

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250814 - Acts - Part 26 - Acts 26 - Almost

We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development (Not me, please.)

2. Scripture Text

Acts 26:1-32 KJV

[1] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: [2] I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: [3] especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. [4] My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; [5] which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. [6] And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: [7] unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. [8] Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? [9] I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. [11] And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. [12] Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, [13] at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. [14] And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. [15] And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. [19] Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: [20] but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. [21] For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. [22] Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: [23] that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. [24] And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. [25] But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. [26] For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. [27] King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. [28] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. [29] And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. [30] And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: [31] and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. [32] Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cæsar.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.26.1-32.KJV

3. Devotional Reflection

Here Paul delivers, what I consider the most complete testimony of what happened to him on the road to Damascus. He gives us information of the before, and also what he did since, in summary, but convincingly. There is a segment of what he said that really struck a cord with me.

Acts 26:20 KJV

"...that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance."

Do you see it?

Maybe I can give you a little more to help, but for that I will go to Matthew.

Matthew 19:16-17 KJV

[16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.19.16-17.KJV

Do you see? Can you hear? Even here, in both scriptures, there are two matters of high importance. And if I take you to the Lord's prayer, it will become clear too.

Paul was not against the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but spoke of repentance and a return to Him. Jesus came not to take away the Law, but added to it at the Sermon on the Mount. And when asked, He taught His disciples to pray to our Father in Heaven.

Friends, the Jews think that our faith in Jesus Christ is idolatry. To whom do we pray then? Do we not pray to the Creator, even our Father which art in Heaven, and when we pray, we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ when we make requests of GOD.

After King Agrippa heard Paul, he says that Paul almost succeeded in making him a Christian. Almost... That brings us to the title of today's devotional.

Acts 26:29 KJV

[29] And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.26.29.KJV

Almost, but not altogether. So often, exactly like this, this is what brings me to tears. Friends, because almost is not all the way, and there is no endurance until the end in almost. Now, let me state it like this then: The Gospel that the modern church follows can almost bring you Salvation. It is almost the truth. It has the appearance of the Life in Christ, but that too is "almost." It speaks of repentance, but where are the works, which James is outspoken about, and Paul here. But the first bit is almost more important, and that is to turn back to GOD. Repentance is as the concept of coming back home, as we learn from the parable of the lost son. So, do we have an "almost" situation regarding our repentance, have we almost come out of the ways of this world? Have we "almost" accepted Jesus Christ and "almost" follow Him? We pray to our Heavenly Father, with Christ and the HOLY Spirit. Are we "almost" delivered, "almost" sanctified and shall we "almost" enter into the Kingdom of GOD. Are we "almost" hot or "almost" cold? And being lukewarm, will we not all together be spat out of the mouth?

You see, that is what Satan excels in, to have you "almost" believe. To the woman in the Garden in Eden, he "almost" told the truth. Many, proclaiming to be prophets of GOD, "almost" give you the truth too. Even Satan himself can present himself as an angel of light. Do we "almost" believe the Word of GOD, and what exceptions do we carry, that we believe one thing, but not the other? That is "almost" too.

Through a mingling of doctrines have we "almost" got the truth. Just enough to "almost" be saved, but not all together. Just like we almost love GOD, but not as far as all together trusting in Him. How many versions of the Bible do we need to search to find the scripture that permits us that which we do not want to surrender to Christ? Just a small lie, or doubt, takes something to an "almost" state. Then, you are "almost" saved and "almost" a child of GOD. Shall we "almost" be wheat, standing like wheat in the wheat field, as tares? Can you "almost" be filled by the Holy Spirit and "almost" follow Jesus Christ? All of the “almost” teachings are of this world, friends. We must be altogether in Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit, repenting to Our Father GOD in Heaven.

4. Verse of the Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

Acts 20:35 KJV

[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.20.35.KJV

5. Optional Reading / Study Expansion

New identity in Christ (Part 2)

I would just like to make certain that you understand that this section (5) is optional reading. It is for those who want or need more.

In Genesis we learn that man was created in the image of GOD. Today's section of Bible study on this matter is to understand the love of GOD towards us, even in the way He created us. As we have previously looked also at the very precise heritage or pedigree of Paul, which he testifies of in today's main scripture. The same, of course, is true for each of us. GOD did not make a mistake with us, He made who He wanted. Paul expresses it so beautifully.

Romans 8:29-39 KJV

[29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. [30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. [31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? [33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. [34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.29-39.KJV

But, it is not just Paul that wrote on this, we also have a beautiful example by King David in the following Psalm.

Psalm 139:1-24 KJV

[1] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. [2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. [3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. [4] For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. [5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid thine hand upon me. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it. [7] Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? [8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; [10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; Even the night shall be light about me. [12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; But the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to thee. [13] For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. [14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. [15] My substance was not hid from thee, When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; And in thy book all my members were written, Which in continuance were fashioned, When as yet there was none of them. [17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! [18] If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee. [19] Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. [20] For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take thy name in vain. [21] Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? [22] I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.139.1-24.KJV

For me, the take away is that GOD had me in mind, when he made me. The real me, not the fallen state in the flesh, but the willing soul within that looks at GOD in awe and wonder. Now, granted, there is much more to be understood about this, especially how we become new creatures in Jesus Christ in the rebirth process. But, as a believer, I am going to assume that you know this already. That you are then shaped by the Holy Spirit of GOD.

The matter before us to take an even deeper consideration, is that is true for others too. Even here in the main scripture for today, it is true for Agrippa, Bernice and Festus too, they are not there by chance. They do not witness these things without reason from GOD. Their judgments declare that Paul is falsely accused and that with the advanced knowledge that King Agrippa has, even having authority from Rome over the Temple and Jewish affairs.

Remember this with all you meet in this life. It is GOD who ordains the righteous to salvation, even the wicked to condemnation. GOD is the Righteous Judge.

6. Closing Paragraph

King Agrippa, heard Paul and so did Bernice and Festus. But these were not alone, there were still others among them, and today, also you and me. Did you hear and are you convinced by Paul's testimony? You see, Paul was found innocent of these charges against him and was almost set free, but by his appeal to Caesar, he is all together on his way to Rome.

Are we "all together" on our way to the Kingdom of GOD, within the will of GOD?

Selah, Shalom.