I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision

“For that reason, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, but continually proclaimed to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they are to repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.” (1) As a devout Pharisee, Paul had no choice but to obey God’s revelation. His ministry extended from the people in Damascus to those in Jerusalem, throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles. (a) This sequence does not represent a chronological order of evangelistic expansion. (b) Rather, it follows the principle of evangelism: first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. (2) “That they are to repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.” (a) Both Jews and Gentiles need repentance. (b) Repentance is a change of direction – turning from a life of sin to God. (c) The evidence (or result) of true repentance is righteous deeds. (3) “For these reasons some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to murder me.” (a) “For these reasons” refers to Paul’s mission to the Gentiles. He taught that Gentiles could be saved by faith alone, without having to go through Judaism. (b) This teaching provoked the anger of the Jews. (c) Here, Paul’s implication is: “King Agrippa, don’t you think this is unjust?”

Proclaiming light to the Gentiles

“So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place…” (1) It would be better to translate “so” as “however.” Because of God’s protection, Paul had been able to continue his ministry until that day. This was Paul’s personal testimony. (2) “Both to small and great,” means to both the young and the old, as well as to those of low and high status. (3) The message Paul had been preaching was nothing more than what the Jewish prophets had foretold: (a) The Christ would suffer. (b) He would rise from the dead as the first (the first fruits). (4) Paul had proclaimed the light to both Jews and Gentiles. Let us meditate on “deeds consistent with repentance.” Actions as an expression of faith naturally follow repentance. Salvation is given through faith, but the assurance of salvation is strengthened through actions that reflect our faith. Let us keep this truth in our hearts.