How does Acts 26:8 encourage us to trust in God's miraculous abilities? The Setting of Acts 26:8 • Paul is standing before Agrippa and Festus, recounting his conversion and ministry. • He confronts their skepticism with a pointed question: “Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8). • Paul appeals to their shared belief in the God of Israel—Creator, Lawgiver, and covenant-keeper—whose power has always shattered human limitations. The Core Claim: God Raises the Dead • The resurrection of Jesus is not an isolated wonder; it crowns a history of divine power. • Paul treats resurrection as reasonable because: – God’s character is omnipotent (Jeremiah 32:17). – God’s track record includes raising others (1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:35). – Scripture explicitly foretold the Messiah’s victory over death (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10–11). • By asking “Why… incredible?” Paul flips the burden of proof: disbelief, not faith, now looks irrational when God’s nature is considered. Miracles Woven through Scripture • Creation itself: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). If life sprang from nothing at His word, reviving a body is consistent, not exceptional. • Red Sea parting (Exodus 14:21-22) reveals mastery over nature. • Manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-5) displays daily supernatural provision. • Elijah and the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:22) prefigures resurrection power. • Jesus’ ministry brims with miracles—stilling storms (Mark 4:39), multiplying bread (Mark 6:41-42), raising Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:41-42), culminating in His own empty tomb (Matthew 28:6). • The apostles continue the pattern: Peter and Tabitha (Acts 9:40), Paul and Eutychus (Acts 20:9-10). Why We Can Trust God’s Power Today • God’s nature is unchanging: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). • His power works in believers: “The surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe… He exercised this power in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.” (Ephesians 1:19-20). • Faith rests on historical fact, not feeling. The empty tomb anchors confidence in every promise (1 Corinthians 15:20). • Scripture interprets miracles as signs of covenant faithfulness, not mere spectacles (Deuteronomy 7:9). Living Faith in a Miracle-Working God • Expectancy: Take God at His word in prayer, knowing nothing is too hard for Him (Luke 1:37). • Courage: Like Paul, testify boldly; the resurrection validates the gospel message (Acts 4:33). • Hope: Physical death is not final. “He who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.” (Romans 8:11). • Worship: Awe deepens when we rehearse God’s mighty acts (Psalm 145:4-6). • Perseverance: Trials shrink beside resurrection power; “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist” (Romans 4:17) sustains us until He makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). |
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