How can we apply Paul's example in Acts 26:25 to modern-day evangelism? Setting the Scene in Acts 26 • Paul is on trial before Governor Festus and King Agrippa. • Festus, unable to grasp Paul’s testimony about Christ, blurts out that Paul’s great learning has driven him mad (Acts 26:24). • The apostle’s instant reply anchors our study: “But Paul answered, ‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus. I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.’” Paul’s Model Response • Calm, measured, respectful: he addresses Festus as “most excellent.” • Clear claim to objective truth: “words of truth.” • Confident appeal to reason: “sobriety” (sound judgment, balanced thinking). Timeless Evangelism Principles 1. Speak truth with composure – 1 Peter 3:15–16: “yet do so with gentleness and respect.” – Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer.” 2. Rely on clear reasoning, not emotional hype – Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us reason together.” – Acts 17:2: Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” 3. Show respect for authority, even when opposed – Romans 13:1–2 upholds governing authorities. – Paul’s honorific “most excellent” keeps the bridge open. 4. Keep confidence anchored in objective truth, not personal opinion – John 17:17: “Your word is truth.” – 2 Corinthians 4:2: “We have renounced secret and shameful ways… we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience.” 5. Maintain sanity under accusation – 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” – Self-control proves the gospel’s transforming power. Practical Ways to Live This Out Today • Prepare mentally and biblically before conversations; know key Scriptures on Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Listen patiently. When someone labels faith as irrational, answer factually, not defensively. • Use respectful titles or names; courtesy disarms hostility. • Keep explanations concise and logical. Outline the gospel: Creation, Fall, Cross, Resurrection, Call to repent and believe. • Share personal testimony, but always tether it to Scripture’s factual claims (Acts 26:12-23 shows Paul doing both). • Avoid exaggeration or emotional manipulation—truth carries its own weight. • Pray privately for the hearer, but speak publicly with calm conviction (Colossians 4:5-6). • If ridicule comes, remember Paul’s courtroom composure; refuse to mirror antagonism (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Encouragement to Stay Faithful • The same Spirit who steadied Paul steadies us (Acts 1:8). • God uses clear, truthful, respectful witness to open hearts—then and now (Acts 26:28–29). • Stand firm: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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