How can we prepare to defend our faith as Paul did in Acts 26:3? Setting the Scene Acts 26 finds Paul standing before King Agrippa. He opens with confidence: “I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today… especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (Acts 26:2–3) That single sentence reveals how Paul had prepared long before he entered the courtroom. We can learn from every phrase. Paul’s Example in Acts 26:3 • He respects the listener (“I consider myself fortunate”). • He knows his audience’s background (“you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs”). • He understands the focal issues (“controversies”). • He requests an open hearing (“listen to me patiently”). • He is ready to trace God’s plan from Scripture and from his own testimony (vv. 4-23). Key Steps to Prepare Our Defense 1. Know the Scriptures Thoroughly • “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) • Daily reading plans, memorization, and inductive study methods keep truth at your fingertips. 2. Know Your Audience Respectfully • Paul acknowledged Agrippa’s familiarity with Jewish customs; we can research the beliefs, objections, and needs of those we speak with. • Proverbs 18:13—“To answer before listening is folly and shame.” Listening is part of preparation. 3. Know Your Own Testimony Clearly • Paul told his story three times in Acts (22, 24, 26). Craft a concise account of: – Life before Christ – How you met Christ – Life since meeting Christ • Revelation 12:11—“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” 4. Anchor Every Point in Christ’s Resurrection • Paul’s central claim: “God has raised the dead” (Acts 26:8). • 1 Corinthians 15:14—“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless.” All defense pivots on this truth. 5. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s Empowerment • Luke 12:11-12 promises the Spirit will teach us what to say. • Before Agrippa, Paul speaks “sober truth” (Acts 26:25), a Spirit-guided balance of courage and courtesy. 6. Cultivate Christlike Character • 1 Peter 3:15—Defend the hope “with gentleness and respect.” • Paul shows courtesy under pressure, illustrating Proverbs 15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” 7. Employ Logical, Historical Reasoning • Acts 26:26—“These things were not done in a corner.” Paul appeals to verifiable facts. • Proverbs 15:28—“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.” Think through objections beforehand. 8. Use Scripture as the Final Authority • Paul repeatedly cites Moses and the Prophets (Acts 26:22-23). • Hebrews 4:12—God’s word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” 9. Clothe Everything in Prayerful Dependence • Though implicit in the text, Paul’s life was marked by continual prayer (Romans 1:9-10). • Colossians 4:2-4 urges believers to pray specifically for open doors and clarity of speech. Practical Tools to Start Today • Create a one-page summary of your testimony with key verses. • Memorize core passages: John 14:6; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. • Keep a running list of common questions and Scripture-based answers. • Role-play conversations with a trusted friend or small group. • Regularly review apologetics resources rooted in Scripture. Encouragement to Stand Firm Ephesians 6:14-17 pictures the armor of God—truth, righteousness, readiness from the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Paul wore that armor in Acts 26. Put it on daily, and you too will be prepared to “give an answer for the hope” within you, boldly and graciously, just as he did. |
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