Why should it be considered "incredible" that God raises the dead in Acts 26:8? Scene in Caesarea: Paul on Trial • Paul stands before King Agrippa and Festus, recounting how he met the risen Christ (Acts 26:12-18). • His climax: “Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8). • The question turns the courtroom tables—challenging listeners to reevaluate their view of God, not Paul’s sanity. The Heart of Paul’s Question • “Incredible” means unbelievable, beyond reason. • If God truly is who Scripture reveals Him to be, resurrection is not extraordinary—it is perfectly consistent with His nature. Why Raising the Dead Befits God’s Character • Creator of life: “Then the LORD God formed man… and breathed the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). The One who gave life can surely restore it. • Sovereign over life and death: “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6). • Promise-keeper: God’s plan always pointed to resurrection hope (Job 19:25-27; Daniel 12:2). Old Testament Foundations for Resurrection Faith 1. Prophetic declarations – Daniel 12:2—sleepers in the dust awaken. – Isaiah 26:19—“Your dead will live; their bodies will rise.” 2. Foreshadowing miracles – 1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 4; 2 Kings 13—God revives the dead through Elijah and Elisha. – Each account previews a greater, final victory over death. Christ’s Resurrection: The Central Exhibit • Jesus predicted it (Mark 8:31) and fulfilled it: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). • His resurrection is history, not metaphor—witnessed by more than five hundred (1 Corinthians 15:4-6). • “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). If the firstfruits are real, the full harvest is inevitable. Eyewitness Evidence Paul Carried • Personal encounter: the risen Lord stopped him on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3-6). • Shared testimony: apostles, James, and countless others saw Jesus alive (Acts 1:3). • Consistent proclamation: Paul repeatedly stakes his life on this fact (Acts 23:6; Acts 24:15). Reasoning Through the “Incredible” Consider God’s: • Power—He speaks galaxies into being; reviving dust is simple in comparison. • Love—He desires fellowship with His people forever; resurrection secures it. • Justice—He will right every wrong; raising the dead enables final judgment and reward (John 5:28-29). The Resurrection Hope Anchors Believers Today • Present assurance: “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you… He will also give life to your mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11). • Future expectation: bodies transformed, mortality swallowed by life (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). • Missional courage: like Paul, we speak boldly because death is a defeated foe (2 Corinthians 4:14). Bringing It Home When Scripture, history, and personal experience all testify that God both created and conquered death, the truly “incredible” position is to doubt His power to raise the dead. Acts 26:8 turns skepticism on its head and invites every listener to trust the God who gives—and restores—life. |
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