Simple Truth, Plainly Seen -- October 26, 2009

26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.
Acts 26:26

Here Paul openly discusses his faith in the Roman court system. He has appealed to Caesar because he has been stuck in the legal system for years with Jewish leaders trying to convict him or assassinate him, whichever is most expedient. Paul defends his position before Festus and Agrippa by declaring that he is not the member of a secret sect that plots in the corner. Rather he is joined to the Christian faith which has no secrets and is based on public happenings. He is sure that King Agrippa has heard all about Christianity since it is not secret and since King Agrippa is intelligent and pays attention to the region he rules. Paul answers Festus’ accusation of madness with the idiom “done in a corner” to turn away the derision against philosophers who had such esoteric knowledge it didn’t apply to real life. Not only does Paul claim Christianity isn’t hard to find he tells them it isn’t hard to understand. The result is that Agrippa is impressed enough to consider Christianity and declares that if Paul hadn’t appealed to Caesar he would have released him that day.

Our faith is not tricky, nor does it require any special knowledge to follow. We don’t need to make sharing it so difficult. We are on trial for believing in the prophets just like Paul was. Our convictions are based on the facts of Christ’s birth, life, death, and His resurrection. Our faith is anchored in historical events not fables. Jesus really came. He lived a perfect life and lay in down for our sakes. He rose from the dead so that all would know that His sacrifice was acceptable to the Father. He did it all according to the prophets who foretold His coming to suffer for our sakes. Now we who believe share with others the simple, open truth of His life.

Lord, give me the strength to stand like Paul and plainly state what I am being judged for. I want others to know the truth about who You are. Since You started in the light out in the open teach me how to chare Your life and the power of the Faith with everyone.

Out In The Open,

Pastor Jason