Overview:
Earthly heroes are those who stand tall in moments when others shrink back. They use their voice to speak truth, and their actions follow suit. In those moments of standing tall, they seem invincible. Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents Paul’s final trial before Festus and King Agrippa in Acts 26. He stood tall by boldly proclaiming the truth of the gospel. Those who stand tall might not know the impact of their words or actions, but they do what is right regardless. They leave the results to God. How will you stand tall in response to this message?
Message Summary:
In “Standing Tall as Paul Stood,” Chuck Swindoll examines one of the most powerful courtroom scenes in the New Testament. Brought before Governor Festus and King Agrippa, Paul is given the opportunity to defend himself against the accusations of his enemies. Instead of merely offering a legal defense, Paul stands tall by transforming his trial into a platform for the Gospel. Swindoll explores the anatomy of Paul’s bold witness, highlighting how he used his own life story—from persecutor to proclaimer—to confront the highest levels of Roman authority with the truth of the resurrection. This message serves as a compelling call for modern believers to speak truth with courage, regardless of the setting, and to leave the ultimate results in the hands of God
Message Key Facts:
- The Audience of Authority: Paul stood before King Agrippa II and Bernice, a pair well-versed in Jewish customs, making this a strategic and high-stakes moment for the advancement of the Gospel.
- The Power of Personal Testimony: Paul’s defense was primarily his autobiography, demonstrating that the most “invincible” argument is a life radically transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.
- invincibility through Truth: Swindoll points out that when we speak the truth without fear of the consequences, we possess a spiritual authority that can unsettle even those in positions of earthly power.
- The “Almost” Response: The sermon highlights the tragic response of Agrippa, who was “almost persuaded” to become a Christian, illustrating the difference between intellectual agreement and spiritual surrender.
Message References:
- The Permission to Speak
- The formal opening of the hearing and Paul’s respectful but firm introduction.
- Scripture: Acts 26:1–3 (Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself”).
- The Record of a Religious Rebel
- Paul’s description of his former life as a strict Pharisee and a violent opponent of Jesus.
- Scripture: Acts 26:4–11 (According to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee).
- The Heavenly Vision
- The retelling of the Damascus road encounter and the specific commission Paul received from Christ.
- Scripture: Acts 26:12–18 (“Why are you persecuting Me?… I have appeared to you to appoint you a minister”).
- The Message of the Resurrection
- Paul’s clear proclamation of Christ’s death and rising as the fulfillment of the prophets and Moses.
- Scripture: Acts 26:22–23 (Stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place).
- The Reaction of the Rulers
- The clash between Festus’ dismissal (“You are out of your mind”) and Paul’s direct appeal to Agrippa.
- Scripture: Acts 26:24–29 (“In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian”).
- The Final Verdict of Innocence
- The private consensus among the leaders that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.
- Scripture: Acts 26:30–32 (“This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar”)
