Paul Before Agrippa - Part 1 — Joshua Daniel

Christian Witnesses and Discipleship

You know the early Christians were first called, the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. You are my disciples indeed. May the Lord give to you the word in spite of any natural discomfort.

Paul's Defense Before King Agrippa

Let us turn to the book of Acts, 26th chapter, Acts chapter 26. Let us just look at the first verse before we go to verse 22. Then Agrippa, that is King Agrippa, said unto Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself.

Then Paul stretched forth the hand and answered for himself. Shall we read from the 19th verse please? Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision, but showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Witnessing Through Repentance and Obedience

For these causes, the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. You know, my dear friends, witness in a court of law is quite critical.

The Importance of Firsthand Testimony

I was there. I saw what happened. I witnessed the scene. Well, you know, that eyewitness account is so important. Normally, we do not forget what we witness at first hand. I met a man outside the church where I had preached in Kano, Nigeria.

Christian Witness Under Persecution

And the pastor said, this man witnessed the massacre of his mother, wife and children. Kano is a violent, turbulent city. And Christians are segregated into a tiny section of the city. And the rest of the city is Muslim.

Some of us cannot even imagine such an experience. Where were we segregated from any place? Of course, if you want to go to Arunachal Pradesh, borders of China, notwithstanding the fact that you are a national of this country, you are required to obtain a special permit.

Of course, it is a very awkward and unacceptable situation. You cannot put any part of your own country as being out of bounds. But of course, these people of this subcontinent are quiet mice. Nobody squeaks.

They are like normal mice. The whole thing is wrong. Talking about witnessing, it is a very spontaneous thing. When you have witnessed a great spectacle, you will never forget it. Only once I saw Mr. Gandhi.