ACTS: Part 57 – Religious but Dead Inside
Paul shares his testimony with King Agrippa of how he was the most religious, yet in his heart he was dead. He begins as follows, “As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem. If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion. Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors. In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope! Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead? A man has come alive when he puts his hope in Christ. On this Palm Sunday, the crowds worshipped Christ as the fulfillment of the Prophets words concerning the coming of the Messiah. Paul came to recognize that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Hope of Israel.