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The Gospel Makes An Appeal

November 13th, 2005

“Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently”

(Acts 26:3)

Most people today have little understanding of the Bible. They may be fluent and conversant in The Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter, or, pop psychology, but they definitely lack an accurate knowledge of the gospel. One such area where the gospel is surely misunderstood regards the fact that it makes an appeal: it asks something from those who hear it.

In Acts 26, Paul makes his defense before King Agrippa. It is in 26:3 where we find an appeal; an appeal to listen with patience to the message of the gospel. If 26:2,3 was all the information we had of Paul’s appeal, we might think that he was only interested in vindicating his own name. However, a perusal of the rest of his speech shows the substance of his appeal (see 26:6,8,9,18,23).

1. 26:3 – “I beg you [Agrippa]”
2. 26:20 – “that they [Damascus/Jerusalem/Judea/Gentiles]”
3. 26:29 – “all that hear me this day might become as I am”

The older English has the word “beseech” to convey this appeal. Surely, the gospel has been found amusing by those who reject its appeal. But, the gospel makes an appeal; and this appeal has never been repealed.

-Robert M. Housby

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