What Did Moses and the Prophets Say About the Suffering of Christ?
Apostle Paul revealed that he only preached and taught four major things that Moses and the Prophets fourtold concerning Jesus Christ.
If the Jews murdered Jesus Christ for telling them the truth, won’t they attempt to kill his followers too for the same reason?
“For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me” (Acts 26:21).
And that’s exactly the predicament Apostle Paul faced. But he was very cognizant that God was on his side.
“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” (Acts 26:22).
Moses and the Prophets foretold four major things concerning Jesus Christ.
Paul – Much Learning Has Made You Mad
They foretold his suffering, that he would be the first-fruit from the dead, and that he would show both the Jews and the Gentiles the way to God.
“That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:23).
Jesus Christ has accomplished all these things. And as Apostle Paul taught them then, we are teaching the world the identical things today.
“And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad(Acts 26:24).
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So, Apostle Paul replied to Governor Festus and in his own defense.
“But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:25).
Even up to today these words of truth and soberness still echo in our hearts the power of God’s Word.
All that Apostle Paul informed the King, his Queen, Festus, and the remainder of the audience about they were aware of before.
However, Apostle Paul was such an eloquent and effective speaker that he even persuaded King Agrippa to give his heart to Christ.
“For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26).
Today, as Christians, our goal of continuing to teach and preach Christ remains the same as Paul’s was!
We desire to impact you so much that you believe on Jesus Christ.
Accept that he’s the only begotten Son of God and give your hearts to him.
Become Christians!
How Did Jesus Show Light to the Jews – According to Moses and the Prophets?
And having done so, continue in the way! Grow in the knowledge of God and Christ.
To this end, Apostle Paul summarized the circumstances surrounding the teachings of Christ according to the Scriptures.
Then, in an indirect manner, he informs King Agrippa and us that the king believes the prophecies of Moses and the Prophets concerning Jesus.
Consequently, Paul rhetorically asks him, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest” (Acts 26:27).
He didn’t need a response from the king. If he believes “the prophets” then, he also accepts their prophecies concerning Christ.
Also, Apostle Paul knew that King Agrippa was an “expert” in all customs and questions which are among the Jews (Acts 26:3).
He knew of Moses and the Prophets.
However, King Agrippa’s next response validates what Apostle Paul perceived about the king’s belief in Christ.
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).
Moses and the Prophets Foretold Christ Teaching the People
Now this declaration by the king is an understatement. King Agrippa wasn’t “almost persuaded”. He was fully swayed to become a Christian.
However, because of his pomp and circumstances he feared to admit his convictions.
If he became a Christian, he would face fatal consequences.
Not to mention his possible public execution by Augustus Caesar.
Read between the lines here folks! Apostle Paul understood the king’s predicament.
“And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:29).
King Agrippa couldn’t be one of Augustus Caesar’s kings and simultaneously be a Christian. That was treason! It was punishable by death.
“And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them” (Acts 26:30).
As a result, Paul realized that King Agrippa was persuaded to become a Christian but he couldn’t admit that publicly.
So, he had to say “Almost”.
Almost Persuaded to be a Christian!
Armed with this realization, Apostle Paul replied using the king’s diction to empathize with him.
And also, to express what the king and the remainder of the audience should do.
Thus, he expressed his desire for them.
In these words, Paul’s comprehension of King Agrippa’s position shines like the full moon.
Because he communicates to the king that he understands his predicament.
Then he gives him hope. He compares his arrest to the king’s restraints.
Therefore, he says, they “were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:29).
Apostle Paul fully believed in Jesus Christ. But he was in “bonds”! They arrested him.
On the other hand, King Agrippa, also believed in Jesus but he was not physically in bonds. He was free.
But his “bonds” were circumstantial! Situational!
What are Your “Bonds” That’s Holding You Back?
He was bound to Augustus Caesar by his position and nationality.
But Apostle Paul was only in bonds, physically. Therefore, he wished that everyone in the audience had believed in Jesus Christ as he did but without the physical bonds.
“And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” (Acts 26:31).
“Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” (Acts 26:32).
Are you almost persuaded to be a Christian too? What are your bonds?
Is it your family? For many people, because their entire family is Roman Catholic, they feel constraint by this.
Types Of Bonds That Could Prevent You From Serving God
But for many others their “bonds” are relationships. They are involved in intimate relationships with men or women but they are not married to these people respectively.
And still, for a very large segment of people their “bond” is religion.
All their generations, and immediate families have been Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Anglicans or Jehovah Witnesses.
How can we change now?
All the “bonds” or restraints are preventing them from being altogether as Paul.
These somehow prevent them from giving their hearts completely to Jesus Christ.
So, cast all your cares on Jesus Christ for he cares for you!
