To Make You a Minister and a Witness

Text: Acts 26
26 February 2017

OUTSTANDING SERVANTS OF GOD

1. The Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ

2. The call given to them – to bear witness of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth

3. Two may be singled out for mention: –

a) The Apostle Peter who ministered among the Jews
b) The Apostle Paul who ministered among the Gentiles

THE TESTIMONY OF PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA

1. The life of Paul before he became a believer and a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) Did many things contrary to the name of Jesus   (Acts 26:9)
b) Shut up many saints in prison   (Acts 26:10)
c) He consented to the putting of death followers of Jesus   (Acts 26:10)
d) Punished the Christians   (Acts 26:10)
e) Compelled them to blaspheme   (Acts 26:11)
f) Persecuted the Christians   (Acts 26:11)

2. The conversion of Paul

a) The Lord met him on the road to Damascus   (Acts 26:13)
b) Jesus revealed Himself to Paul   (Acts 26:14-15)
c) This manifestation was for a purpose   (Acts 26:16)
i) To make Paul a minister   (Acts 26:16)
ii) To make him a witness   (Acts 26:16)

3. The Ministry of Paul given by the Lord

a) Sent to minister to the Gentiles   (Acts 26:17)
b) Glimpses of this ministry
i) To open their eyes   (Acts 26:18)
ii) To turn them from darkness to light   (Acts 26:18)
iii) From the power of Satan to God   (Acts 26:18)
iv) That they may receive forgiveness of sin   (Acts 26:18)
v) That they may have an inheritance
Among those who are sanctified by faith in Him   (Acts 26:18)

4. Conclusion

a) Not disobedient to the Call   (Acts 26:18)
b) Faithful to the very end