Do You Believe the Prophets?

Is it possible to believe without faith? Perhaps knowing truth and walking in truth are not the same? Look at the cases of Governor Festus and King Agrippa.

By way of background, when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, Christians welcomed him gladly but the religious leaders seized him on false charges. Roman soldiers arrested him to avoid a riot and, to avoid certain death at the hands of locals, Paul appealed to the Roman governor.

After languishing in prison for a season, a new governor named Festus came to town. Then King Agrippa, a king with a Semantic heritage, visited Festus. The two rulers reviewed Paul’s case together and Paul was brought before them. Paul used the event as an opportunity to tell the men about Jesus.

Each of the rulers responded based on their unique backgrounds, and each put their spin on Paul's message. Festus had a Roman viewpoint and Paul challenged everything he had learned and believed. He saw the reasoning of Paul’s argument, but he said, “Paul, you are beside yourself. Much learning has made you mad!” (Acts 26:13:NKVJ) He could not—would not—allow an intrusion into his personal views or mindset.

Agrippa, a man acquainted with Scripture, thought differently. Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?”

Agrippa couldn't discount Paul and he knew the question was not an idle question. Yet he wasn't willing to follow the God of Scripture. “You almost persuade me to become a Christian,” he said. (v. 27,28) He knew Paul spoke truth.

One man rejected truth because he could not comprehend it. The other rejected truth because he did not want to submit to its claims.

Originally published May 15, 1987.