Lesson 20 The Gospel foretold by Moses and the Prophets
Questions 3, 4, and 5
Friend, the cross is where Jesus reveals Himself to us by “opening our eyes”, turning all who believe “from darkness to light”, and from “the power of Satan to God”. The cross is where we find forgiveness of sins and a place among other believers who are being sanctified in Christ. The cross is the place we have “seen” and will “see” more of Jesus as He reveals more of Himself to us who are being sanctified by faith in Christ. “I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me” (Acts 26:16). Preaching and teaching the gospel in church is the most important thing we can do, as it is the most powerful message in the world. We want to proclaim the gospel message clearly so that eyes are opened wide to the glories of Calvary. We want to see more and more of light of Jesus so that our hearts are continually turning from darkness to Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12).
Notice how Paul completes his testimony:
“That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:21-23 (NIV)
Question 4: According to Acts 26:23, what did Moses and the prophets say would happen?
The only message we proclaim to both small and great is, “saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen.” The message they proclaimed was clear: that Jesus would suffer and die for the forgiveness of sins and be the first to rise from the dead on the third day. This message is rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV) This is the good news we now proclaim to all. Some will believe, have their sins forgiven, be raised to live new lives. They will begin to walk in the light that has shone into their darkened hearts, will walk in the power of the Spirit they received by believing the message of the cross. Still, others may think we are out of our minds as the cross is foolishness to them (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Notice Festus’ response to Paul: “At this point, Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.” Acts 26:24-26 (NIV)
Question 5: While he proclaimed that Christ had to suffer for our sins and be the first to rise from the dead for our justification, what accusation was made against Paul?