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direction of the sacred treasure, the government of the temple, and the right of nominating the High Priest 1o. Festus, therefore, relates unto Agrippa how Paul had been "dealt with of the Jews, both at Jerusalem, and also at Cesarea, and had appealed unto Augustus," upon some questions of their own superstition," or rather religion of the Jews; it is not probable that any evil imputation is here intended by calling it by the name of superstition, since Festus would scarcely speak with disrespect of Judaism whilst he was addressing Agrippa as a Jew'. It was customary with heathens to speak of the Jewish religion by this name, and nothing could be more in the character of a Roman Governor than such a word'. Agrippa desired much to hear the remarkable preacher of whom he had doubtless heard so much, and of whom Festus now spoke; when, therefore, "he was come with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains and principal men of the city, Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself." The Apostle, "stretching forth the hand" that he might engage attention by his respectful and earnest manner, declared that he rejoiced in the opportunity of entering in his own vindication before so competent a judge, who was acquainted with the Scriptures and customs of the Jews, 10 Dr. Doddridge. Archd. Paley. 2 Abp. Newcome.

1

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"Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently." He then declared, frankly, before the king, his manner of life as a Pharisee, and what hope he then possessed as a Christian, "For which hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews"." Paul here follows the same line of argument which he had addressed to the Jewish assembly in the Temple, showing that he had not lightly taken up the opinion which he maintained. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead?" It was true he himself had once thought this doctrine incredible, for "he had done many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." He had forced others to deny Him, persecuting them to the uttermost. Why then was he now preaching the faith which once he destroyed? Nothing but a proof, which it was impossible for him to withstand, had convinced him. He then gave a particular relation of that miraculous vision in which Jesus had appeared from heaven, subdued his rebellious spirit, and commissioned him to go forth among the Gentiles, as a preacher of the grand mysteries of redemption. St. Paul evidently considered his own conversion, not only as a singular display of Divine mercy, but as an incontestable proof of the truth of Christianity; and therefore he was Archbishop Sumner.

3

Dr. Robinson.

4

ready, upon every occasion, to propose it to the notice of others for the honour of his God and Saviour 5. While he was thus discoursing, Festus, who, as a heathen, knew nothing of the prophets, nor of an expected Saviour, and was not therefore any master of the argument, concluded that Paul was a mere visionary, deceived by his imagination, and acting upon a dream of his mind, and therefore told him abruptly “much learning doth make thee mad"." He probably knew from others that Paul was a learned man, otherwise there was no great indication of proficiency in literature in this speech, though he might have thought the subject of the discourse vastly mysterious; and it was all so many enigmas to the governor, as to make him think that there might be some disorder in the Apostle's brain to make him talk so unintelligibly'. The wise and respectful answer which St. Paul returns to Festus is a noble instance of moderation and courage. am not mad; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness; for the king knoweth of these things, before whom I speak freely; for I am persuaded none of these things are hidden from him "." He then turned to Agrippa, and, by a masterly and spirited address, appealed to him, as being convinced of the facts which he had

s Dr. Robinson.

7 Mant and D'Oyly.

6

Stackhouse.

• Ostervald.

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asserted, and of their exact correspondence with the ancient predictions. And having clearly shown this, he leaves the king to draw this conclusion, Since thou believest the prophets, and since thou knowest that the predictions concerning the Messiah are accomplished in Jesus of Nazareth, thou canst not but own that the Gospel is true, and that I have done well to obey the heavenly vision in preaching Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ. "Then Agrippa said unto

Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." And why not altogether? He would not give himself leisure to weigh these things agreeably to their importance; he was unwilling to yield to the persuasions of his prisoner—the purity of the Christian doctrines would ill have agreed with that indulgence of sinful passions in which he habitually lived. This history affords to all Christians a very instructive and important lesson". How many resemble Agrippa, and are inclined to resist or trifle with their convictions! How many have not the courage to attempt the arduous work under a full sense of the difficulty of success! May the mighty influence of God's grace enable us to break through all such difficulties, and, taking our warning from king Agrippa, make us

"not

only almost, but altogether" Christians'. We cannot be an almost Christian, but must be so,

9 Dr. Robinson.

10 Simon Clarke.

1 Dr. Robinson.

if we are one at all, with all the affections of the soul 2.

And now the assembly broke up, and when Agrippa and Festus were "gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds." As yet there were no penal laws against Christians. He who first made Christianity a capital offence, was this very Nero, to whom St. Paul had now appealed. It was well known at this time that the differences between him and the Jews were such, that no law of the Romans would take hold of his accusation3. This public attestation of Paul's innocence, from so noble and learned a judge as Agrippa, was also highly advantageous to him. It contributed to allay the prejudices of the Jews against him, and to counteract the accusations which might otherwise have followed him to Rome. It also gave him greater respect in the eyes of Festus, who would naturally make a more favourable representation of his case to the emperor, when sanctioned by so high a Jewish authority as king Agrippa'. SECT. CCXLVI.-Paul is shipped for Rome.-Acts xxvii. 1-10.

ST. PAUL had appealed to Cæsar against the malicious accusations of the Jews; but "he might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed unto Cæsar;" circumstances were,

2 Ostervald.

3 Dr. Hammond.

' Dr. Hales.