Wisconsin Capitol.
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
“My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. Acts 26:4
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More literally, it says, “Therefore, indeed, the manner of my life from youth, having been from the beginning in my nation, in Jerusalem, all the Jews know” (CG).
Paul had just asked for Agrippa to patiently hear him as he gave his defense, knowing that Agrippa was an expert in all customs and questions concerning the Jews. With that having been stated, he next says, “Therefore, indeed, the manner of my life from youth.”
The word translated as “manner of life” is biósis. It is a noun derived from the verb bioó, to live. It is only found here in the New Testament. We use the term “bio” in the same way today: life; biological, biography, etc. In using this word, he then further defines his manner of life with the words “having been from the beginning.”
There are articles in the Greek of this verse that are not normally translated into English. Each word he has spoken so far has been intended to give a more precise statement concerning his upbringing. For example, someone might say, “I was a surfer, a surfer from my youth, even for as long as I can remember.”
This is Paul’s way of establishing the surety of the life he lived in the eyes of Agrippa. Therefore, any changes to this will be all the more remarkable. In other words, when he gets to the explanation of his conversion, it will indicate a sudden, abrupt change in a person who was very focused in one direction his whole life.
Most people would tend to follow the same precise pattern unless there was a marked occurrence that subsequently changed their lives. To further bolster this deeply ingrained image of who he was, he then continues with “in my nation, in Jerusalem.”
He continues making a poignant statement concerning his state, now adding the special location which would only refine that state into who he eventually would become. Once again, it would be like saying, “I was a surfer, a surfer from my youth, even for as long as I can remember. It was in Hawaii, on the North Shore, at Waimea Bay.”
Paul will speak of his life in this early capacity elsewhere, such as in Galatians 1:14 and Philippians 3:5-6. His words to Agrippa are carefully stated to ensure the king is aware of exactly who Paul was as he grew. Thus, the change in him will be all the more remarkable when it is presented. Understanding that, he then finishes the thought with, “all the Jews know.”
It is a confirmatory statement that his words are truthful and can easily be verified. Saying, “all the Jews” doesn’t mean the entire nation of Jews. Instead, it is a phrase limited in its meaning and which refers to the leaders of the nation. Similar terminology is used in Mark 7:3; John 2:20, 3:25, 5:15; etc.; and in 1 Thessalonians 2:14.
Life application: Paul was set on a course of life that was unlikely to change. However, the Lord stepped in and revealed Himself to Paul. From that time on, the direction of his steps was completely different. He made a complete break from his old ways and set his eyes solely on Jesus.
Although we haven’t seen Jesus personally, as believers, we have met Him through His word. If we believe He has saved us, then why would we be any different than Paul in our attitude? Was the change in Paul any different than the change in us? He was lost, and then he was saved. We were lost, and then we were saved.
Do we really need a visual appearance of Jesus to spur us on to do great things? If so, why? What was lacking in our conversion? And if not, are we pursuing Jesus with all of who we are? If not, why are we not doing so?
None of us should say, “My conversion wasn’t that special and so my walk doesn’t need to be so great.” You are an individual, only you received your conversion, and only you can use your personal conversion and your new life for the glory of God. Therefore, use it! Bring God glory with every step you take. Have faith in all you do. And be grateful from moment to moment that you were saved by the precious blood of Jesus.
Lord God, may we be willing to work out our salvation with our eyes fixed and focused on Jesus. Help each one of us to do our utmost with the salvation You have granted us because of Your great love, grace, and tender mercy. May we strive to do great things in return for what You have done for each of us. Amen.