
Persuading the King
What we have here is Paul on trial. He had been charged with sedition, causing a riot, undermining the public peace. He had been charged with heresy.
At the very top of chapter 26, Paul gives a defense. He tells the story of his conversion, meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. But it’s here at the end that Paul shows the real goal of his speech, what he’s really after, and it’s surprising.
He’s not really out to defend himself, because if his primary goal was to get himself off the hook, he would never have made the bold move he makes. He would have played it safe, but he doesn’t. What was Paul’s goal, how does he get to that goal, and where does he get the power and poise and boldness to try that?
This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on June 16, 2013. Series "Acts: The Gospel in the City". Scripture: Acts 26:15-27.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
Featured Offer
In Matt Smethurst’s new book "Tim Keller on the Christian Life", he distills Dr. Keller’s teachings on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, and more into practical wisdom for navigating everyday life.
"Tim Keller on the Christian Life" is our way to say thanks for your gift below to help share the transformative power of the gospel with more people.
Past Episodes

Featured Offer
In Matt Smethurst’s new book "Tim Keller on the Christian Life", he distills Dr. Keller’s teachings on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, and more into practical wisdom for navigating everyday life.
"Tim Keller on the Christian Life" is our way to say thanks for your gift below to help share the transformative power of the gospel with more people.
About Gospel in Life
About Tim Keller
Timothy Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For 28 years he led a diverse congregation of young professionals that grew to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He is also the Chairman & Co-Founder of Redeemer City to City (CTC), which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for ministry in an urban environment. In 2017 Dr. Keller transitioned to CTC full time to teach and mentor church planters and seminary students through a joint venture with Reformed Theological Seminary's (RTS), the City Ministry Program. He also works with CTC's global affiliates to launch church planting movements.
Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 2 million copies and been translated into 25 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
Contact Gospel in Life with Tim Keller
support@gospelinlife.com
https://gospelinlife.com/