Today we will learn from the apostle Paul and what he said to King Agrippa, after being put in prison and finally being able to speak freely. Some people in his circumstances would have been very tired and not much for words, or even have denied their faith by this point. But not so with Paul. He was a great example of the faith and said the following to King Agrippa, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:19-23) And so we learn that Paul shared the truth of the gospel message even though the Jews wanted to kill him. That Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected the third day. How we ought to repent and turn to God, while showing works meet for repentance. This he taught day and night, and as God’s witnesses today, we also proclaim the same things as he did
It was after Paul proclaimed the gospel to King Agrippa that Festus was not so amused. It is written, “and as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:24-29) We will always have people like Festus who will give us a hard time when we try to witness to people on the streets, workplace, home, and others. There is always that person who is only there to stir up contention and lead people away from the truth. Therefore, as Paul soon stopped talking to Festus, it isn’t worth speaking to these kinds of people. But for King Agrippa, the Spirit was speaking to him and Paul knew it. Maybe he did eventually accept Christ into his heart and was saved. As for us now, we continue where he left off and witness to everyone who will listen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will understand how much they are needed in Your kingdom. There is so much work to be done, but only a few workers in Your harvest. If people would simply submit their lives to follow You, then they would learn how valuable it is to do Your will. They would let go of anything that is holding them back and come running to You, Jesus, in prayer. It would be game over to the things they used to do that was sinful, and submit to do Your will instead. Surely, giving up things for Your cause is the best thing I have ever done. I am so much better off now than I ever was in the past. My faith is secure in Your grace. Therefore, I walk this earth with a clear conscience and no shame or guilt holding me back. You have wiped it all clean, Lord. Thank You, God. It is my desire to walk in Your abundant light this day and forever. Be there by my side and never let me go, God. I am Yours. As I speak, allow Your words to flow through me. I love the gospel truths of the cross and the resurrection, but love it even more when people hear it and are moved by what You have done, Jesus. I wish that people would understand what it means to proclaim the good news, but they will have to do it themselves to see what it is truly like. It isn’t nerve-racking at all as some may think, but oh so calming and peaceful. Surely, You make everything so much easier to perform when Your presence is near. Thank You, God, for everything You do in me and through me. I will light the way for all to see. I love You more than anything else. I praise Your great Name, Jesus. Amen.
