Acts 26
To read this text CLICK HERE.
Acts 26:25-28, “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. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
So now Paul is pleading his case before King Agrippa, to be more precise King Herod Agrippa II. Let's think about the power-hungry and unethical family of Herodians that had lorded authority over the Jews in the past several generations. The Herods were essentially puppet kings who the Romans put in charge of Judea. There was Herod the Great who tried to kill baby Jesus. Then there was his son, Herod Antipas, who beheaded John the Baptist for speaking out about his illegitimate marriage. Next in line was Agrippa I who beheaded James, the son of Zebedee. Now, Paul is standing before Agrippa II, with no sign of fear, simply speaking the truth with clarity and boldness.
In the interaction we see in today's focus Scriptures, governor Festus has accused Paul of insanity after hearing his full testimony, including his conversion on the road to Damascus. In response, Paul speaks directly to Agrippa, knowing that he was very familiar with the ways of the Jews. As Paul stands there in chains, he forcefully asks the king if he believes in the ways of the prophets. I kind of picture the king embarrassed in front of all his Roman/pagan friends, stammering, not quite knowing how to answer. So he asks Paul, "Do you think you can convince me to be a Christian in such a short time?" There must have been something about Agrippa that Paul knew he was curious and open. Maybe God told him to direct his questions to Agrippa. We can assume that throughout this whole trial, the Holy Spirit is directing Paul's words and actions. There is a purpose for each trial, for each giving of testimony, for each conversation, because in each setting, more and more people are exposed to the Gospel.
What's interesting to me is that at the end of this chapter, Agrippa and Festus are talking and say that it's a shame that Paul has appealed to the emperor because he had done nothing wrong and they could release him. However, his appeal meant he would be heading to Rome to testify once more. What they don't understand is that this isn't simply about Paul's freedom, it's about carrying the Good News to people and places it had never been before. God's up to something more.
Let's pray...Lord, we thank you that you are always up to something more. You were up to something deeper in the case of Paul and you are up to something deeper in our own lives. Help us see your hand at work, increase our trust, and help us live in to the calling you have placed in each of our lives. We love you, Amen.