By Mari Sandoval
Today we continue as Paul is on trial and standing before King Agrippa. I did a bit of research and found out that he was standing
before the man whose great-grandfather had tried to kill Jesus as a baby; his
grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded; and his father had martyred the
first apostle, James! (Bibleorg.com) This was a man whose family history made
him unlikely to receive Paul the way he did!
Wow, only our God can do this! “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are [now] permitted to speak on your own behalf.” At
that, Paul stretched out his hand [as an orator] and made his defense [as
follows]:
2 “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, since it is before you that
I am to make my defense today regarding all the charges brought against me by
the Jews, 3 especially because you are an expert [fully knowledgeable, experienced
and unusually conversant] in all the Jewish customs and controversial issues;
therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (26:1-3)
Paul is happy to speak before Agrippa, because
he is pleased to have the evidence of his case examined closely by the highest
officials, but mainly because he is pleased to preach the gospel to kings! This was part of what the Lord promised Paul
at his conversion, through Ananias: “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine,
to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will make clear to him how much he
must suffer and endure for My name’s
sake.” (9:15-16)
Paul describes to Agrippa his life before his
conversion (26:4-11); part of his conversion (Vs.12-20), and what the Lord
Jesus had said to him regarding his ministry: “I have appeared to you for
this purpose, to appoint you [to serve] as a minister and as a
witness [to testify, with authority,] not only to the things
which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you, 17 [choosing you for Myself and] rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the
Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their [spiritual] eyes so that they may turn
from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may
receive forgiveness and release from their sins
and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified (set apart, made holy)
by faith in Me.’ (26:16-18)
Imagine, Paul with those
heavy chains that would inflict him such pain, instead of pleading for
understanding or sympathy, he was actually sharing his testimony
and the gospel so that these influential people could open their hearts and repent
to be saved!
But what was the answer of these men?
- Festus:
“Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great education is turning you toward
madness.” (26:24) When we preach the gospel, for sure some people will think
we are crazy. Paul appointed this to the Corinthians: “… the message of
the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinth. 1:18)
-Agrippa: “In
a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a
Christian. (26:28) Why was Agrippa only almost persuaded?
Probably because he may have realized that becoming a Christian would mean
losing his status (the praise of men), his friends and by looking at Paul’s
trials, he was unwilling to make such sacrifice!
So, what is to become a Christian? Acts
26:18 describes five things that happened to Paul when
he became a Christian. A Christian has their eyes opened. A Christian has
turned from darkness to light. A Christian has turned from the power of Satan
to God. A Christian has received forgiveness of sins. And a Christian has an
inheritance among those set apart to God. (Blueletterbible.org)
Paul showed that even though he was in chains, he had
more freedom in Jesus than any of the royal audience had!
"O that men were
wise enough to see that suffering for Christ is honour, that loss for truth is
gain, that the truest dignity rests in wearing the chain upon the arm rather
than endure the chain upon the soul." (Spurgeon)
Finally, Agrippa admits Paul's innocence, yet forwards
him to Caesar (26:30-32)
As I’ve reflected on Paul’s conversion and ministry He
would not rely on his own strength, nor focus on his circumstances, but the
Holy Spirit continually reminded Paul of each and every one of God’s promises
for his calling (9:15-16). His life had no other purpose but to live for God
and His Purpose (20:21). No wonder Paul seemed to always be courageous in all
his trials! Here are some of these
promises we’ve read throughout this week, that I believe kept Paul going with
zeal and joy:
- ‘Go, I will send you far away to the
Gentiles.’ (22:21)
-“Be brave; for as you
have solemnly and faithfully witnessed about Me at
Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome.” (23:11)
How about you my sister? Which promises from our
Father have you treasured in your heart, which keep you walking in faith and
for His Purpose?
May through His Holy Spirit we may become brave and courageous to testify what Jesus has done in our lives!
Blessings my
sisters!!