Acts 26:19 NLT
“And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven.
After Jesus inserted Himself into Paul’s life, Paul did what is next in the life of every true believer, and he obeyed.
Acts 26:20-23 NLT
I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God’s light to Jews and Gentiles alike.”
Paul continues to explain the effect that Jesus continued to have in his life. Paul’s command of the Gospel is not swayed; he emphasizes the need for those seeking to know God must repent and turn to God.
And that the proof of this faith in God through Jesus Christ translates in “the good things they do.”
James 2:14 NLT
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
James 2:17 NLT
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Paul continues to explain that God continues to protect him so he can testify for what Jesus has done for him, and the good news is when we step out in this type of boldness, God will do the same for us.
Acts 26:24 NLT
Suddenly, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!”
Paul met an objection and was called insane.
How did Paul respond to this?
Was he defensive?
Did he take offense to this accusation?
Acts 26:25-27 NLT
But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do— ”
He responded truthfully and respectfully.
And he went for the conversion; he boldly asked the king to commit his life to Jesus Christ.
How did King Agrippa respond?
Acts 26:28 NLT
Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
Paul responded with his faith in our Lord Jesus only.
Acts 26:29 NLT
Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”
Paul knew that he was the only free person in that courtroom, but he was the only person in there in chains. Paul was free, despite the chains that shackled him.
The question that we need to ask ourselves consistently is, “Can I see the freedom I have in Jesus Christ as I face unfavorable circumstances?”
And next, can I encourage others to get to know Jesus Christ amid the pain that I might be suffering in my circumstances?
Heavenly Father, I pray for boldness. Not the in your face boldness that the world tells us we need to have, but the Divine courage with humility and confidence that comes from a life submitted to Your will.
I pray that my thoughts, attitudes, and actions glorify You. That I willingly lay down the things in my life that hold me back from getting to know You better. Please give me the discernment to see the thoughts in my mind that separate me from You.
I am grateful for Your mercy. Your grace and Your forgiveness.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
