"...King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”" (Acts 26:19-23).
Paul was on trial for his life because he refused to stop preaching the Gospel. As a Roman citizen, he exercised his right of appeal to the Roman emperor for justice. But before he was moved to Rome, he was taken before King Agrippa, who was curious about the man who had caused such an uproar in Jerusalem. Standing before the king, Paul did not hesitate to share his personal testimony, starting with his persecution of believers until his own meeting with Jesus, who had risen from the dead.
Most people admire Paul's boldness. It was the fulfillment of Jesus' promise: "When they bring you to trial and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say; but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speaks, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11).
The king was under conviction and said, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian?" "Whether short or long," Paul answered, "I would pray to God that not only you, but also all who hear me this day..."
Many of us have been on trial for our faith, whether before governments or church councils, and have experienced the Holy Spirit telling us what to say - just as Jesus promised He would.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, please give me the words to say, so that others will become Christians. Amen.
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c. Gordon Williams Evangelistic Association 2008.
