DAY #222: Acts 26:12-32

The dissertation in front of King Agrippa continued. About noon, Paul saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, blazing around him and his traveling companions. Paul hears a voice from heaven. Upon Paul’s inquiry as to the identity of the speaker, the voice answered: “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.” The information to follow is also unique to this particular recounting of the Damascus road experience.

From his prostrate position, Paul was commissioned by Christ himself. He was to be Christ’s servant and Christ’s witness. Paul would tell the world about not only this experience at Damascus but also about the other times that Christ would appear to him. Paul was to be the recipient of a great deal of God’s “light” to both Jews and Gentiles.

Paul was to be God’s instrument of turning Gentiles from the power of Satan to God, inviting them to receive forgiveness for their sins, which he did. Paul took every opportunity to remind his audience that the Gentiles had an equal share in God’s inheritance.

From that point, Paul had been obedient to the vision from heaven. He had begun in Damascus, then gone to Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond. Ultimately, his field of endeavor, under the sovereign leadership of God, was the Gentiles. Though the locations changed and the nationalities changed, the message was the same at every stop.

For his simple obedience to this incredibly powerful calling, for his faithful presentation of this gospel message, Paul had been arrested. Attempts had even been made on his life. But God had been true to his promise to protect him so that he could tell these facts to everyone, including those before whom he was standing.

Then Paul summarized what he had said in front of every Jewish audience so far in his ministry: I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen concerning the suffering Messiah and the promise of his resurrection. This resurrection, which followed the rejection and murder of the Messiah, would serve as a beacon, a light to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Festus could not stand it anymore, and he erupted. The message of this suffering Messiah was one thing, but to actually believe that he had been killed by his own people and then had been raised from the dead as a light to the world was too much for the humanistic mind of the Roman governor. He decided that Paul must be insane.

Paul affirmed to the governor that he was not insane, but was instead speaking the sober truth that had the most important of implications for all those within its hearing. Next, Paul got very personal and direct with King Agrippa, asking and then answering his own question about Agrippa’s knowledge of and belief in the prophets.

Paul’s direct question probably embarrassed Agrippa in front of this powerful crowd. His response, in what appears to be a condescending fashion, was to shoot back. “Do you think you can make me a Christian so quickly?” The question may have been a jab at Paul and his message, saying that he would not be as easily persuaded as Paul’s other converts had been.

Paul explained that it didn’t matter to him whether Agrippa believed quickly or not; he simply prayed that Agrippa, along with the entire audience, would become just like him, except for the chains. That is, Paul wanted them to find the Messiah who had found him that day on the road to Damascus.

Agrippa decided that the meeting was over. Paul had to go to Rome.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

What price am I willing to pay to get the gospel out to those who need to hear it? Am I willing to risk my reputation? Am I willing to risk my comfort? Am I willing to risk my security? Am I willing to risk being disliked or rejected? Read the verses below - and ask yourself if you'll obey.

“...proclaim the Good News to everyone, everywhere.” Mark 16:15 (LB)

“The Holy Spirit doesn’t want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them, If you will stir up this inner power, you will never be afraid to tell others about our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (LB)

“Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News.” Colossians 4:5 (LB)

“Send us around the world with the news of Your saving power and Your eternal plan for all mankind.” Psalm 67:2 (LB)

Lord, break our heart with the reality of hell. Help us see that instead of the laughing or mocking or ridicule. Give us boldness to share our faith.