ActsSample

Acts 26

What’s happening?

Paul’s opportunity has come to defend himself in front of King Agrippa, and he uses this moment to to be a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We see the strength of Paul’s faith in the fact that he does not plead for his rescue, but instead, hopes for King Agrippa and others to one day be like him, a Christian. He goes on to tell them the story of his transformation from Jew to Christian, prosecutor to preacher.

Instead of being ashamed of his past of persecuting Christians and attempting to hide it, he uses it to showcase the transformative power of the gospel to the glory of God. King Agrippa and other Jews find it difficult to believe in Jesus, but see in Paul’s former life that same struggle. However, Paul’s story showcases a Savior that completely transformed his identity from militant aggressor to passionate apostle. And with that, Jesus gives him a new calling: to be an apostle to the Gentiles. In this way, Paul becomes instrumental in God’s plan to save sinners from all nations.

Though the king remains unconvinced, God uses Paul to witness to the gospel at one of the highest levels of government. All those in attendance heard the gospel that day. Though we don’t know the effects of events that followed, we are confident that God put Paul in the right place at the right time to have the maximum impact for the gospel.

What do we learn?

Paul’s declaration of his conversion gives us a great example on how we might share the gospel. We know that it is only by God’s grace that lives can be transformed. God allows all people to receive forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection. We enter into a relationship with God and are called to a higher purpose. By the power of the Holy Spirit Christians can speak boldly and confidently of the power of the gospel.

What should we do?

Have you ever had to defend your faith? There will come a time where you have the opportunity to share how God has saved and redeemed you from sin. You can be ready for this moment by knowing your own story of salvation and how it showcases that God can transform lives.