Acts in 28 DaysSample

Acts 26:1-29

Do you enjoy hearing stories? Of course, we all do—especially those with a good ending! Now, imagine being great at telling stories: that was Paul. He had a go-to story, one that he shared repeatedly—the story of his conversion. In the book of Acts, it is recorded twice, but he probably shared it many times during his travels.

Paul had a 'before' and an 'after.' Before he met Jesus face-to-face on the road to Damascus, and after that life-changing meeting. His transformation was radical; from a Pharisee to a follower of the Way; from a sceptic to a believer; and from persecuting others to being persecuted for his faith. He went from a high-flying career as a religious leader to being hated by his former colleagues.

Now, Paul stands before King Agrippa, a man with a reputation for being immoral and corrupt – a descendant of the notorious Herod family. Paul seizes the opportunity to share how Jesus transformed his life. As he finishes, he confronts Agrippa with a challenge: if the king truly believed the prophets, he would have to admit that Jesus seemed to be the Messiah, fulfilling all their prophecies..

Imagine Agrippa, with a smirk, telling Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?". And Paul's response? It's gold. He wishes that not only Agrippa but everyone in the room could be like him but without the chains. He had a freedom that came from knowing Jesus. Agrippa may have been rich and powerful, but he was a slave to his sins. Paul's wealth wasn't in gold or silver; it was in the eternal life that only Jesus could provide.

GO DEEP

Reflect on your own life. How has it changed since you met Jesus? What's different from before? Do you think your story can be an inspiration to others? Just like Paul, you have a unique story. Your 'before' might be different, but the 'after' with Jesus is what makes it extraordinary.

BE BOLD

Write down or rehearse a story of how God has changed you from your ‘before’ to your ‘after. Then pray to God that He will put someone in your path who needs to hear it, and that you will have the words needed at the time to share it with them.

MEMORISE IT

“Whether quickly or not, I wish to God that not only you but everyone listening to me today would become what I am—except for these chains!” - Acts 26:29