Acts 26:24-32 – At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” 30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” 32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”” Agrippa had been on the edge of his seat listening to Paul. Paul had seen how Agrippa had paid attention to the message Paul was proclaiming. Paul knew that the Spirit of God was convicting Agrippa. Yet when Paul asked Agrippa “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do,” that was akin to us sharing the message and us asking “would you like to pray to ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.” Sadly, Agrippa pulled back. When people pull back, sometimes they later repent and reach out to the Lord, as one of the thieves on the crosses next to Jesus did. (Matthew 27:38, 44, Luke 23:39-43) Too many times they harden their hearts and never do kneel before Jesus. (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) From the history we know of Agrippa, he, unfortunately fell in the latter group. Oh Family, tell of Jesus to all who will listen and pray for their eternal souls. Pray for the opportunity to share with everyone. Love is the reason we should and is the reason we do.
“Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Paul is saying that whether it takes speaking to you for a short time, or a long time, his goal was that King Agrippa, and all in attendance, would come to the Lord. It was not Paul’s goal to get himself freed from his incarceration. Whatever circumstance he found himself was not his responsibility, but the Lord’s. He had long before given up such control to Jesus. His goal was to do what Jesus had called him to do. His goal was to share the Gospel message with everyone that he could with the goal that they would heed the calling of Holy Spirit to kneel before Jesus. It was more than a goal, it was to Paul his ardent prayer. Not for Paul’s “success,” but for the benefit of those hear and receive the message and to glorify Jesus. All who submit to and love Jesus pray worldwide submission to Jesus.
“The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” 32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Immediately after the exchange between the king and Paul, the king left with his constant companion Bernice and with those sitting with him. As those who had been in attendance concluded, as Claudius Lysias had concluded, as Governor Felix had concluded, and as Governor Festus had concluded, Paul had done nothing to deserve death or imprisonment. Though King Agrippa did not give his life to Jesus after hearing Paul, even he judged Paul innocent of any crime and told Governor Festus that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. Yet, we know, that Paul was not concerned with their opinions about his state of incarceration. (Ephesians 6:19-20) He knew that his situation was in the hands of the Lord and that the Lord had it all in control. (Psalm 31:14-15)
Family and Friends, we see that Paul was not concerned about the things of his life that were the Lord’s responsibility. Paul was called to share the Gospel, before all men and even before kings, which he now had done. (Acts 9:15) Paul was faithful to what he was called to do and he did not try to usurp God’s authority in his life. (Philippians 1:13) Family, God has called us to live simply. (Micah 6:8, Matthew 11:28-30) During this time when much of the world is quarantined as a choice by authorities, we must, in the midst of frustration and anxiousness, remember that God is in control. Our job is to share Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him. Having done that let us rest in the complete work of God! In Him is peace, which we all need at all times and especially during these times. In all things and at all times let us praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”