‘Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”’ (Acts 26:28-29 NLT).
After Paul gave his defense before Festus, King Agrippa, Bernice and a crowd of Roman military officers and Jewish dignitaries, Agrippa realized Paul’s purpose. It wasn’t only a defense of his innocence, but a testimony of his salvation through the resurrected Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to persuade his audience to join him in believing and trusting in Jesus. This is why Agrippa interrupted Paul, saying, “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
Agrippa got the point. Paul’s purpose and prayer was that they believe the gospel and follow Jesus. He cared more for preaching the gospel than defending his own life.
Can you imagine sharing the gospel to a judge who has the power to fine you or even execute you? Wouldn’t you want to hire a lawyer and do whatever it takes to get out of being convicted? Would you be thinking of sharing the gospel before a judge or jury?
Apparently, Paul had decided that no matter the situation or setting, his life purpose was telling others the Good News about Jesus Christ.
Let us determine to be like Paul. As the apostle Peter wrote, “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for not sharing the Good News in our daily lives. We are easily distracted and put our cares on temporary things rather than eternal ones. Forgive us. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us to live for You and to always be ready to give a defense of the hope we have in Jesus, Your Son. For it’s in His name we pray, amen.