And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”[ 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
King Agrippa had asked to hear Paul’s case. What he heard was Paul’s testimony of transformation and the essence of why he tells of the glory of God. Today’s reading is from Acts 25-26
Paul is brought before King Agrippa and other prominent men to tell his case even though no one has been able to find any charges against Paul. King Agrippa II was the brother of Drusilla, Felix’s wife. He was responsible during much of his rule for appointing high priests. Although he was Jewish by religion, the Jewish people disliked him, because he sided ways with Rome. He was a major political and religious person who had alternative motives in hearing Paul’s case to benefit future political maneuverings.
Like many people, King Agrippa stopped within the hearing distance of the Kingdom of God. He heard the Gospel but decided it wasn’t worth responding personally. Many of us still can hear or read a story and stop right there without believing.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Almost… how many almost times have you been part of an almost story? Times where you have shared the Gospel or an offering into a relationship with God and it was left at that. For myself, growing up I heard many caring individuals share their testimony of faith with me and didn’t accept the invitation. Like King Agrippa, I was too worried about what others would say or think. Only by God’s grace did He still provide testimonies and acts of true love providing me with a truth of a genuine relationship with God. Every testimony I hear through our bible journal provides daily reminders of how great and loving our Lord is.
How has hearing the Gospel impacted you? Has it turned your life around and given you the hope of eternal life, or a message of resistance. I wish it would have taken a short time. But God’s perfect timing is and was just in time. I’m grateful for the many people who share their testimony with others. Paul shared his testimony. He spoke the truth that King Agrippa had known, still, the King wasn’t going to let this testimony change what Agrippa wanted the world to see.
Paul shares his testimony for all who are listening. Do we shy away from sharing ours?
To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
It’s not easy to share our testimony when we let our own human thoughts and worries get in the way. But we have a Lord that will help provide the words and courage to share with others the hope of an eternal Kingdom. We are all sinners. But the two categories of sinners include saved and unsaved.
Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved… v13″ Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
It may seem hard and scary to give your whole life to God, but the price will seem minimal compared to an eternity without Him. Take time to share your amazing testimony with someone today.
Prayers for a great day today!