Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Acts 26:24-31.
This scene of Paul’s trial is as stressful and fearful as any storm which we could ever imagine. Paul, a prisoner in chains, for the sake of being a witness of Jesus, goes before King Agrippa, Agrippa’s sister Queen Bernice and Governor Festus to make his defense. Paul’s very life is in peril.
There is a word picture here beginning in Acts 26:1 and concluding in Acts 26:29. This picture is of Paul stretching out his hands in chains as he begins and concludes his defense. Paul is well-aware of the lowliness of his status as he speaks to these powerful leaders.
But Paul is confident of what he experienced and more than that he says in verse 22a, “But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.”
Paul knows God has called him for this witness and God is helping him through this storm, giving him peace. On such an imposing “stage” he is able to remain calm. I realized Paul’s defense was not for the sake of his own life, but for the sake of the message of Christ to “reach the people in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
Paul could have simply accepted that he was a prisoner and that no one would hear what he had to say. But he was courageous and bold enough, trusting God’s help each step of the way to give his witness to these powerful three people, King Agrippa, Queen Bernice and Governor Festus.
Not only did they hear Paul, but they also were “almost persuaded” to become Christians themselves! The three agreed that Paul had done nothing to deserve death or imprisonment. This opened the door for Paul’s continuation of his missionary journeys.
Personal Worship Option:
Thank you, God, for the calm and peace you give to us throughout the difficult storms of life. Let us learn from Paul’s unselfish defense to be courageous and brave to share the message of Christ’s grace, forgiveness and love with others. Amen.
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