So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense…
Acts 26: 1-11
Once again, Paul is given the opportunity to defend himself, this time, before king Agrippa, of Judea. This is in line with Jesus’ command to Paul to speak of the gospel before kings and rulers. We will look at only a part of Paul’s defense and conclude our look in our next devotional. Paul begins his defense by complimenting king Agrippa for being very familiar with the religion of the Jews, therefore, understanding Paul’s logic in his own defense here. Paul tells Agrippa of his former status as a Pharisee among his Jewish religious brethren. Paul says that, as a Pharisee, trained by Gamaliel, he once agreed with the religious leaders that the people of The Way needed to be eliminated from their “ungodly” beliefs. Paul admits to having been a part of severe persecution of those who followed Jesus of Nazareth, even to imprisoning and having them slain, not only in Jerusalem but, in other cities and towns. Matthew 10: 18-20 says, “and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” In his speech here, Paul is being one upon whom the Holy Spirit is providing the words to say to king Agrippa. Now, most Christians will never appear before some king or high government official but, the words of Jesus, in Matthew here, are just as applicable to each Christian, today, who finds himself defending his faith in Jesus. As Paul went about his duty to obey Christ, so, we must do the same and rely upon God the Holy Spirit to give us the words to say when we are challenged to give an account of our faith in Christ. Dear Christian, how are you doing in your obedience to our Lord? Are you confident in God’s promise to be with you every step of your earthly life until God Himself calls you into His presence?
Source: S C Ball August 13, 2023
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