Day 38: Acts 26

Paul was before the highest Jewish authorities and the highest Roman authority in the region. He was allowed to make his defense. He could have just said, “okay I know I did wrong, I accept my punishment. I promise I won’t do it again” After all, if the Romans wanted to kill him, they could have done it and just covered it up. The Jews could not kill him at this point because he was under Roman guard.
Paul held to the faith that was shared with him on that road to Damascus. The Lord had confirmed his life’s work over and over again through His supernatural ministry and care for Paul. Paul could not sweep the truth of his life under a rug. He began by linking his testimony to scripture and the promises of God throughout history. He reminded them again of how he had been just like his accusers at one time and had even perhaps been more successful in having Christians killed than they were. Then he gives the greatest detail of what Jesus said to him on the road to Damascus through the powerful vision. This was consistent with what Pharisees believed in, for they also believed that God spoke through visions. But he pointed out that the risen Jesus, Himself, had told Paul he was going the wrong way.
Paul then told the court that Jesus had specifically told him to bring the salvation message to the gentiles and all that had happened as a result. Paul unashamedly laid out the truth of his testimony before the court. At first the Roman governor, Festus, thought all Paul’s education had driven him mad, but Paul knew that King Agrippa had been thoroughly taught in the Jewish ways. Agrippa was part of the Herod family dynasty that had ruled the region since Herod the Great. When Paul was finished, Agrippa even said, “you have almost persuaded me to become a Christian.” Paul said that he wished Agrippa would believe. Agrippa privately said to Festus he believed this man had done nothing to deserve death. Had he not appealed to Caesar, he could be set free.
Today, we may not always be on trial for our lives. But there are many situations where we have an opportunity to let the light of our testimony shine before people. Paul once said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God to those who believe.” Paul told Festus and Agrippa that none of these things happened in secret, but everyone knew about it. I encourage you today, do not be afraid of what people think. Live your faith out loud. It is our testimony that has the power to change the world. Like the children’s song says, do not hide your light under a bushel basket. Allow Jesus to shine through you for all the world to see.