Subscription Lists

In Acts 26:27, Paul having been invited to defend the accusations against him, gives his testimony with confidence and courage, and then he challenges King Agrippa. "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Paul had done his homework. As soon as you become excited about Jesus some people think you are mad. Paul's career had gone. His life was at stake. Anything could happen, and yet, he continues to speak about Jesus.

The Romans and the Greeks had many gods, but religion was to be kept in its proper place, and there are many people like that today. Keep it in its place. Don't overflow.

"Paul - you have got too much - too many visions and things like that - you are insane. And, if you have had a real encounter with Jesus Christ, some will regard you too as being mad - daft - insane - out of your mind - going too far. When that happens, know that you are in good company. They actually accused Jesus of being out of His mind - beside Himself - mad.

Paul keeps so cool - exercising self-control - so poised - so calm.

Verse 28. King Agrippa tries to laugh it off, and speaks sarcastically. Your enthusiasm is so misguided. Do you think that in such short a time you can persuade me to become a Christian? To which Paul replies, again quickly and confidently - "I wish that you all were what I am, except for these chains."

Well, at least they all knew that he was aiming at seeing them come to faith in Jesus Christ! That was obvious to all in that courtroom. See his total concern. What compassion! What overflowing love. "I wish you all had what I have got - except for these chains." Paul wanted them to be included in Christ Jesus - to be saved - rescued from their sins and born again.

Verse 30. The court rose. They chatted. "It's too bad - he's a sad case." That is what a man of God has to listen to at times. "He has done nothing wrong." But they do not release him. They pitied Paul. All that learning - 'all that learning gone to such waste'. Paul would not be regarded as being successful. He is rejected in a very similar way to which Jesus was rejected.

Paul is prepared to be sent to Rome, and this is the way God has chosen to get him to Rome. Paul continues to be in the will of God - two years in jail in Caesarea while totally innocent - but still in the will of God. If you are going through a very difficult phase that does not mean that you are out of the will of God.

Don't pity Paul. Rather feel sorry for Festus. He only lived another two years, and nothing significant happened in his life. And one can pity Agrippa. He was retired off soon after this, and in God's sight his life was quite meaningless. When people reject Jesus, and what Jesus is doing, there is no meaning to their lives. There is nothing of real significance achieved. So very near - and yet, so very far.

Consider another court. Let me take you into another court. Festus and Agrippa appear before the Throne of God - for judgment. Can you hear Jesus saying - Do you see My Servant Paul - No chains now. And as they look they see a crown of righteousness upon his head.

Paul writes about that in his letter to Timothy. Ultimate success is never to be measured by how men might measure what we might do or achieve down here. That is best left to our loving gracious merciful heavenly Father, and He gets it right every time.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Inspired