Scripture
V 1 So (King) Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”
V 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
V 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.”
Observation
Paul has finally made it to Rome, just not how he wanted or anticipated.
Paul made it to Rome because other leaders didn’t know what to do with him or how to handle him.
So, he gave his defense for his actions to King Agrippa.
Paul’s defense for his actions included his testimony about Jesus.
Paul couldn’t defend himself without ultimately defending the Gospel.
Agrippa recognized this.
After hearing Paul’s defense of himself, Agrippa’s first expressed thoughts are, “You want me to be a Christian?!”
Paul let’s Agrippa know that it isn’t just the king he is concerned about …. It’s everyone.
Application
Be careful what your dreams are.
God may just bring them about much differently than you anticipated.
Paul longed to share the Gospel in Rome.
God sent him there … via arrest, shipwreck, & in chains!
If Paul had simply traveled to Rome as he traveled to so many other places, I doubt he would have gotten a personal appearance one on one with the King!
Paul longed for Rome.
God longed for Agrippa.
I long for personal experiences.
God longs for the person.
I long for destinations.
God longs for destinies.
Even if my desires don’t come about as I wanted them to,
When I understand God’s perspective of my circumstances,
then I can leverage and appreciate every opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus.
When I am in a tough spot (Paul was pleading for his life before the King),
I still must have Jesus at the front of our mind and actions.
Paul could not help but defend his actions without defending the Gospel.
Is the Gospel always the defense for my actions?
If someone asks me why I’m doing what I’m doing, can I defend my actions with the gospel? …
Are my words more biography or more testimony?
Love of self or love of Jesus?
When my plans for my life don’t come about as I want, when things aren’t Going the way I think they should,
When my life seems detoured or interrupted, I need to remember …
If my purpose is to love people with the love of Christ, there’s no such thing as an interruption.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for your Word.
Thank you for the example of people like Paul, who when given the chance to plea for his life, pleaded for you, and for others to know you.
Give me courage.
Give confidence.
Give me wisdom.
Give me eyes to see the people you put around me to love with your love.
Amen.