Agrippa II was not the most promising character for Paul to be standing before. He was the son of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1) who had martyred James, grandson of Herod who had John the Baptist beheaded (Matthew 14), and great-grandson of Herod the Great who had tried to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:1). Yet by the end of this hearing the consensus is that Paul has done nothing to deserve death or imprisonment and Agrippa’s personal verdict is that Paul could have been set free had he not appealed to Caesar. The irony of course is that had Paul not appealed to Caesar he would already be dead!

What is it about Paul’s testimony that makes such an effective appeal? On a recent TV series which followed a few celebrities on pilgrimage, one of the ‘pilgrims’ realises for the first time that Jesus was a real, historical figure. He had never considered this before and it came as a surprise to him. History does not relate what he did with this knowledge. Perhaps it is the simple factual telling of Paul’s story that appeals to those present. At the end of the hearing Agrippa says to Paul: would you persuade me to be a Christian? Paul’s answer is: I pray that you may become so.

Some things to note about the way in which Paul shares his story. Note how he honours and respects Agrippa: he may know his family history but he doesn’t allow that to prejudice him. Instead he affirms the good in him and gives thanks for the opportunity to be heard by him.

He tells something of his former life before encountering Jesus. Although this account may be briefer than Paul’s full account at the time, it is worth noting that he doesn’t ‘glory’ in the detail – simply gives a few facts. Then he speaks about his first encounter with Jesus, telling the story of how he came to faith, followed by something about the transformation to his life.

Note that he keeps Jesus central to his story and invites his listeners to follow Him.

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Questions:

Jesus commissions Paul: ‘I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins.’ To whom is He sending you? Pray for divine appointments today.

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that you would use the seed of my life as a witness both to small and great that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. In Jesus name. Amen.