DailyDevotions
February 13th, 2012 by Pastor SolleyActs 26:8
26:1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?#
Paul was given the opportunity to speak for himself by Agrippa. Paul had been arrested, falsely accused, and was now on his way to Rome. What Paul would say here would go a long way toward getting his release, or keeping him a prisoner. What he would say would be used for or against him at Rome. As you read this chapter you find Paul had one thing on his mind, sharing the gospel with one who needed it. Agrippa hears about Jesus Christ. Not about false accusations, not about abuses that Paul suffered, not how good a Roman Paul was. Agrippa hears about Jesus Christ and is brought to a point of decision. (Acts 26:28) Many times this week you and I will have the opportunity to speak for ourselves. We will have the opportunity to talk to people. What will we share with them? Will we talk about the cold and the snow, or the upcoming elections, or about the last football game? What will we talk about when we can speak for ourselves? How many times will we talk about Jesus Christ and share the gospel with the lost? What is it that people really need to hear from us?