Sunday, February 19
Do you believe?
Scripture: Leviticus 9-10, Acts 26
Acts 26:27–29 “Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?”29 Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.”
Observation
Paul was to make his legal defense before King Agrippa, but he turned it into an opportunity to persuade Agrippa to believe in Jesus. Paul told his story: before Jesus (v. 2-11), meeting Jesus (v. 12-17), following Jesus (v. 18-23). Then he asked Agrippa, “Do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” Paul was referring to the prophetic words about the coming of the messiah, the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. It was a way to ask if Agrippa believed in Jesus.
Agrippa realized that Paul was more interested in persuading him to believe in Jesus than to secure a not-guilty-verdict and be set free. Imagine putting another person’s salvation ahead of your own freedom! Paul wanted “all those who are listening to me today” to become Christians—including the king and his wife, the governor, and all the attendants, from the greatest to the least.
Application
As always, I am inspired by Paul’s devotion to Jesus and love for people. He was more concerned for his captors’ salvation than his own freedom. What keeps me from boldly sharing my story and the gospel with others? Most often it is my own selfishness. Step up and be bold. Tell your story. Be persuasive!
“Do you believe?” That’s a straight-forward question that demands an answer. Agrippa deflected, but Paul pressed on. “I pray that you’ll become a Christian.” I pray for chances to ask people that question and to pray that prayer today.
Prayer: Lord, I love you. Please give me Paul’s sense of calling and laser focus to share the gospel. Give me opportunities today to share the gospel, tell my story, and ask people, “Do you believe?”