Day 50 - Acts 25-26

Before Paul makes his defense before King Agrippa, while being questioned by Festus, he appeals to Caesar - right given to any Roman citizen. He did this, no doubt, thinking that there was no way for him to get a fair trial back in Jerusalem (exactly what Festus was suggesting - 25:9). After this appeal, Paul does get a hearing with King Agrippa. Here are a few things that jumped out at me in his defense.

First, it is often said of Paul that he pursued the establishment of the church of Jesus Christ after his salvation just as passionately as he had pursued the persecution of the church before his salvation. The truth of this is seen in 26:11 where he relates how his persecution of the church extended beyond Jerusalem "even to foreign cities." Of course, it is well known of Paul that God used him to spread the outreach of the church far beyond the confines of Jerusalem (the headquarters of the Apostles) to foreign cities such as Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonica and Colossi.

Second, Paul never tires of telling people of his conversion and how God miraculously intervened in his life to bring him to faith in Jesus Christ. He related the same story before the Jewish Council back in chapter 22. We should never tire either of telling others of what wondrous things God has done for us!

Third, Paul had been ministering, not in his own strength, but rather by "the help that comes from God" (26:22). This was the key to his success thus far. Had he attempted to establish churches in his own strength, he would have failed. Here, again, Paul is a good example for us. May we minister by means of "the help that comes from God"!