Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 17 | Day 5
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present.
Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Our God’s love carries on and on and on and on. It never stops. As you open your time with Him, thank Him for eternal love.
Bible Reading: Acts 26:24-32
Read these verses three times slowly.
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Reflection & Questions
This last installment in Paul’s hearing with King Agrippa is fascinating. Festus (who has been listening in) thinks Paul is insane, but Paul retorts back: “I am not insane…What I am saying is true and reasonable.”
King Agrippa realizes what Paul is up to in his hearing. He tells Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Of course Paul does! He’s seen people convert on the spot. But Paul’s response is brilliant: “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Paul knows that conversions can happen quickly (like his own), or over a long period of time. It doesn’t matter to Paul – he’s in for the long haul. He wants others to come to know Jesus and he’s willing to be persistent and patient. He has discovered the truth and he wants everyone else to discover it, too. May we have Paul’s same attitude with our ONEs!
- Did your conversion happen in a short period of time or over a long period? Who was instrumental in you coming to Jesus? Were they patient and persistent?
- Do you think your ONE will come to Jesus in a short period of time or long period? Are you committed to be persistent and patient like Paul was?
Prayer
Talk to God in response to the reading today.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
