"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.”

Acts 26:28-29

It is interesting that Paul, who is supposedly defending himself, manages to challenge Agrippa—albeit in a respectful way. Paul appeals to Agrippa’s knowledge of his own religion; he appeals to the prophets and how they point forward to the life, death, and resurrection of the Messiah. Agrippa’s answer to Paul’s appeal reveals pride. Pride is the stumbling block for the king, who cannot accept the humility and sovereignty of Jesus the Messiah. Paul longs for Agrippa to know the power of the resurrection hope in Christ, but he is left grieving at the hardness of Agrippa’s heart. Our confession and defense of the gospel are based on the same freedom and authority that Paul had, and it needs the same compassionate heart that Paul shows here (v. 29). However foolish it may seem to this world, sharing the gospel must never become foolishness to us.

Closing Prayer

I long, Lord, to see hard hearts soften toward you. Give me grace to share the gospel with authority, compassion, and freedom (edited from Encounter with God).