Acts 26

“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities. On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of Me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to His own people and to the Gentiles.” 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.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭4‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul’s interaction with Festus and King Agrippa is a great example of how we should interact with non-believers when we are trying to introduce them to the truth about Jesus.  Paul was insulted by Festus, but he remained calm and did not stray from the facts.  He presented the truth about Jesus and outlined his personal testimony.  Your personal testimony about how Jesus has changed your life is the most powerful modern day proof that Jesus is who He says He is.  No one can argue with the evidence of a changed life.  Others may not believe that Jesus is the one who changed you, but your job is not to make them believe.  You are called to live your life as an example of the Christian faith, to show them the proof of your changed life, and pray that the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts so that they can accept the truth.  In order for people to put their faith and trust in Jesus, there are two important steps that have to occur.  First, they need to hear about who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He can do.  Secondly, they need to recognize that they need Jesus.  Having said that, remember that it is not our job to point out the sins of others and convince them that they need a Savior.  It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the sinner of sin.  “When He [the Holy Spirit] comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8).  Prayer is an essential part of witnessing to someone.  Pray for God to open their hearts to receive the message of the Gospel.  Pray for your story and openness to affect them and start them thinking about how they, too can have a changed life.  Pray for them to be convicted of their sins and for them to have a desire to repent.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to work on the seed you planted so that it will someday grow into something substantial that is rooted in Jesus.  Paul explains what really happens when a seed of faith is planted in the heart of someone: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.  So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).  Understanding the truth behind how it all works takes a lot of the pressure off, doesn’t it?  You may be called to plant that original seed for someone, which could just be sharing your story and what Jesus has done for you. Or you may end up being the supportive friend that patiently answers questions, keeps extending invitations to come to church, and recommends resources for someone who is just starting to show interest in developing a relationship with Jesus.  Whatever your role is in spreading the Gospel, embrace it and don’t be embarrassed to share your story and give God the proper credit!  Always remember that the silver lining in every trial we overcome may be that it will allow us to connect and empathize with someone experiencing a similar problem.  So let’s all get out there and tell our stories of what God has done in our lives!  Together we can help to save the souls of those who are living their lives without Jesus, one person at a time!