What would our world be like if everybody in it became like you and me? How is our witness? Luke recorded Jesus’ words to his disciples, “You will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have read together how the gospel penetrated Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Through Paul’s ministry the testimony of Jesus reached across the known world.
King Agrippa had heard about the Christians in his jurisdiction. He knew enough to know that God was at work in them. At the end of the message, Paul extended the invitation: “Do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Agrippa responded defensively: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul responded, “No matter how long it takes, I want you to know Christ as I do.” What a winsome witness.
What is our witness? Paul wanted Agrippa and others to become what he was except for the chains. Do we hear it? Paul was a devoted follower of Jesus and he wanted everyone to follow Jesus with him. This made Agrippa and Bernice so uncomfortable that they left the room. Paul did not miss the chance to offer life to these powerful, influential leaders.
The Roman authorities had come to judge the man who had been arrested, but found instead that they were arrested by his words. Agrippa and Festus agreed that Paul did not deserve to be killed or imprisoned. Only his appeal to Caesar prevented them from setting him free. If only they could have seen that the prisoner Paul was offering freedom to them. We who are free indeed offer freedom when we tell others about Jesus. The world has never needed it more.
