Acts 26

This devotional is written by Anita Jones.

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Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You have permission to speak for yourself.'

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defence: 2 'King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defence against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 '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. 5 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. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 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. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

9 'I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 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. 11 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.

12 'On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 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. 14 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."

15 'Then I asked, "Who are you, Lord?"

'"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," the Lord replied. 16 "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. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 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."

19 'So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 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. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 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 - 23 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.'

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defence. 'You are out of your mind, Paul!' he shouted. 'Your great learning is driving you insane.'

25 'I am not insane, most excellent Festus,' Paul replied. 'What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 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. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.'

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?'

29 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.'

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, 'This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.'

32 Agrippa said to Festus, 'This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.'

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What a whirlwind of adventure we have so far experienced as we follow the travels and ministry of the Apostle Paul. This chapter includes his personal testimony, his literal 'road to Damascus' experience, where he hears the voice of Jesus for the first time.

Do you remember when you first heard the voice of Jesus? Was it a dramatic pivot like it was for Paul? Or a more gradual realisation of your need for His redemptive power in your life? Spend a moment thanking God for revealing Himself to you in His Son Jesus.

When was the last time you heard Jesus' voice?

When we spend time in the Scripture, like you are now, and in prayer, we make space to hear Him.

What is he saying to you? It doesn't have to be words. He speaks through emotions, our world, circumstances, the opening of our eyes, a sudden burst of compassion for another, or indeed ourselves. Jesus wants us to love each other, and to share the good news about his power over sin and death, just like Paul does in this chapter.

When Jesus spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus, He says 'it is hard to kick against the goads'. Goads were a sharp instrument used to herd cattle. Useful for stopping a stubborn ox going the wrong way. Jesus is telling Paul to stop resisting Him, to stop fighting against Him.

Let's listen out for Jesus' voice today. Let's not kick against the goads, but rather be open and willing for the Holy Spirit to lead us towards the people with whom He wants us to share His love and message of forgiveness today.

Paul courageously and graciously does this here in Acts 26.