No Fear of Man - June 6 Readings: Acts 25:13-26:32

Today’s Readings

Context

It is an interesting bookend to the historical sections of scripture. When Jesus was born he faced the opposition of Herod the Great who tried to destroy him by committing an atrocity of unspeakable proportions. Now, his descendent Herod Agrippa, a man not nearly as great but as depraved and despicable, listened to Paul near the end of the book of Acts.

He did not try to destroy Paul, but found himself "almost persuaded" to Christ. Not quite, but almost. He was impressed with Paul's story but not ready to give himself body, soul, and spirit to Jesus Christ.

Today's reading tells of this encounter with Herod Agrippa, and it shows us a powerful gospel presentation by Paul. 

Devotional - No Fear of Man

It was a classic mismatch. The Apostle Paul stood before the descendant of Herod the Great, Herod Agrippa, a man of great power. He could order Paul's death at the slightest whim. The average man would cower before him.

Not Paul. When Paul was ordered (in Acts 26) to stand before Agrippa in the auditorium at Caesarea, he did not back off. He was respectful to the king as he had taught believers to be, but he was direct. He told the story of his conversion to Christ and confronted Agrippa with the Lordship of Jesus. He did not back down a bit.

Paul had only one goal in life - that Jesus Christ would be exalted and made known to the world. He said to the Philippians, "for to me, to live is Christ." He meant it. It was all about Jesus. And he did not care if a man was rich or famous or powerful or even royal. All that mattered to Paul was that he was a sinner who needed salvation that only came through Jesus Christ.

We who are redeemed by Christ ought to have the same passion for proclaiming him that Paul had. Rich or poor. Black or white or any shade in between. Powerful or inconsequential. From either side of the tracks. It is our duty to make Jesus known in this world.

Father, give me the spirit of Paul who cared only about make your Son known in this world. May your name be exalted through me. 

Think and Pray

Are you a "respecter of persons" - treating people on the basis of their human status?
Do you live to proclaim Christ?