In Acts 26, King Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak in his defense. Paul began by "begging (Agrippa) to listen patiently"(v.3) as he gave a very thorough summary of his testimony. It says that Agrippa was "well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies". Paul explained that his hope was "in what God had promised our fathers" and "it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me" (v. 8). He further explained , " I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- that the Christ would suffer and ... rise from the dead"(v.23). And, "what I am saying is true and reasonable... the king is familiar with these things and I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." It is remarkable that God had placed Paul in a position that he might give such an amazing presentation of his life testimony and the truths of Jesus' resurrection to King Agrippa. King Agrippa replied to Paul, " Do you think that in such a short time, you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul responded, " I pray to God that not only you, but all who are here listening to me today may become what I am." Although, Agrippa rejects the invitation, Paul demonstrates again his passion for sharing Jesus with the lost. We can be used by God to share the gospel, but God chooses who He will call. Only God can change the hearts of man. Are you presenting yourself daily to God's kingdom work? What are you passionate about that could be more important?

In Acts 25, Paul is brought before a tribunal to hear the charges against him. He again displays his willingness to surrender to God’s will and purposes, saying

“If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die”. The governor, Festus, explained to king Agripa the situation, saying “the accusers began bringing charges against Paul not of such crimes as I was expecting, but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive.” I found some humor in the manner this situation was described. It sounds as though Festus was saying, “ the conflict they had with Paul was simply about some dead guy who Paul insists is still alive”. It wasn’t quite that simple. The fact of the resurrection of Jesus is the most extraordinarily significant event in all of history! Paul understood this well and he was willing to stake his life on this truth. Are believers today willing to stand up for Jesus even when they don’t face persecution?

Acts 24 begins with the Jewish elders presenting their charges against Paul before the governor, Felix. They proclaimed, "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple.” Several days later, Felix sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." Many people today, unfortunately, react the same way to the gospel message. They think they can keep postponing making things right with God, but only God knows how many days they have left. That's a risky gamble!

In Acts 23, Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin and knows He will likely face persecution, even death. Despite these circumstances, Paul declares confidently "I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." They accused Paul of speaking against the teachings of the high priests, but Paul clarifies that he "stand(s) on trial because of his hope in the resurrection (of Jesus)". The teachers of the law argued vigorously and there was a great uproar. The dispute became violent and the Roman commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces. Though Paul was confident in God's omniscience and good purposes, he most likely was feeling a little less than peaceful during this time. Then, it says in v.11, "the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage!'. Just as God gracefully comforted Paul and provided him with encouragement, we can trust Him to "stand near to us" when we are in fearful circumstances.

Acts 22 recounts how God chose Paul and called him to be a witness to all men. I can't imagine what Paul must have been thinking when the Lord said to him so plainly to "Get up.. I'm going to tell you all that you have been assigned to do". Paul was told next, "the God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Lord and to hear words from his mouth. You will be a witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. What are you waiting for?" When Paul was praying at the temple, he fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking. "Quick", he said to Paul. "Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me". God was sending Paul away to the Gentiles. Paul didn't seem to understand and thought he was best qualified to be used to preach to the Jews instead. God didn't discuss it, but simply said "Go". Do we ever find ourselves thinking that we know what we should be doing, rather than what God is calling us to do? Our "qualifications" are not needed by God. In fact, maybe Paul's story is yet another example of how God's power works best in our weakness. We need to stop limiting ourselves to what we believe we are "qualified" to do for God, and fully trust in Him to gracefully provide sufficient strength and gifts we need to exercise His will. In other words, we need to stop making excuses and just obey and "Go".

In Acts 21, Paul receives more "warnings" from the brethren and also from the prophet Agabus about the significant danger he risks in traveling to Jerusalem. However, these warnings (even when from the Spirit v.4) can be viewed instead as a means of preparing Paul , rather than to hinder his plans to journey to Jerusalem. The believers "begged Paul not to go on"; but, when he said to them, "I am ready ... (even) to die for the sake of the Lord jesus", they conceded , "The will of the Lord be done". Interestingly, there is much resemblance to the last days of Jesus before his crucifixion. Like Jesus, Paul had faced the same repeated opposition from hostile Jews who plotted against him, received many warnings about the danger of proceeding to Jerusalem, declared his readiness to lay down his life, was unjustly arrested on the basis of a false accusation. When Paul was arrested in Jerusalem , the Roman guard gave him an opportunity to address the people. This was an incredible opportunity for Paul to preach before a huge mass of Jews. God had drawn together all the events leading up to this point for a special occasion. Acts says "a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and (Paul) addressed them in their own language" v.40 , sharing his personal testimony.

Acts 20 provides a biographical overview of the life and work of Paul in serving the Lord and His church. At least six times in v. 17-35 , the phrase "You know" or "I know" is used to make declarations of facts regarding Paul's life of service. Summarizing the key points: 1) Paul was with the brethren constantly 2) served with humility and endured much opposition 3) preached to both Jews and Gentiles 4) "completed" the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace 5) innocent of the blood of all men, since he did not hesitate to proclaim the whole will of God to all everywhere 6) warned of "savage wolves" that may infiltrate and draw believers away 7) supplied for his own needs and those of his companions 8) by working hard, was able to help others in need. There are also at least three challenges that Paul gave to the church leaders before his departure : 1) Keep watch over yourselves and the flock 2) Be shepherds of the church 3) Be on your guard and remember his many repeated warnings. The final quote in v.35 of Jesus is a fitting summary of Paul's life of self-less giving in the work of sharing the good news. "It is more blessed to give than to receive".