Acts 25 – 28; Philemon

Paul was the chosen vessel of God to proclaim the light of Christ to Jews and Gentiles. He was a Hebrew, yet he was born a Roman citizen. He was a persecutor of the church and then an evangelist building her up. Paul was a simple tentmaker serving the Maker of all things. And, this chosen vessel sat in jail with no charges against him for two years.

Because the Jews kept pushing to have Paul executed, the new governor was aware of the special nature of the special prisoner. Governor Festus was a political animal and was trying to find favor with his new constituents while treating citizen Paul appropriately. Consequently, an opportunity presented itself when King Agrippa II, grandson of Herod the Great came to visit the new man in town.

When Paul finished preaching to Agrippa, the king uttered perhaps the saddest words found in scripture …

You almost persuade me to become a Christian…

Acts 26:21

Almost. How tragically sad. Festus thought Paul was crazy from too much education, but Agrippa believed him. Felix would not take action regarding Paul. Festus was caught up in the politics of dealing with Paul. But, Agrippa. He was different. Almost persuaded, but lost.

The journey of Paul was not over, since he would be sent to Rome. Shipwreck and struggles lay between Caesarea Philippi and Rome for Paul, but he knew where he must go. These men knew he was innocent and should be set free. Paul, however, took advantage of his Roman citizenship an appealed to Caesar, as was his right.

Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 26:30-32

But, the words of Jesus resonated in his mind and heart…

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

Acts 9:15-16

Herod Agrippa II was not the last king he would meet. Nero, Emperor of Rome, would hear from Paul, as well. Paul was a herald – a messenger of the King with a message from the King. It was heady stuff to know your mission was to share the gospel with people such as these. The most powerful men in Palestine. The most powerful man in the world. And, slaves like Onesimus.

It seems quite strange, but it was very real. Paul shared the gospel with all people because the gospel was for all people. Jesus died for the powerful and the powerless. He rose again for Nero and Onesimus. Through His word delivered by his herald, Jesus calls people to be transformed.

Nero refused. Agrippa was almost there. Onesimus nailed it.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!