Paul's Testimony

The passage for today was Acts 24-26. I was initially struck by how calm Paul was under pressure, yet he was also very firm in his words. It reminded me of when Jesus said, "When you are brough before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend youselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." (Luke 12:11-12) That verse came to life for Paul in this passage.

Then, Paul gives us a great example of how to share our testimony (God story) in Acts 26. In vs. 4-11 he told King Agrippa was his life was like BEFORE he met Christ - a Pharisee, opposing Jesus, putting the saints to death, persecuting, etc. Then, in vs. 12-18, he describes HOW he met Christ - on the road to Damascus, saw a light from heaven, fell to the ground, Jesus spoke to him and set him apart 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." (that is a sweet verse to pray for people!) Finally, he tells about how his life has changed AFTER he met Christ - I wasn't disobedient to the vision, I have been preaching repentance, I have had God's help everyday, etc. Its pretty cool to see that even Paul used this form to tell others about Jesus! May the Lord help us to do the same and to be active in telling others what He has done for us!