Even Getting Ready is Part of the Process
“Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I [Festus] asked whether [Paul] wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.”
“Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.” So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city.
Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in…
“I have nothing definite to write to [Caesar] about [Paul]. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.””
It’s not every day that you get thrown in jail for no good reason. Of course, most of the guys I’ve talked to inside or recently out of jail have said that was the case.
And it’s not every day that, while being locked in jail for no good reason for over 2 years, you get invited out to speak at a great feast of various political rulers.
It’s a cross between being the opening comedy act for a presidential dinner and giving a TED talk.
Do you think Paul was ready for any of this?
He didn’t have any training or even much of a mentor, except for Barnabas for a few years. Other than that, all he has been able to do is grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus. As he has gone around all over the northern cost of the Mediterranean Sea preaching the Gospel, praying with other believers, and growing the church, he has been training for this part of his life.
He has spent so much time with the King of Kings that no earthly king is going to intimidate or disturb him.
He has taught so many people about how free they are in Christ, that he doesn’t need to waste any time complaining about being in jail.
He has lived such a full life in union with Jesus that he has no fear of anyone killing him and sending him to Heaven.
Opportunities are going to come. Somebody may ask us to explain our faith. Somebody may need our help walking through an event in life and like Festus say “I don’t know what to say.”
The best time to grow in knowledge of the Lord and obedience to His word is today. The Lord loves us so much and He loves to be with us during the training and whatever lies ahead.
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