Unstoppable! 'Interest in Paul's Story' — Acts 25:22

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

"I'd like to hear [Paul] myself," Agrippa said.

And Festus replied, "You will — tomorrow!"

— Acts 25:22 NLT

Key Thought

A person with confident faith who is willing to sacrifice for what he or she believes has special drawing power for those seeking the truth and sometimes even for those simply wanting entertainment. King Agrippa* wanted to hear from Paul and learn more about his case and see his courage in action. As the following verses show, King Agrippa displayed a mixture of skepticism and genuine interest as he engaged with Paul in his defense and presentation of the Good News (Acts 26:28). Paul's defense was couched in terms of Jewish faith and a genuine desire to lead King Agrippa to faith in Jesus and his resurrection (Acts 26:3, 27-29). Paul never backed down from his faith in Jesus being the resurrected and returning Lord!

* King Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the Great (Matthew 2:1-23) [See Herod family tree.] and son of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-3, 22-23). Some of his uncles are mentioned in the Gospels (Matthew 2:22; Mark 6:17-18; Luke 3:1, 13:31-32) and his sisters in Acts (Acts 24:24, 26:30). The Herods were Jews who sided with Rome and were appointed by Rome. Agrippa II's first jurisdiction was an area north and east of the Sea of Galilee but was eventually expanded to stretch from farther north and east southward to include Judea.

Today's Prayer

O Father, give me faith like Paul's and the wisdom to share that faith with those who will listen to the Good News, even if they listen with skepticism. May my heart and words be blameless as I seek to lead others to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 2:1-9, 4:1-8
  • 1 Peter 3:13-17, 4:12-19

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 25:22 NLT — "I'd like to hear [Paul] myself," Agrippa said. And Festus replied, "You will — tomorrow!"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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