Acts 26

Paul saw the light. Instead of defending himself, Paul used the opportunity to present the gospel to King Agrippa and others with him (1 Peter 3:13-17). When Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he made some important and life changing discoveries:
his religion was out-of-date; his zeal for God was only hurting God; Jesus was alive; and Jesus had a job for Paul to do. Talk about a rude awakening!

The Gentiles need the light. Paul’s great learning and zeal would be devoted to the spread of the gospel among the Gentiles (Vs.17-18). Lost sinners are in spiritual darkness and only Christ can give them light.

Agrippa rejected the light. He tried to discredit the message by accusing Paul of being mad, and he tried to minimize his own conviction by his nonchalant reply (Vs.28). He turned his back on the light; he was “almost” when he might have been “altogether.”

“Almost persuaded to be a Christian is like the man who was almost pardoned, but he was hanged.”

Acts 27

Rejecting Paul’s counsel (1-13). What did a Jewish tent maker know about sailing a ship? So, the advice of the experts (Vs.11) and the vote of the majority (Vs.12) carried the day. When you are impatient (Vs.7) and uncomfortable (Vs.12), and when the golden opportunity seems to come along (Vs.13), be ware! A storm may be brewing!

Hearing Paul’s encouragement(14-26). Paul was right to say, “I told you so!” But he followed it with a word of promise from the Lord and a word of encouragement from his believing heart. At a time like that, people needed promises, not preaching.

Following Paul’s example (27-38). Paul publicly gave thanks and directed their hearts to God, which encouraged everybody. The weary passengers needed strength for what lay ahead, and that meant taking time to eat. Paul was practical as well as perceptive.

Although Paul started the voyage as a prisoner and passenger, he ended it as the captain of the ship. The ship was lost; but by the grace of God, Paul’s presence saved all the passengers. Can the Lord depend on you to sail by faith when you face the storms? Can others depend on you?

Posted by brother Narayan