Scripture
Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for the chains.”
Observation
Paul now speaks before King Agrippa. He argues that his faith in Christ is totally in accordance with Jewish beliefs. He was raised a Pharisee, zealous for the faith, and persecutor of christians.
Paul tells the story of his encounter with Jesus on the way to Damascus. Jesus commissioned him to testify to the world and to rescue the Gentiles from the power of satan.
Paul asserts that he is being opposed by the Jewish leaders because he has preached the Good News to the Gentiles.
Agrippa asks Paul if he thinks he can be persuaded to be a christian so quickly. Paul responds that he prays that everyone there will come to know Jesus whether quickly or slowly.
Agrippa and Festus agree together that Paul has done nothing illegal, and that if he had not appealed to Caesar they would have released him.
Application
It is a fact that some people turn to Jesus the first time they hear the gospel, but many people take much longer.
It has been estimated that on average it takes a person eleven times of hearing the gospel before they say “Yes” to Jesus.
Whether it is the first time or the hundredth, it doesn’t matter. But we do need to pray regularly and over a prolonged period for people to receive Jesus.
As Paul says in his speech, people everywhere are in the darkness and under the control of satan. This battle can only be won by prayer; by faithful prayer perhaps over years.
Let us join together in praying for friends and family members who do not yet know Jesus.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, enlighten the hearts of the people who do not yet know about Jesus. Open their eyes to the truth. Amen.
