Being in chains and brought before King Agrippa, Paul, being helped by God, defended his faith and placed arguments along with his personal witnessing for his conversion, which stunned his listeners to the extent that the king himself expressed the effect of Paul’s rhetoric: “Agrippa said to Paul, ‘In this short time do you think you will make me a Christian?’” (Acts 26:28). The fervent zeal of Paul greatly desired that even his accusers and listeners should become believers in the gospel he preached and get converted. Hence, he said, “‘Whether a short time or a long time,’ Paul answered, ‘my prayer to God is that you and all the rest of you who are listening to me today might become what I am—except, of course, for these chains!’” (Acts 26:29). May we ask God that this compelling faith and conviction toward the gospel be ours also.

Abba, thank You for setting before us the fervent zeal of Paul, the instrument chosen to proclaim the gospel. Let Your Spirit fill our minds with greatest conviction and faith in the gospel, in Jesus’ Most Powerful Name, Amen.