“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’”
Acts 26:28
With King Agrippa’s consent to speak, Paul told of his persecution of Christians, his encounter with the living Christ on the Damascus road, and the gospel. As Paul’s words grew persuasive, Festus abruptly interrupted and accused him of being out of his mind.
God calls us to persuade people to turn to Christ. Paul writes, “We try to persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). He knew that all would one day stand before God in judgment and that eternal destiny was at stake. This word persuade means in Greek “to speak with winning words,” words which come from the depth of our own experience with Jesus. It is Christ’s love that compels us (see 2 Corinthians 5:14). Paul wanted others to know the real change in his life through Jesus.
You may not have the chance to speak before a large group as Paul did that day in the presence of royalty, officers, and city leaders. But one-on-one you might speak persuasively with your neighbor, the store clerk, the fellow hiker on the trail, or a friend at school of all God has done for you.
God calls us to persuade people to turn to Christ. Paul writes, “We try to persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). He knew that all would one day stand before God in judgment and that eternal destiny was at stake. This word persuade means in Greek “to speak with winning words,” words which come from the depth of our own experience with Jesus. It is Christ’s love that compels us (see 2 Corinthians 5:14). Paul wanted others to know the real change in his life through Jesus.
You may not have the chance to speak before a large group as Paul did that day in the presence of royalty, officers, and city leaders. But one-on-one you might speak persuasively with your neighbor, the store clerk, the fellow hiker on the trail, or a friend at school of all God has done for you.
Scripture Focus
Acts 26:12-31
Insight
We can lovingly move people with our winning words. Tell others now of the only true hope for this life and for eternity, Jesus Christ.
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 3-4
- Psalm 132
- Galatians 1-2
