In this passage, Governor Festus is discussing Paul’s case with King Agrippa. Throughout this section of Acts, more and more people keep entering the conversation — Ananias the High Priest, Felix and his wife Drusilla, Festus, and now King Agrippa and his wife Bernice. What began as an accusation before the Jewish leadership is now being discussed among governors and kings. I can understand the confusion of the governing officials. This man, who seems to have done nothing wrong, has stirred the Jewish leadership into a tizzy. In this and many ways, Paul’s life reflects the life of Jesus.
I wonder what would happen in our culture and in our context if we lived lives so bold that our message of hope reached pockets of authority. What if the principals in our kids’ schools were talking about the message of Jesus because our children were bold in their faith? What if our bosses went home and told their spouses that they heard someone praying with a coworker? What if our love and faith were so transparent that the stories went further and further out among our spheres of influence?
I think what often gets in my way is my own insecurity or pride. I either want to shy away from being bold in my faith, or when I attempt to be bold, I am actually trying to draw attention to myself instead of to Jesus. It is only when I am truly abiding in Jesus that I see the appointed moments to act in boldness that bring the most glory, and the most attention, to Him.
How can we be bold in our spheres of influence?
May our obedience in the smallest step forward have true Kingdom impact as we boldly share the hope at the center of our faith: Jesus is alive.