Acts 24-26

These three chapters narrate the story of Paul when he was sued by some Jews who does not believe him. The accusers were lead by the high priest Ananias. They accused Paul as a troublemaker, stirring riots among the Jews all over the world. They brought their case to Governor Felix. During the time of Governor Felix, the Jews who hated Paul were not successful of putting Paul to death. When Felix finished his term, he turned over the case to the next governor Festus and left Paul in prison. Festus was also undecided about the case. Desperate to put Paul to death, the haters of Paul asked Festus for Paul to be sent to Jerusalem so that they would kill Paul by ambush. Paul pleaded Festus that his case be trialed to Caesar. Festus who seemed to be confused on how to handle the case asked the advice of King Agrippa while the king visited Festus. King Agrippa asked to hear Paul and after hearing him, the King gave a statement that favors Paul.

While reading these chapters, I remember that this is the same situation that Jesus experienced from the Jews before He was crucified. I admire Paul for his courage to face this trial. I can feel his passion in proclaiming the word about Jesus Christ as savior. I felt hatred to those people who are accusing Paul but I think that it was part of his destiny as prophet during his time. I realized that God chose him and that he has to experience prosecution as part of proclamation of Jesus Christ being risen from His death. I think that it is part of God’s plan that he will be brought to the government’s attention so that the officials would also know Jesus.

I am thankful that there is a Paul in the history of the Bible. Because he played an important role in spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ. If God did not use Paul, Gentiles would not know Jesus and I may not have known God as well. Paul shared Jesus to the non-Jews and so shared the blessings and the salvation to all nations.