Do you ever think about trees and water and wildflowers and how they don’t use words to talk, yet say so much? Right now, there’s a Japanese maple in the garden to my right, and its soft, star-shaped leaves are reaching out into the afternoon light. There’s a whole essay buried inside those leafy branches.
I’m thankful for the agricultural age the New Testament was written in because there are so many tangible, everyday images that remind us of God and His kingdom. Mustard seeds and mountains. Grapevines, sheep, and fruit trees. While creation bears silent witness to what it has seen, we’re called to bear witness with our words as well. I say “as well,” because our own silent witness is also powerful.
The apostle Paul’s divine purpose was to become a servant and a witness of God’s work. In the book of Acts, the Lord Himself declares it when He says, “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me” (Acts 26:16). This is why Paul takes great care to carefully argue and defend the integrity of his words and behavior before Festus and King Agrippa. He assures them he’s being rational, “speaking words of truth and good judgment” (v.25).
What Paul has seen is great. Revolutionary. He’s seen light from heaven (v.13). He’s spoken with the One who fulfilled the promised hope of the ancestors (v.6). He’s seen his own personal transformation in becoming the very kind of person he used to imprison (v.10). And his testimony is made even more powerful because it was his eyesight that was taken away during an encounter with God on the road to Damascus (vv.12–18). The humor in that isn’t lost on me. Paul, the one who was blinded by God, is now bearing witness to Him. It’s the kind of story only God could write, isn’t it?
Paul followed through on his calling to the death, as he continued to serve Christ and speak of all he had seen. He lived a difficult life and one that not everyone could bear so well. But now you and I have the privilege of reading story after story after story of God’s faithfulness and transformation in the lives of both the Jewish people and Gentiles, as the apostle preached the promised message of hope.
We are also called to bear witness to what we’ve seen. What have you seen today that speaks of God? What have you seen that you can share with others? What have others seen and shared with you that points you to the love of Christ?
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47 thoughts on "Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa"
Maybe he wanted justice by the law. And in that process King Agrippa and Bernice maybe heard something they needed to hear.
Hey Shes, quick prayer request, I’ve been on my time of the month for 45 days straight and have not stopped since. It is growing heavier and I’m not sure how much longer I can go. None of the doctor’s supplements have helped yet, so I’m now just waiting for God to heal me, to stop it. If any of you see this, could you pray for me?
Hi Ruth, I pray with you sister that you’re issue may it be resolved. By the mighty blood of Jesus may he heal you. A restore you back to health.
At 7, he is weary and at his worst when he gets home. You probably are, too. I have found that I parent the best when I focus on developing a relationship with my children rather than forcing obedience. It flows so much better out of a good relationship. Maybe do a search for “gentle parenting resources,” and not necessarily Christian parenting resources. Some that call themselves Christian resources have nothing to do with building the character of Christ in us or in our children, sadly. Blessings on your journey with your son. ❤️
His appeal to Caesar kept him safe from those who would murder him, though, and gave him time to write many of the letters that became our New Testament. Whether Paul realized it or not, God had a plan…
Tina good to “see” you. You have been consistent in your testimony and have blessed many who have lost children and loved ones. Thank you, it is always good to read your remarks.
Thank you to all for your stories. Thank you for sharing. His is so Awesome! He sure can take anything we’ve done or things we’ve gone through and make them into a beautiful story. He’s done that for me. I’m so grateful. Keeping each one of you ladies collectively in prayer. God loves to listen to us.
Thank you to all for your stories. Thank you for sharing. His is so Awesome! He sure can take anything we’ve done or things we’ve gone through and make them into a beautiful story. He’s done that for me. I’m so grateful.
I’m so thankful for Paul. Because of Pauls’s work and sacrifice, the gospel spread to the gentiles. I hope and pray that God would use my life and testimony to lead others to himself.
Once again, I love the way Paul defended himself and his faith here. So full of kindness, firmness (while not being harsh), and mercy. Paul’s life is definitely amazing, and He lived it all for Jesus. I wish more people would not only preserver through challenges like Paul has had, but to dedicate it their lives to Christ. I think so many of us would be so much more at peace to give up our own dreams and plans that we have for ourselves.. and want God’s plans instead. He will never let us go.
My dear sisters, there is always blessings in the sufferings we go through. Let us always give thanks for the sufferings we go through.
Have a good rest of the day! ❤️
I have been so touched and moved by the testimonies shared today. Thank you so much for sharing with us, ladies. ❤️ have a blessed Wednesday.
I have been so touched and moved by the testimonies shared today. Thank you so much!
♥️ But, God… in all our lives!
Good Morning Ladies. Thank you so much for all who have been praying for my niece and her friends that lost a friend to suicide. There was a service Monday afternoon at the school they attended through eighth grade (they are all in high school now and attend different schools as this Christian school only goes through eighth grade). My sister in law and niece and many of the classmates were able to be there. Please keep praying for these young people and the family as they continue to work through this. Thank you!
Thank you Linda, Tina, and Kristen for sharing your testimony of God’s faithfulness even through the deaths of your children. God used my miscarriage earlier this year to bring me closer to Him and I am so thankful He did. Please continue to pray for the child He has given us now.
I hope I’m not the only one who burst out laughing when they read Acts 26:24 “Suddenly, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!” ” I couldn’t help myself, here was Paul in the middle of a very serious speech about the risen Savior and Festus just blurts out that he is mad, crazy, insane. Oh my goodness.
I also didn’t realize that Paul had had some of the early Christians “punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus.” (Acts 26:11). I don’t remember that in any of the earlier verses of Acts, if it was would someone let me know?
I loved Bailey’s last sentence and it sums up these two chapters of Acts nicely. Bailey gave me a lot to think about today.
Sisters thank you for your prayers for all of my family. I’m praying for all prayers mentioned in all posts.
Sisters be blessed and let us go and spread the Great News even if people think we are insane or crazy like Paul. Have a blessed and great hump day. Sorry it was so lengthy.
Brittany C., I was just reading through some of the prayers request from yesterday that I missed. Prayers being said for you and your baby. Praying you are holding your new baby in your arms and all is well!
Wow, Kristen your story is incredible. God so loves you. I can see it. May God continue to bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing ❤️ I hope your daughter continues to share God’s heart for those in such heartbreaking circumstances such as her own.
I loved reading this story in Acts. It reminded me of the scripture my pastor shared on Sunday. We are doing a series called “Crazy Faith” and he used this passage.
2 Corinthians 5:13 — If we are called “out of our mind” or crazy, it is to bring God glory.
I wonder if Paul wrote that letter with Festus, Agrippa, and this trial in mind.
I really want to learn the order in which Paul wrote his epistles. Still trying to navigate the whole map of the Bible. It’s only been about 5 years since I’ve started reading it daily. But I’m determined to be well read ;)
So happy to see the community so vibrant and alive today here on SRT. It is only 11:30AM where I am in Pennsylvania. I’m a little late, but I’m taking it easy here this week because I realized I’m burnt out. Looking forward to sharing my heart today with my therapist/counselor and also my Bible group this evening.
May these words we’ve read stay in our hearts.
Thank you Tina, Kristen, and Linda for your testimony of God’s faithfulness even through losing a child. My sister’s son died this summer and she and her husband are not doing well. Please pray they would turn to God during this time.
Once again, I’m so amazed by this community! Acts has been such a good study and I don’t want it to end! I too feel like I am reading it for the first time! So many of us “church christians” only hear peices of the bible during Sunday service. Reading through the bible on my own would leave me utterly confused. I have learned so much from my years after discovering SRT! (Maybe if we all invited or shared the link for the next study, (which is Advent, the perfect time!) with a friend or on social media, how many lives could we touch in that simple way?!) The SRT writers with their summations and the podcasts have made all the difference for me! (and of course, the Holy Spirit reveals more and more to me)! And then there YOU ALL, my SRT’sters! Your wisdom and insight, hurts and prayer requests, and testimonies also speak to all of us! And some of you just have pure hearts of gold! @searching to ask if my niece has a registry to actually buy something for her, an unknown person to you! You are just so sweet! So many of your stories I know from being here for years, and I feel like you are dear friends. Just knowing what people have gone through is so enlightening and gives us empathy and hope! Thanks to all of you! I too have shared many snippets and hope they too find someone that needs encouragement!
I listen to a podcast on Fridays called “The Unfolding” that shares amazing stories and testimonies. I enjoy it on my bike rides! Give it a listen!
Thank you for the prayers for my two nieces, one that is single and about to deliver a dear baby anytime, full of anxiety and fears, the other the wayward child caught up in a dangerous lifestyle.
@Kathy-I remember all that with your husband when you were going through it and asking for prayer before his surgery! @Tina- Always love your words. @SRT- still praying for the fix on being able to comment directly to people and have them notified! lol @Traci- I hope Tanner is better today!
Have joy in your hearts today!
In today’s reading Paul makes the statement, “I do not object to dying” (Acts 25:11), which immediately made me think of Philippians 1:21, where he states, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” He truly was not afraid of dying and even looked forward to it – but for as long as God would have him remain on this earth, he boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus and the gospel message. Oh that I would have that same boldness as Paul – proclaiming the name of Jesus boldly, unafraid, unashamed – this is my prayer today and everyday!
Thank you ladies for sharing your testimonies of how God got you through the most trying and unthinkable trials. It gives us hope in knowing that God may not remove the trial or hardship, but He will either carry us through it if we are to weak on our own, or come beside us ready to pick us up if we fall. All glory to God!
Praying for all your requests, may God bend His ear to our prayers and answer in His time, according to His will.
A blessed Wednesday to you all!
@Kristen, thank you so much for sharing the gift of your powerful testimony!
Paul left behind a comfortable life to fulfill his work spreading the Gospel. He gave up all the status and clout he had gained as a rising star pharisee. He gave it up readily and without a second thought. I am wrestling with this today. I recognize that God calls us out of our comfort zones. Like many Americans, if I’m being honest, it’s not easy for me to do this.
The power of Paul’s testimony is found in his commitment to testifying to this Truth no matter the cost. This commitment has left a residual effect that does not tarnish or fade with time. It brings power to his testimony and convinces those who hear it even 2000 years later. We today, are still the fruits of Paul’s testimony.
I love hearing all these stories. It compelled me to share the journey I have been on for the last three years.
In 2018, we discovered that my husband had an aneurysm on the aortic stem going into his heart. It was by God’s providence that we even discovered it. The doctor told us that usually these were discovered when they exploded and killed you! In February of 2018, he went through a 7-hour surgery where they had to cool his body to room temperature, stop his heart, and divert all the blood to his brain. The surgery was successful. He spent 4 days in ICU and then 7 more days in the hospital. In February of 2019, my mom passed away after battling Parkinson’s disease. And on July 1, 2020, my dad passed away. On top of that, we were in the midst of a pandemic.
Needless to say, it has been a lot. I would give anything to be able to see my mom and dad just one more time, but I rejoice that their faith has become their sight. My husband is healthy and whole and I cherish every day that we have together.
Would I want to go through any of this again? Not. A. Chance. But I wouldn’t trade anything for the things that I learned. I learned to stop worrying about a mountain I might never get to. I learned to take each day and cherish it as a gift. I learned that God is so faithful. He walks with me through anything I go through and goes before me to fight battles I didn’t even know needed to be fought. He takes every hard thing and turns it into good. He didn’t prevent the bad from happening, but on my, He was so incredibly powerful during it all. As Tina has taught us, But God…He is good. And He is good to me. And He is so good at being God.
Have a blessed and peaceful day. Thank you for listening.
Oh @Tina, thank you for sharing your testimony. It encouraged me personally and reminded me of the goodness of our loving Father and the Hope we have in Him.
Thank you for your testimonies, I love hearing how God has worked in other people’s lives. Brings me back to REMEMBER, from past studies and now we hear: Share what He has done. I believe everyone is open to hearing about hope and tiny and large miracles, no matter what they believe. Stories can so often become an open door to share the why behind our hope. I have so loved getting to know Paul throughout this study. It makes his letters even more meaningful. How have I been a Christian for so long and not read Acts?
Praying for your requests, family and friends and for health. May the God of Comfort give you and yours strength, comfort, peace and healing. Amen
Thank you Kristen and Tina for sharing part of your testimonies! There really is so much power in our testimonies I pray we would each have an opportunity to share our testimony in short or in long with someone soon <3
Testimonies of God’s work in others brings me to tears. When our church takes a month to have several people share their stories, it is awe inspiring. The miracles I have witnessed in my own siblings are mind blowing. My favorite story to share is of how my husband met Jesus (before I knew him) on the brink of suicide. The reminder is that no one is too far gone for God to reach out and catch them. God is writing a big story, and it’s better than any of us could imagine!
Thank you for sharing here. It’s such an encouragement.
Holy Spirit givr me words that testify of the goodness of God and saving Blood of Jesus wherever I go. In
JESUS NAME, Amen
Catching up on yesterday’s comments:
As I read the prayer requests I took a moment to pray for each one.
BRITTANY – looking forward to hearing how God came through for you and your sweet babe.
SKYLAR – thank you. I appreciated your words.
BEV – another verse in Acts helped me whenever I wondered if I had to do something else to affirm my salvation. “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21
Also, in my Bible the verse you mentioned reads in context: “repent and be baptized, everyone of you, and the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promises for you and your children and for ALL who are far off – for ALL whom the Lord our God will call.“ Acts 2:38, 39
I don’t know everything, but I do believe God desires ALL PEOPLE to be saved. (I Timothy 2:4) If you desire Him and call on Him, then based on Acts 2:21 YOU ARE SAVED! How great is our God that He has allowed us to be part of His family. Praying a prayer that you will be at peace.
Some other verses you may want to read: Galatians 3:7-9, Ephesians 1:13-14, II Peter 1:3
Thanks for sharing your testimony Tina! Blessings to all of you!
Please pray for my son and I (he’s 7 and stubborn but sensitive.) He and I are either best friends or enemies, it seems. And I’m weary. He does wonderful in school, but seems to constantly fight my small requests and commands at home. Until we are both weary and worn by each other.
Thanks for sharing your testimony Tina! Blessings to all of you! Please pray for my son and I (he’s 7 and stubborn but sensitive.) He and I are either best friends or enemies it seems. And I’m weary. He does wonderful in school, but seems to constantly fight my small requests and commands at home. Until we are both weary and worn by each other.
I am thankful for God’s continued and perfect work in our lives. May our hearts, minds, and actions be submissive and humble to His plan and will. May our lips pour out verbal praise and witness to His majesty, His glory, that He alone is Sovereign. Worry and trust in God cannot dwell simultaneously in the same heart. You are trustworthy and worthy of all praise, Lord God. May You, in your fullness, in your Trinity, be glorified on earth and in my heart and life, as You are in heaven. Amen.
Thank you Tina for sharing! I love it when you do. You encourage me to speak up about how God is forever faithful and how he lavished his love on me and mine. My SIL passed away very unexpectedly last month. He and my daughter have 5 kids and his mother lives with them. He had no life insurance. But God! He has not stopped providing. People have stepped up. Paid their house note. Bought groceries. Collected money, over 10k and given it to them. Their church paid for the funeral. They have had so much love poured out on them it is obvious that a higher power is providing and my daughter is not shy about sharing all that God has done for them throughout this horrible time in their lives. I just wanted you to know that we feel those hugs from across the pond. Thank you for your faithfulness dear one. ❤️
I pray that God will show me how to share my hope and assurance in Christ as clearly and openly as Paul!
Tina, I am so thankful for you’re testimony and the genuineness and humility of your posts! As you have acknowledged already, God has blessed you!
Like Tina, there are so many ways God has helped me. As I’ve written before, God used the burial of my daughter to lead me to a new church and to learn about Jesus. I grew up catholic, but didn’t know the Bible or Jesus. A man that came to her burial asked me to go to his church that Sunday. We went and I saw people praising and clapping. I wasn’t used to this. One woman caught my attention. She seemed so happy as she was praising. I figured she must have a perfect life. I looked up and asked or wondered why God brought me there. My mother in law went to church there, and the pastor called us up for prayer. That same woman came up to me and told me that she usually doesn’t do this, but God told her to tell to me to run to Him and not away! How personal is God to use that same woman. The message that was preached seemed as if it were written just for me.( I know now that God can use one message to hit many just as needed for the individual. He is amazing!) That woman helped me over the next couple of months. She wrote me a letter, talked with me, and gave me worship music. By the way, her life wasn’t perfect. She had a miscarriage before I met her. She had other issues too, but she joyfully praised. Others helped too. I was mourning, but also tormented in my mind. We had other things going on too. I would have never chosen to go through this loss. My daughter’s death brought me to hear about Jesus and God in ways I’d never known. He used people that I’d never have met to help me too.
Also, years ago I found out my daughter was molested by my mother in law’s husband. She said that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit came to her in a dream and told her to tell me. She said she went to bed one way, but woke up changed! When her friends were falling away from God, she knew He was real because of her experience. She has told her testimony here and on mission trips. She helped others with her words.
There are so many things God did to help me when I found out about my husband’s affair. God can use even horrible things for good. I don’t know where I’d be without His help, mercy, and grace not just through these situations, but through the battles in my mind. Definitely keep running to Him, sisters and not away! That advice given to me years ago is still advice we can give to others. Jesus is the only Way!
Continued prayers for you all. Have a great day!
TINA – your faith today is an awesome testimony in and of itself, and what a journey that brought you here … one of overwhelming grief in the loss, followed by hope, grace and faithfulness of the Lord in the healing. Reminds me of that Sunday school song, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” as only He can bring us through the toughest of times.
DOROTHY – praying for Jake, and for Carol. That he would turn around and return to the location where he is required to be, and that his heart would turn around and send him running to Jesus, that he would see that the running is making a bad situation worse, that he can’t get away from himself by running and that he has to be breaking his mother’s heart. Praying that Carol is not involved in the running as there are certain levels of charges that could result in losing her license. Praying for you to be strong through this. Love you, Sister!
TRACI GENDRON – praying for Tanner!
RHONDA J – praying for your niece and baby on the way. Would love to help if she has a registry.
RENEE K, AG, AMANDA and others – praying for your requests
Bless you Tina. Sometimes I’m at a loss for words. Still dealing with pain and soreness from surgery, and from a painful situation. I’m still tired which to me is crazy. Please pray for perfect healing. My tribe is sick. All 4 kiddos coughing and have sore throats . Paul didn’t take the easy way out for some reason. I don’t know why he asked for Cesar over just moving on? He did nothing wrong But how often do we do nothing wrong and have to pay the consequences for doing what is right in Gods eyes.
Tina-you never go on too long! Thank you so much for your beautiful words and testimony. I pray for the faith and trust that will sustain me and help me to be a witness for our Lord.
Many blessings to all of you, my sisters in Christ!
Paul’s faithful witness was what Jesus asked of him. The response of those listening was not his responsibility. For those of us with cooworkers, neighbors, friends, parents, children, and other family who are not following The Way, remember our commission to be witnesses. Let the Holy Spirit take care of the rest.
TRACI – praying for Tanner
ERB – praying for strength in your body
MAURA – praying for Bailee
RENEE K – may Joe find peace with Jesus
Praying for the other requests too❣
I can’t remember all the names of who specifically asked for prayer yesterday (& this week) but please KNOW that I am interceding and praying with and for you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Good morning SRTers!☀️
Tina, thanks so much for sharing your testimony.
Blessings everyone for a wonderful day!
Hugs and prayers to you.
Amen
We are also called to bear witness to what we’ve seen. What have you seen today that speaks of God? What have you seen that you can share with others? What have others seen and shared with you that points you to the love of Christ?
My list is long.. so very long. I could, and often do, bear witness to what I’ve seen, what I’ve known, what I have experienced..
Earlier this week saw the seventeenth anniversary of my daughter being called home. As some of you know, this journey has never been an easy one..
BUT GOD..
From the days leading up to her passing, and the hope and naivety that if and when I prayed and made promises, my prayers would be answered, to the anger of those prayers not being realized to ‘my Damascus road’ conversion, to His continued faithfulness, love, grace and infilling of hope with a capital H, I could tell of His goodness, oh how I could tell of His faithfulness and abundant love of this ‘Gomer’of a sinner who receives blessings, new each morning with new mercies and grace galore.
I could tell of how I have been converted, so so not in a religious way, but by the gentle and persistent love that has followed me all the days of my life, yes, way before I really knew, truly knew, the person of God.
I have and continue to be blessed each day, my ‘persecutions’ a tad different to Paul/Sauls,
BUT GOD…
And only God, has sustained me through it all, when I have fallen, He has picked me up, when I have be downcast, He has given me hope, when life threw me lemons, He gave me the recipe for lemonade and the most beautiful lemon tart, that has the sweet and sharp proportions just so..
The journey continues, and whilst I have breath and can use my vocals, I will sing, and I will tell of His great love and His grace, that allows me to put one foot in front of the other, His faithfulness that I can hold fast to, because when He says “I will” no questions asked… He does!
I will tell my story of Hope, my journey, though, not on a straight path, has never been alone, but with the guidance and hand of the Almighty One.
Thankful, so very thankful for this plan and purpose He has for me, for whilst my hand is in His, Who can be against me?
I have gone on too long, forgive me.. sisters..( there is much to tell.. lol)
Praying Gods richest blessings over each of you and lifting prayer requests to the One who hears, sees, knows..
Sending love, wrapped in prayers and hugs. ❤
I’ve missed some requests from.the weekend but, FERVENT prayers tonight for all those who requested (waiting hear from you when you can catch your breath) namely:
BRITTANY CARBONE
TRACI GENDRON
DOROTHY
AMANDA
AG
MICHELLE PATIRE
I pray each of you and those you love are covered and held in His loving hands.
SKYLAR HILTON, may God bless your calling in His timing.
Thank you SEARCHING and KELLY for your prayers and following through with people.
As my SRT said, Lord, show me when I need to be silent / patient while you fight for me. Also, may I be diligent and persevere in my faith even when I may be misunderstood.