Whether in a short time or a long time

The Apostle Paul had the opportunity to share the good news to King Agrippa in Acts 26.

Paul shared his conversion story, Acts 26:12-19. The apostle recounted what happened to him on the road to Damascus. In verses 19-20 Paul spoke about the necessity of repentance. This is what he had preached to others.  In verses 22-23, Paul spoke about Jesus as the Christ, how he had to suffer, and His resurrection. Paul shared with King Agrippa how the life and miracles of Jesus was known by many, Acts 26:26. The message Paul shared with Agrippa is identical to what Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost.

It was Peter who spoke about Jesus, His miracles, suffering, and resurrection, Acts 2:22-24. It was Peter who told the Jews to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, Acts 2:38. The difference between these two accounts is the response from those who heard. About 3,000 souls were saved in Acts 2. No one was saved in Acts 26. After hearing Paul’s message King Agrippa said, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.

What is interesting is Paul’s response to the King, Acts 26: 29“I wish before God”, replied Paul, ‘that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am – except for these chains’. Another translation says, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” Paul’s response to this indecision by the King is important for us. As we teach others God’s word, we will encounter a variety of responses. Some will quickly obey like those on the Day of Pentecost. Others will be almost persuaded but may not become Christians. When these scenarios happen, it can be easy to become discouraged. Instead of discouragement, what if responded the way Paul did?

What if we told the ones who delay obedience that whether it takes a short time or a long time, we’re praying for them to become a Christian like us? What if they know about this specific prayer we have for them? And what if we like Paul continue to move forward, even when others do not? In Acts 28:23-24 

“When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.” Whether in a short time or a long time, let us continue to seek to persuade men.