"I think myself happy, King Agrippa," he declared, "because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently."Paul related the story of his conversion from stubborn unbelief to faith in Jesus of Nazareth as the world's Redeemer.He described the heavenly vision that at first had filled him with unspeakable terror, but afterward proved to be a source of the greatest consolation--a revelation of divine glory, in the midst of which sat enthroned He whom he had despised and hated, whose followers he was even then seeking to destroy.From that hour Paul had been a new man, a sincere and fervent believer in Jesus, made such by transforming mercy.
With clearness and power Paul outlined before Agrippa the leading events connected with the life of Christ on earth.He testified that the Messiah of prophecy had already appeared in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.He showed how the Old Testament Scriptures had declared that the Messiah was to appear as a man among men, and how in the life of Jesus had been fulfilled every specification outlined by Moses and the prophets.For the purpose of redeeming a lost world, the divine Son of God had endured the cross, despising the shame, and had ascended to heaven triumphant over death and the grave.
Why, Paul reasoned, should it seem incredible that Christ should rise from the dead? Once it had thus seemed to him, but how could he disbelieve that which he himself had seen and heard? At the gate of Damascus he had verily looked upon the crucified and risen Christ, the same who had walked the streets of Jerusalem, died on Calvary, broken the bands of death, and ascended to heaven.As verily as had Cephas, James, John, or any others of the disciples, he had seen and talked with Him.The Voice had bidden him proclaim the gospel of a risen Saviour, and how could he disobey? In Damascus, in Jerusalem, throughout all Judea, and in the regions afar off, he had borne witness of Jesus the Crucified, showing all classes "that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
"For these causes," the apostle declared, "the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles."The whole company had listened spellbound to Paul's account of his wonderful experiences.The apostle was dwelling upon his favorite theme.None who heard him could doubt his sincerity.But in the full tide of his persuasive eloquence he was interrupted by Festus, who cried out, "Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad."The apostle replied, "I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these thing are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner." Then, turning to Agrippa, he addressed him directly, "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest."Deeply affected, Agrippa for the moment lost sight of his surroundings and the dignity of his position.Conscious only of the truths which he had heard, seeing only the humble prisoner standing before him as God's ambassador, he answered involuntarily, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."Earnestly the apostle made answer, "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as Iam," adding, as he raised his fettered hands, "except these bonds."Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice might in justice have worn the fetters that bound the apostle.All were guilty of grievous crimes.These offenders had that day heard the offer of salvation through the name of Christ.One, at least, had been almost persuaded to accept the grace and pardon offered.But Agrippa put aside the proffered mercy, refusing to accept the cross of a crucified Redeemer.
The king's curiosity was satisfied, and, rising from his seat, he signified that the interview was at an end.As the assembly dispersed, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds."Though Agrippa was a Jew, he did not share the bigoted zeal and blind prejudice of the Pharisees."This man," he said to Festus, "might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar." But the case had been referred to that higher tribunal, and it was now beyond the jurisdiction of either Festus or Agrippa.
