The address Paul gives here to King Agrippa is not unlike his address to the people at the temple in Jerusalem in chapter 22. There the people shouted for Paul's death. Here Agrippa responds as one who has good reason to believe Christianity, but his heart is not changed. And then after withdrawing he makes that last comment that just causes your heart to sink: "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar." Two observations:
First, it is with much difficulty that a person is persuaded that he needs a work of grace in his heart in order to receive salvation. Agrippa had all the right knowledge, but lacked the grace; he saw the cross but his eyes were not opened to its power. What's important to note is that Paul was powerless to change Agrippa's ability to see that, only God can open someone's eyes to the power of the cross. Yet even though Paul knows he is powerless to transform hearts, he still speaks with great persuading fervor in his desire to see all men become as he is—a faithful follower of Christ.
Second, we are tempted to wish that Paul did not appeal to Caesar. And yet we must be very careful here because providence is a mysterious thing. Paul is certainly being tried in a court system full of corruption, but let's not forget that God's sovereignty rules supreme. And it is that very appeal that will bring the gospel through Paul to Rome. Are you experiencing something now that you think is so unfair that you're shaking your fist at God? In light of Paul's obedience to God in hardship, would you consider trusting that God will ultimately use your current situation to bring about your good and his glory?
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