Curious King

Acts 25:22-25 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” 23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”
 
AS this drama between Paul, the Jews and Rome continues, we must be mindful this represents the ongoing spiritual warfare between Satan and God. Luke wrote in Acts of several aggressive actions against Jesus’ apostles and evangelists. Opposition has come from some Jews, some Romans and some civic leaders. They all have this in common: none are qualified to judge God’s appointed messengers. Their goal is to justify themselves. The True Judge spoke the truth: Luke 16:15 Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.”  
   With a great show of authority, power and adulation, Bernice and Agrippa enter the chamber to meet with Paul. But such outward pomp and glamor hide their dark hearts. These two are corrupt, incestuous brother and sister. They are children of the murderous King Herod and grandchildren of the tyrant Herod the Great, who ordered Bethlehem’s baby boys slaughtered. (Matthew 2:16) How would the Holy Spirit use Paul to defend God’s majesty?  
 
Acts 26:1-3 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.”
 
After two-plus years of unjust imprisonment and unresponsive governors, Pau could have been very angry to be asked to defend himself once again. He knew he was going to Rome, so what is the point of this meeting?
   Transformation is the point. Paul never tired of telling his story because it is God’s story of rebirth. Yes, Paul knows the people around him are corrupt in their hearts. And he knows Jesus is alive. Jesus can save them. He begins to tell the good news with respect for his audience – people who need Jesus. Paul always knew the point of his life: Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
   We can all point our lives in this direction.