What role does divine help play in Paul's ability to testify, as seen here? Setting the Scene Paul stands before King Agrippa, on trial for proclaiming Jesus. Instead of defending himself, he seizes the moment to give a clear gospel testimony. Paul’s Own Words on Divine Help “ ‘But I have had God’s help to this day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike, saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen.’ ” (Acts 26:22) What God’s Help Looked Like • Protection from repeated plots (Acts 9:23–25; 23:12–24) • Provision of boldness and clarity (Acts 9:27–28; 14:3) • Supernatural encouragement in dark moments (Acts 18:9–10; 23:11) • Physical preservation through beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments (2 Corinthians 11:23–27) • Empowerment of the Spirit for persuasive preaching (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4) Why Divine Help Is Essential to Testifying • The message is spiritually discerned; human eloquence alone cannot open blind eyes (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Opposition—both human and demonic—requires strength beyond our own (Ephesians 6:10–12). • God’s plan places witnesses where He wants them, and His help moves that plan forward (Acts 23:11). • Confidence grows as the Lord repeatedly shows up; each rescue fuels the next bold step (2 Corinthians 1:9–10). Echoes Throughout Paul’s Letters • “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain…” (1 Corinthians 15:10). • “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13). • “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.” (2 Timothy 4:17). • “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). A Continual, Not One-Time, Supply Paul’s wording—“to this day”—underscores an ongoing stream of assistance: 1. Initial call on the Damascus road (Acts 9:4–6). 2. Strength for every missionary journey. 3. Courage in every courtroom. 4. Hope even as chains rattled in Roman custody. The Result: Unwavering Testimony Because divine help never failed, Paul could: • Address “small and great alike,” undistracted by status. • Stick to Scripture—“nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said.” • Keep pointing to the risen Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 26:23). Implications for Today’s Believer • The same Spirit equips us (Acts 1:8). • God’s written Word anchors our message, just as it did for Paul. • Every act of obedience invites fresh strength for the next step. • Opposition becomes an opportunity for God to display His faithfulness through us. |
    |