What can we learn from Paul's boldness before authorities in Acts 25:23? Setting the scene Acts 25:23: “The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium with the commanders and the leading men of the city. When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.” Paul is chained, yet every eye in that ornate hall turns toward him. The apostle stands before a king, a governor, military commanders, and civic dignitaries—an intimidating lineup by any measure. Still, he steps forward unflinchingly, ready to testify to Christ. Key observations about Paul’s boldness • He stands when summoned—no stalling, no excuses. • He addresses Agrippa respectfully (26:2–3) yet holds nothing back (26:19–23). • He keeps the spotlight on Christ, not himself (26:22–23). • He seeks the salvation of his hearers: “I pray to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains” (26:29). • He never negotiates truth to curry favor or secure release. Roots of Paul’s courage 1. Fear of God outweighs fear of man Proverbs 28:1: “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” Matthew 10:18–20: Jesus promised His disciples would “be brought before governors and kings… But when they deliver you over, do not worry… for it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father.” 2. Certainty of calling Acts 26:16: Jesus told Paul, “I have appointed you… as a witness.” That commission still resounds. 3. Reliance on the Holy Spirit Acts 4:31: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” 4. Confidence in the gospel’s power Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” 5. Eternal perspective Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Temporal threats shrink when eternity is in view. What we can learn today • Boldness is not personality-driven; it’s Spirit-driven. • Respecting authority and confronting it with truth are not mutually exclusive. • Our audience—whether a boss, a judge, or a skeptical friend—needs the same gospel that confronted Agrippa. • Chains, limitations, or hostile settings cannot silence a believer whose confidence is anchored in Christ. • Christlike boldness aims for salvation, not self-vindication. Cultivating Paul-like boldness 1. Soak in Scripture daily; God’s Word fuels conviction (Jeremiah 15:16). 2. Pray specifically for courage, as the early church did (Acts 4:29). 3. Remember your testimony—how Christ met you—so you can share it naturally (Acts 26:12-18). 4. Practice respectful speech; boldness is strengthened, not weakened, by courtesy (1 Peter 3:15-16). 5. Keep eternity in focus; fear fades when heaven fills the horizon (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). When the moment comes to speak before “kings” of our day, we stand on the same unshakable foundation Paul did—the living Christ and His unerring Word. |
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