Almost Persuaded

When Paul appeared before Agrippa he had a dual role - as accused giving his defence, and as Christ's ambassador proclaiming the gospel. Knowing that Agrippa was familiar with Jewish religious ways he spoke about the necessity for the Christ to suffer - not only because it was predicted but because he was sin-bearer. He also spoke about his resurrection - the hope that encompasses everything else - undoing the Fall, receiving forgiveness, and obtaining eternal life. This is light to a hopeless and ignorant world. Then the accused turned on Agrippa. The judge was judged, and the prisoner became the ambassador. He challenged the king's conscience - if he believed the prophets (as he did) it was absurd not to act accordingly. When Agrippa tried to put him off Paul opened his heart - he longed to see the king and everyone else enjoy the eternal life he had received through the death and resurrection of Christ. That is our longing also, and it reflects the longing of heaven.