And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Acts 26:28-29, ESV
Paul, in chains before the people who could determine whether he would live or die, stands undeterred in his witness and is unafraid of any negative consequences. He didn’t worry about offending Agrippa because he saw the proclamation of the Gospel as being the most important thing, even more important than his life. Paul simply unfolded the truth of the prophets and Moses and his own witness because he knew these to be familiar and true. He did not share words of condemnation but what he saw as a rational path to salvation. Our faith is based on history, and the events of our faith involved people that existed in history. For this reason, it is a faith that can be shared with confidence. Particularly this portion, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, lived and died so that you may have eternity with our God and Creator.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.