6/6 Acts 26:29

²⁹ 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."

After Felix was removed, Festus took his place as governor. The Jewish leaders were still trying to get Paul to Jerusalem so that they could assassinate him. Festus was willing to move the trial to Jerusalem to please the Jews. Paul's only chance of survival was to appeal to Caesar. It was the right of every Roman citizen to do so. Festus wanted help in writing out the charges to be sent with Paul, so he invited his guests, King Agrippa and his wife Bernice, to hear Paul.

Paul knew Agrippa was familiar with the Scriptures. He shared his conversion story and related it to the words of the prophets regarding the coming Messiah. Agrippa came under conviction and retreated by asking if Paul thought he could be so quickly converted. Our verse today is Paul's answer. Paul's passion was for everyone to know the Messiah's forgiveness of sins and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Paul held no animosity towards Festus. He understood that the fallen person will always act in his or her selfish interests, yet each one of us is made in the image of God and can have that image restored.

It seems unfair that Paul would unjustly languish in prison, and it was. Yet Paul had the opportunity to witness to dignitaries, to be in communication with the church, and to write letters that still benefit us today. While the enemy may have meant it for evil, God was using it for good (Genesis 50:20). Next, Paul would witness in Rome.

Consider: In this world you can expect injustice, but you can also expect God to be working through it for your good and His glory. Watch for opportunities to share the great things God has done for you. Do you have Paul's passion to see even your enemies come to know the saving grace of Jesus?