These three chapters narrate the story of Paul when he was
sued by some Jews who does not believe him. The accusers were lead by the high
priest Ananias. They accused Paul as a troublemaker, stirring riots among the
Jews all over the world. They brought their case to Governor Felix. During the
time of Governor Felix, the Jews who hated Paul were not successful of putting
Paul to death. When Felix finished his term, he turned over the case to the
next governor Festus and left Paul in prison. Festus was also undecided about
the case. Desperate to put Paul to death, the haters of Paul asked Festus for
Paul to be sent to Jerusalem so that they would kill Paul by ambush. Paul
pleaded Festus that his case be trialed to Caesar. Festus who seemed to be
confused on how to handle the case asked the advice of King Agrippa while the
king visited Festus. King Agrippa asked to hear Paul and after hearing him, the
King gave a statement that favors Paul.
While reading these chapters, I remember that this is the
same situation that Jesus experienced from the Jews before He was crucified. I admire
Paul for his courage to face this trial. I can feel his passion in proclaiming
the word about Jesus Christ as savior. I felt hatred to those people who are accusing
Paul but I think that it was part of his destiny as prophet during his time. I
realized that God chose him and that he has to experience prosecution as part
of proclamation of Jesus Christ being risen from His death. I think that it is
part of God’s plan that he will be brought to the government’s attention so
that the officials would also know Jesus.
I am thankful that there is a Paul in the history of the
Bible. Because he played an important role in spreading the Good News about
Jesus Christ. If God did not use Paul, Gentiles would not know Jesus and I may
not have known God as well. Paul shared Jesus to the non-Jews and so shared the
blessings and the salvation to all nations.
