Acts 26:29

New International Version

Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

For Meditation

Paul was on trial before Governor Festus and King Agrippa with his wife Bernice (Acts 25:23). Festus had listened to Paul and found nothing deserving of death, as the Jewish officials demanded. Unfortunately, Paul had appealed to the emperor in Rome. He needed a charge report for the emperor, and King Agrippa visited at the right time. 

Paul loved the opportunity (16:1). Like a fish released from a net and thrown back into water, he began his address (2-3). He shifted to an exhaustive gospel presentation, and Governor Festus lost it (22-23). 

You are out of your mind, Paul! … Your great learning is driving you insane.

The apostle was ready with his intervention. 

 I am not insane, most excellent Festus … What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do (25-27).

When the Holy Spirit leads and guides the believers in Christ, they are courageous and eloquent. As Jesus told the disciples.  

On my account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:18-20).

That was classic Pauline:

 Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains (Acts 26:29).

What Paul was saying was that it was not about the length of the gospel presentation, but the depth and impact of it. Paul did not wish his chains on the king. What he wanted for Agrippa was salvation in Christ. He wished Agrippa could share his joy by repenting and expressing his faith in Christ. (Acts 26:29). 

That is our message, brethren, to carry everywhere we go as commissioned ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21:19). It is a message to proclaim with certainty and confidence.

During our presentations, the enemy will play interference and make distracting comments through our hearers. Let’s stay focused on the message and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. The result is in His hands.

They may misinterpret your passion for insanity, but you are not. You just yearn for them to come to saving knowledge and escape the torment of eternal damnation.

So, with confidence and your heart, proclaim Christ as Savior to this world that is in desperate need of Him