It Starts Small

Paul speaking to a room full of dignitaries is inspiring. Paul is standing in the middle of a great Roman hall. He is surrounded by King Herod Agrippa II, his sister Bernice, Governor Festus, a big group of high-ranking military officials, and key city dignitaries. We can imagine this was an intimidating moment for Paul.

As the room quieted down, Paul was called for and he began speaking. He poured his heart out to this room about how he used to persecute the church, met Jesus, and how God wanted the Gentiles to repent and turn to God.

This was not a legal legal defense. This was more like an evangelistic message. Paul laid his “arguments” out carefully and skillfully. What you really see is that Paul went “all in.” He was passionate and perhaps at time choked back tears, but he was fierce in speaking truth.

Can you imagine the confusion on everyone’s face? The audience had not been prepared for such a raw account of testimony and evidence. So much so, that King Agrippa stopped him.

As he was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You’re out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad.”

Acts 26:24

Can you imagine how Paul reacted? With a smile, courage and confidence he spoke to the King.

So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.

Acts 26:19

What was Paul dong?

He was discharging his duty. He did not just do the job, he did it with passion and totally immersed in his calling. He didn’t wince at his own personal safety. He wanted to do everything he could to persuade the room and even King Agrippa spoke it.

Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?” 

Acts 26:28

Paul’s heart was on fire and I believe in the years to follow, when he wrote to Timothy, he urged him to keep preaching no matter if it was favorable or not.

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.

2 Timothy 4:2

Paul was right. The days are evil and we need to seize and make the most of every opportunity we have to share Jesus.

making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:16

Friends, keep your heart on fire! No matter if it is a favorable moment or not, do not let the flame on your heart grow dim. DO not let the environment stop you from being obedient to God’s calling. This is how we sojourn the land of “in between.”

Thoughts to Ponder:

• What is something God has called you to do?
• Is God calling you to take a step of faith and move forward today?

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.