The Seventh Sunday of Easter (NT)

Acts 26:12-29

12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 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.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ac 26:12–29). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Christ sent out his twelve disciples to evangelize the people of Israel.  Jesus Christ even after his ascension into heaven meets St Paul on the road to Damascus.  Just as Jesus opened up the eyes and minds of His disciples on Easter, St Paul has his eyes opened.  He is shown the truth of the Gospel.

St Paul has taken this truth and spread it through Asia Minor and even parts of Greece.  He has been in prison for no crime.  He has been beaten for no reason.  He has been brought before Festus and Agrippa partially for entertainment.

St Paul stands up before these people and expresses his faith.  He teaches his truth.  He makes known that Jesus has fulfilled the Old Testament prophets.  He makes known that Jesus is able to raise the dead.  St Paul proclaims that Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of sins.  He has been raised from the dead as the first fruits of our Resurrection.

St Paul has been made a witness of Jesus Christ.  Likewise, God has made all Christians witnesses to the truth of the Gospel.  God has even given them his Holy Spirit to speak the truth to other people.  God has poured out his Spirit upon you.  He has made you a witness to Jesus Christ.