“Appointed And Sent To Open Eyes!”(Acts 26:12-18).
We know how Paul was converted. In this pericope, he narrates his conversion experience in defence of his life. Paul had been accused of propagating a message contradicting Judaism. He was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. From the Sanhedrin, he was brought before Governor Felix. The case was adjourned because Felix was expecting a bribe from Paul. Two years later, Festus replaced Felix. The case was reopened. Felix listened to Paul, but Paul had appealed to Caesar, so Felix told Paul, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar, you will go!”
When King Agrippa visited Caesarea, Festus told him about Paul. Agrippa said he’d love to hear the case(Acts.21:27-32).
In explaining himself to Agrippa, Paul narrated how he was converted on his way to Damascus. Among other things, he narrated: “…I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”
When Agrippa listened to Paul, he said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar”(Acts 26:32).
My friend, your call is your testimony for your defence against your accusers!
When Amaziah confronted Amos and asked him not to “prophesy anymore at Bethel because it was the King’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom,” Amos answered: “I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd…But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to the people of Israel”(Am.7:14-15).
We have seen how Paul’s defence follows a similar pattern.
What lessons can we draw from Paul according to the text?
- Every unbeliever is a potential believer. Paul, the persecutor, became the greatest evangelist and missionary.
- God’s call and appointment is not for our own comfort and glorification. We are called to be servants and witnesses of what we have seen and will see of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- He who calls will rescue us from our enemies.
- We are called and sent to open people’s eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ.
- The dangers we have to face are real, but he who appoints will protect us until our mission is accomplished.
- Lastly, how you were called is the testimony you carry along, which is known only by you and he who called you. You can always use it for your defence.
Weekend prayer: Dear LORD, open our eyes and turn us from darkness to light and from the power of Satan. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
24/01/2026.