“…I am sending you 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.” (Acts 26:17b–18 ESV).
Paul gave his testimony before the Roman governor Festus and King Agrippa II, along with Agrippa’s sister Bernice. In recounting his conversion testimony, Paul shared the assignment Jesus gave him.
First, Paul had been sent by Jesus. The Greek word for “sending” is apostellō, which means “to send out with a commission.” Paul was an apostle of Christ, sent on mission.
Second, Jesus sent Paul to proclaim the gospel, so that spiritual eyes might be opened. Through his preaching, many would turn from darkness to light, from bondage under Satan to reconciliation with God. Those who believed would receive the forgiveness of sins and a place among God’s people, those set apart by faith in Christ.
When Festus heard Paul’s testimony, he thought he was out of his mind. But Agrippa admitted he was almost persuaded. Yet both remained unchanged. Festus dismissed the message. Agrippa clung to his sin and status. Still, Paul had fulfilled his assignment. He bore witness to Christ, leaving the results in God’s hands.
We too have been given this gospel-sharing assignment. Just as Paul was sent, so we too have been sent. Christ has commissioned us to be His witnesses. We are not responsible for others’ responses, but we are called to faithfully share the message that opens eyes and leads people to salvation.
How often do we let fear, doubt, or apathy keep us silent? We must remember that we carry the only message that can turn hearts from darkness to light. Let us ask God for boldness and clarity, seeking opportunities to speak of Christ. May we live and speak in such a way that others might receive forgiveness and become part of God’s sanctified people.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for entrusting us with the gospel of Your Son. Give us courage and clarity to share it. Open doors for us to speak, and open hearts to believe. Help us to walk in faithfulness to our calling, knowing that You are the One who saves. In Jesus’ name, amen.