Once upon a time there was a man named Paul. Paul loved God very much and wanted to tell everyone about Jesus. But not everyone liked what Paul told. Some people were so upset that they put him in jail.
One day, Paul was brought before a king. The king’s name was Agrippa. The king sat on a large throne, and many important people were there to listen. The king said, “Paul, tell me about yourself and about Jesus.”
Then Paul beamed and rejoiced, because he was allowed to tell the king about his encounter with Jesus. Paul said, “I didn’t know Jesus before. I didn’t want people to believe in him. But then, one day, when I was on a trip, a bright light surrounded me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, ‘Paul, why are you doing this to me?’ That’s when I knew it was Jesus!”
Paul told the king how much the experience had changed him. Now Paul wanted to tell everyone about Jesus. Jesus had shown him that he is there for all people, no matter who they are.
Paul said, “Now I know that Jesus is alive and loves us all. I want all people to know this, including you, King Agrippa!”
King Agrippa listened attentively. He was amazed at Paul’s courage and how firmly Paul believed in Jesus.
Message of history
No matter where we are, we can always talk about Jesus. Jesus loves us and wants us to share his love with others.
Bible passage
In Acts 26, Paul tells King Agrippa about his encounter with Jesus. Here is the passage from the Schlachter 2000:
Acts 26:12-23:
*”When I traveled to Damascus with authority and on behalf of the chief priests for this purpose, I saw in the middle of the day, O king, on the way, from heaven, brighter than the brightness of the sun, a light shining around me and those who traveled with me. 14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me, saying in Hebrew, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” It’s hard for you to kick the sting! 15 But I said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” 16 But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a servant and a witness to what you have seen, and what I will yet reveal to you. 17 And I will deliver you from the people and the nations to whom I am now sending you, 18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among those who are sanctified through faith in me.
19 Therefore, O King Agrippa, I did not disobey the heavenly vision, 20 but first proclaimed to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea that they repent and turn to God and do works worthy of repentance. 21 So the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 But since I have obtained help from God, I stand until this day to bear witness both small and great; and I say nothing but what the prophets and Moses said that it would come to pass: 23 that Christ must suffer, that he may be the first to proclaim a light to the people and to the Gentiles through the resurrection from the dead.” *
