Clever Evangelism

When we read Acts 26 we come across Paul in prison awaiting a trail with Caesar. He is with the Governor of the region and was currently being visited by King Agrippa and his wife Berenice who also happened to be a Jewess. Being married to a Jewess, King Agrippa was aware of the customs and beliefs of the Jews. Festus asked King Agrippa to sit in on a hearing with Paul, the prisoner, to give his opinion as to guilt or innocence.

Paul seemed to know about King Agrippa and immediately played on his knowledge of the Jewish customs and also shared his testimony with the king. The king was not immediately receptive but upon walking away he declares to Festus that he doesn't see any reason for Paul being imprisoned. Clearly Paul had touched some nerve. Festus replies by saying that were it not for Paul's insistence to have "an interview" with Caesar he could have been set free.

I must admit that this left me a little confused as to Paul's motive. He could have been free to travel and continue his ministry but he was persistent about seeing Caesar. It stumped me until I realized that Paul was being quite clever.

In order to change a nation you can start at the bottom with the people but that will take a lot more work and a lot of petitioning. If you had a limited amount of time, would you take the long or the shorter more effective road? I guarantee that you would take the more effective and efficient road. Paul knew that by targeting the head of the nation he would be able to influence the lawmaker who could easily turn his nation to God.

We can see this example with the crucifixion of Jesus. It wasn't necessarily the people that crucified him but the leaders of the people who pushed for his death.

Unbelievable! Being in prison was more effective for his ministry than being free.