A prisoner, but happier than a king! - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Agrippa said to Paul, You almost persuade me to become a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.
Acts 26:28.29.

A prisoner, but happier than a king!
The apostle Paul could hardly be envied. Although he loved his nation dearly, the multitude in Jerusalem almost killed him. He had been freed by the Roman occupational forces and was then taken from one court of justice to another and finally remained a prisoner.

Now the apostle had been brought before King Agrippa through the Roman governor and the dignitaries of the city. The lofty status of his listeners by no means impressed Paul: he expressed clear words in his defence and finished by preaching the gospel. He even dared to speak to the King's conscience. Agrippa seemed to be somewhat affected, but he was not prepared to take the decisive step to Christ. In spite of his royal status he resembled a prisoner. The man in the court who was truly a free man was the apostle Paul. He had been freed from his sins, freed from any desire for fame or honour, and freed from any fear of men.

His joy consisted in living for his resurrected Lord, who stood by him, strengthening him. His conscience was at peace and his heart full of hope. He was chained like a convict, but he could sincerely wish that all his listeners would become what he himself was: a Christian, and a joyful one at that, much happier than a king. He would gladly share that joy with everyone. For that reason he preached the gospel.

Today's reading: Isaiah 40:1-17 · Hebrews 5:11-14