Ep 449 – Acts 24:22-27

What do you talk about if you get the opportunity to sit down with one of the most powerful men in the land? And what if that person held the power of life or death over you. What topics do you bring up in that case? For most of us, it would seem normal and natural to avoid anything controversial or potentially offensive. We would keep the banter light and the conversation as non-inflammatory as possible. But in Acts 24:22-27, Luke records Paul's ongoing appointments with King Agrippa and his wife, Drusilla. And what he had to say to them is a bit of a surprise. The king had the power to set Paul free or put him to death, but Paul didn't let that stop him from discussing some highly delicate and difficult topics with him. Paul knew that Agrippa, just like any other human being on the planet, needed to hear what he had to say. And Paul discussed three essential topics that apply to every individual, regardless of their status or station in life: Sin, righteousness and judgment. Sin is a universal problem that impacts every single man and woman. And whether we want to admit it or not, there is a standard of righteousness, given to us by God, that dictates and determines our sinfulness. But most importantly, there is a judgment, a divine judgment, coming for all, including Agrippa and Drusilla. We can justify our actions, excuse our sins as nothing more than mistakes, and rationalize that we operate by a different set of standards, but in the end, it is God who will judge us according to His holy standards and mete out the just punishment we deserve.