Over 350 years ago few people believed or understood that the earth revolved on its axis, and that it rotated around the sun. When the great Roman Catholic scientist, Galileo, proved this to be true, and began to teach it, the Popes of his day had him forced into silence! (Pope Paul V. Pope Urban VIII.) They thought Galileo was mad.
Today every school-child knows that Galileo was right, and those Popes were very wrong in what they said, and did.
Here we learn of other important people who did not want to believe what they were told, rejecting the evidences, and they did not want others to hear about it.
King Agrippa and the Roman Governor Festus had Paul on trial because of what he believed and taught about Jesus. He claimed Jesus had appeared to him and given him the message he was preaching. (Acts 26:13-23.) His good news was that Jesus had died for our sins, and was alive again! Paul preached that Jesus alone could bring “salvation” to mankind. (Verse 23. 1stTimothy 2:5-6.) He told them that it was the same message that had been forecast by the Prophets hundreds of years before Jesus came! (verse 22. & 10:42-43.)
But neither Agrippa nor Festus wanted to believe Paul’s message.
Can YOU believe that Jesus died to take the punishment for your sins, and lives again to offer you His forgiveness today? (1stPeter 3:18. Hebrews 7:23.) Festus was certainly not convinced! He shouted, "You are mad, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!"
Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus! What I am saying is true and reasonable. King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know you do!”
King Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
“Short time or a long time, I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today, may become what I am – except for these chains.” (verses 24-29.)
Just like Paul, I also wish all who hear God’s message today would turn from other “saviours”, or other ways that offer salvation, and trust in the one and only Saviour, Jesus the Son of God. (1stJohn 4:9-19. Galatians 4:4-5.)
No doubt some will be like Agrippa and Festus and say, "You are mad!" If only they would check with the teachings of God’s Word, the Holy Bible, they would see it “is true and reasonable.” (Acts 17:11. John 14:6.) Do you know what God says about the people who do NOT heed the teachings of Jesus Christ? God says they are "FOOLISH," and will be rejected by Him forever. (Matthew 7:21-27. John 3:16-19.)
Don't YOU put off trusting in Christ because men might say, "You are mad!" It is better to be called “Mad” by men now, than to have to be called “FOOL” by God for rejecting His Son as your Saviour.
Read Acts chapter 26, verses 22-32.
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