From dawn to dusk he expounded and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe. (Acts 28:23-24)
I couldn’t help but see the passion of Paul in those words. A passion to bring people into God’s kingdom.
Some people believed his message. Some didn’t.
But regardless of their response, it didn’t diminish his zeal.
I want that passion.
In these last several chapters of Acts, I’ve been thinking about Paul’s words to the Corinthians.
In particular, his words in 2 Corinthians 5 clearly explain his motivations for all he did in Acts.
Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people… (Think about Felix in Acts 24:15, 24-25.)
For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. (Think about Festus in Acts 26:24).
For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died.
And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 13-15)
Father, give me Paul’s passion for your kingdom: compelled by Christ’s love for me, compelled by my love for him, and compelled by his love for those around me.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 