May 25, 2023 – Acts 25:1-26:32

Evangelical is an interesting word. Stemming from the Greek “Euangelion,” meaning the “Good News” or “Gospel” of Jesus, it describes someone who desires to bring that Good News/Gospel to others’ lives, as well. 

Evangelical, like many words, has come to mean something a little different over time. These days, people either think of a group of voters with a particular political agenda, or a group of Christians who are determined to convert people at all costs. This is based on political candidates historically looking to gain the votes of Christians, as well as some poor evangelism tactics from those claiming the descriptor for themselves. Churches and denominations have even sought to eliminate it from their names or titles, as it has come to represent so many different things to so many different people.

But is it, really? What does it mean to want to spread the Gospel to others? Many are nervous about such a proposition, as they fear judgment or rejection from others, or feel inadequately equipped to represent the ineffable God that has affected their life. Additionally, the notion that you should want something for someone else seems taboo, oftentimes because of the lack of tact demonstrated elsewhere in Christendom. 

So what does it mean to want the faith of Christ for someone else? In Acts 26, as Paul is brought before a king and other societal elite to question him about what he’s done, he testifies openly about his experience with Jesus. King Agrippa says to Paul in verse 28, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

For the king and the others listening, they’re used to coercing someone for personal gain. These people, in their various positions in their community, are used to playing for political authority and influence. At its worst, evangelism can look like that. But what Paul is doing is simply telling them of his own transformed life, and wanting the positives of that for others. Paul responds to the king’s question by saying, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29)

Don’t miss it: Paul is setting the example for us in his response. We don’t want others to become Christians because we feel marginalized, or because we’re looking for some personal gain. We don’t wish hardship on anyone – Paul is telling them that he wants all of the life-giving pieces of his relationship with Jesus to resonate with all those listening, and specifically lists the exception of the hardships that he’s faced. He doesn’t want anyone in chains – he wants everyone to be free in their life with Jesus. 

Questions for reflection:

  1. What has been your example with “evangelicals?”
  2. Has it been this experience of wanting only the best for some, or has it been with the goals of getting you to conform to their ideology?
  3. What does sharing your faith look like in your own life, and how can you do that in the true sense of the word, like Paul is using here?