Paul replied, “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 NIV
In Acts 26, the Apostle Paul stands before King Agrippa, accused by the Jewish leaders and imprisoned for his faith. Yet in this pivotal moment, Paul does something striking. Instead of pleading for release or defending himself with passionate appeals, he speaks boldly—not for his own sake, but for the sake of the Gospel. His focus isn’t survival; it’s salvation. This bold approach invites us to consider how we, too, might utilise our most challenging moments for God’s highest purpose.
Paul understood that his physical chains were not his greatest concern. What weighed more heavily on his heart was the spiritual captivity of those listening to him. Although this moment appeared judicial, Paul saw it as a divine appointment. With clarity and purpose, he lifted the conversation from legal arguments to eternal truths. His courage was so evident that King Agrippa responded in verse 28, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
That question confirms how bold and intentional Paul was. He didn’t speak in vague spiritual language, nor did he shrink back to avoid offence. Instead, he declared the truth with love and conviction. His message was not clouded by fear, for Paul had long surrendered to the will of God, even if it meant death. He wasn’t trying to escape punishment; he was hoping to awaken hearts.
Though he was in chains, Paul recognised the deeper chains that held others—the bondage of sin. He realised that his temporary suffering paled in comparison to their eternal separation from God. So, he used that moment, not to win his freedom, but to offer them theirs. This bold clarity shaped every word he spoke.
In verse 29, Paul declared, “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…” What a powerful glimpse into Paul’s heart. He wanted Agrippa and everyone present to encounter the same transforming grace he had received. He longed for them to know the joy of salvation, even if they never faced the same outward suffering.
Paul’s bold witness wasn’t a result of favourable circumstances. He was bold because he knew who he was—a man redeemed, called, and sent. His identity in Christ gave him the strength to speak freely, even before rulers, and even in chains. He didn’t wait for a perfect platform to preach; he used the very place of his trial as a pulpit for truth.
This same calling rests on us today. God calls us to carry the Gospel not only when it’s convenient or welcomed. We are to be bold in every season—in the workplace, on the street, in conversations that feel risky or uncomfortable. The Gospel is not bound, even when we are.
We may not be dragged before kings, but we all have moments when the Holy Spirit nudges us to speak. In those moments, let us remember Paul’s example. We don’t need perfect conditions to proclaim a perfect Saviour. We need a heart that burns for the lost and a faith that’s bold enough to speak when silence feels safer.
Living It Out
Do you only share your faith when it’s easy? Or will you be bold like Paul, using every opportunity to point others to Christ, even when it costs something? Ask God to stir in you a holy boldness, a heart that sees beyond comfort and embraces courage. May your witness shine clearly, and may your words bring freedom to those still in chains.