Get on the Front Lines! The Battle is Raging!
You are under the power of Satan or God
“to open their [spiritual] eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness and release from their sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified (set apart, made holy) by faith in Me’ [Is 42:7, 16]” (Acts 26:18 AMP).”
Paul is making his defense against King Agrippa AND many authorities, officials, and people—it was a public court. Why is it significant that Paul is standing before King Agrippa?
God’s Sovereignty: King Agrippa was knowledgeable in Jewish theology (v. 3), and his insights would lead to a conclusion of Paul's innocence as he continued his journey to Rome (v. 31), thereby creating more opportunities for the gospel to be shared in that city.
Prophecy Fulfilled: When Christ first called Paul on the road to Damascus, Jesus told him, “You are a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Speaking to Agrippa—a king with influence over both Jews and Romans—fulfilled this promise.
Here is what stood out to me:
Paul is under the sovereign power of God. When he wasn’t, he notes, he was under the power of satan. Here are a few supporting scriptures for what Paul is saying:
John 8:34-36: Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, but the Son sets them free.
Ephesians 2:1-2: Describes how those apart from Christ walk according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan).
Colossians 1:13-14: Declares that God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His Son.
I read this and immediately felt the weight of intercession for my friends and family who do not know Jesus as their savior. The battle we must face for them is not one of passivity; it is bloody, intense, and supernatural. If we don’t stay on the front lines for them, the power of satan will rule their lives.
Never Finished Challenge:
You never know what the Holy Spirit will put on your heart when you read His word. Here is my challenge for you: take the rest of this year and pray for the unbelieving friends or family you know. Pray for opportunities for you to share the good news with them. Step out in faith for who He puts on your heart. When God puts someone on my mind, I try to text or call immediately. When I obeyed (70% of the time - improving odds, 🤣), the general response from the person I texted was, 'You texted at the right time; I was at my low; how did you know to text!? ***Put their name in your notes and put a reminder every morning to pray for them.
What does this tell me about God?
God is Sovereign. He will give you the boldness and courage. Remember what Acts 23:11 said: ‘The following night, the Lord stood by Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."‘ God does not make empty promises. He has promised to encourage you too, and give you a GUIDE and HELPER (Hes more, but for now…), the Holy Spirit! Thank you, Jesus!
