To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins…
These are the words Paul uses to describe the mission Jesus gave him to do. It is a graphic description of the condition of everyone who does not believe in Jesus.
In darkness and under the power of Satan!
The truth is all unbelievers are blind to reality. The sphere in which they live is darkness. There sins remain unforgiven!
Surely his audience understood he was talking about them also. But Paul does not fear for his life as much as he fears for their spiritual condition! He wants to share with them the way to forgiveness of sins and entrance into the kingdom of God.
Paul is very bold to talk this frankly before such an august body of people. King Agrippa, Festus, high ranking military officers and all the leading men of the city who are themselves unbelievers. Those who have power over his life!
The text records how Agrippa and Bernice entered the assembly with great pomp. The Greek word used here is phantasia. They are all living in a fantasy, something that is unreal, temporary and will not endure!
Through birth, by education and skill or even by political maneuvering, each of those assembled have created a comfortable place for themselves in the world. Their place in society must have been a source of both pride and security to them.
But Paul understands they do not have a place among the saved. They are in great danger and don't realize it. He would bring them into the light of God’s reality. The truth of Jesus!
This is Paul’s Mission and the work of every student of the Teacher.
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