Acts 14:15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

Yesterday when I addressed the issues Paul encountered with the Roman Tribute, Governor Felix and King Aggrippa I had hoped to address the differences between being convinced and being convicted. My memory failed me somewhat in that effort but as I read the scriptures a new message appeared.

Similarly I find something in these opening verses which I did not expect. I have no desire to be associated with what Paul calls “peddlers”. I am no Paul, that is for sure but neither were any of those who came alongside Paul or after Paul to preach the gospel. In that effort, we are all alike.

Present the Gospel and let the Word do what the Word does best, speak to the heart of each of us, whether to convince or convict. It does not have to be one or the other.

Aggrippa was not convicted by Paul’s witness, but who is to say that as it festered in his heart that it might have done God’s will. That is not for me to judge. I can only testify that in my life what was heard early came to mind later when it served God’s will.

Over the years this pattern of seeking answers has often led to discovering something different and worthy of presenting. I cannot deny the Spirit when that happens. I am willing to put aside my personal agenda in furtherance of the gospel. It is not my gospel, it is His.

Rather than heeding too closely to my vision, pay attention to what these opening verses speak to you. That is more important than anything I think and say. As I said, I do not wish to be considered a peddler.

The reason I named this article “Likeness” is because in this we are all the same, when we do not see the same thing in the scriptures let the Spirit speak.

Acts 22:27-28 English Standard Version

27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.”

Paul spoke truly but did not tell all the truth, at least not yet. He was also a citizen of the Kingdom of God. In these verses we see that the Roman Tribune bought his citizenship in Rome with a great price. If Paul could witness to this man about citizenship within the Kingdom of God, the tribune would have understood that someone else paid the price for that citizenship that no one can afford with earthly tributes.

Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

Now Paul is told what his new mission will be, to preach in Rome.

Acts 24:24-27 English Standard Version

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Felix would have set Paul free for a bribe but that would not get Paul sent to Rome, so Paul waited patiently for God to change his circumstances. His trust in God came because Paul was a citizen of that Kingdom first and Rome second.

Acts 26:27-32 English Standard Version

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”[a] 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” 30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Paul’s witness did not convince Agrippa. If it had, Paul would not have been sent to Rome to fulfill the will of God.