August 31

Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from the earliest days of my youth, among my own people and in Jerusalem. — Acts 26:4 BSB

It’s a great thing when a person can confidently look back on their life. Paul could challenge his critics to find anything against him from his youth onward. The only way we can do the same is by guarding our lives from a young age.

It’s also a great thing to have a faith you are sure of. Many people’s faith is uncertain. But Paul knew Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, and he told Agrippa why he believed and why he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel.

Some people find the idea of resurrection hard to believe. Paul didn’t think it was unbelievable. God has all power—if He can create life from nothing, He can surely raise the dead.

Jesus didn’t give Paul time to dwell on his past mistakes. “Get up and stand on your feet!” His repentance was not to be shown through tears, but through service.