Short time or long
by Dianne Eckermann
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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).
Read Acts 26:18–29
Arachnophobia, a fear of spiders, is allegedly the most common phobia in the world, followed by glossophobia, the fear of public speaking. There is also a relatively new phobia, nomophobia, or the fear of being without your mobile phone, which is catching up. St Paul’s attitude towards spiders is not recorded; however, he is known for his ability to craft and deliver his amazing message about Jesus and his victory over death.
In today’s reading, Paul is again speaking up, not just in public, but before King Agrippa. Paul is a notable orator, and his speech on this occasion displays just how well he can deliver his message, even though the Jewish leaders arrested him and he stands before the king in chains. He is not overawed by authority or the presence of the king and, with the help of God, he stands to ‘testify to small and great alike’ (verse 22).
The end of Paul’s speech is about how his message about Jesus is consistent with the teachings of Moses and the prophets. When he is interrupted and accused of being mad, he responds calmly and politely, yet again stressing that nothing he says is new to those familiar with the prophets and flattering King Agrippa by including him among the knowledgeable.
Paul’s response to Agrippa at the end of his speech is most powerful. ‘Short time or long,’ he begins. In other words, time does not matter, as he will continue to preach about Jesus for as long as it takes. He continues, ‘I pray to God.’ It is God’s message he is sharing, and through God’s help that he can stand before Agrippa and his accusers and speak. His message also is not just in response to Agrippa, but to all who are listening to him. It is not a message just for the powerful or for leaders; God is for everyone. Finally, we can imagine a wry smile when Paul says he prays that all will be like him, except, of course, for his chains.
We, too, can thank God that if Paul ever had a fear of public speaking, he overcame it, and many years later his voice is still heard.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all who share your message and for helping us to understand the full extent of your love for us all. Guide us through your Holy Spirit as we live out your truth and love in our world. Amen.
Dianne has served in Lutheran education as a teacher, school leader and system leader at Lutheran Education Australia. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to volunteer on several committees and as a school board member. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, Robert, and is in strong demand as a babysitter for her three grandchildren.
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