“What I am saying is reasonable and true.”
That line from Acts 26:25 has stuck with me over the past few weeks. As Paul makes his defence of the gospel before King Agrippa and Festus, Festus accuses him of being out of his mind. But Paul calmly replies, “What I am saying is reasonable and true.”
Have you ever thought that before? I know for myself, many times I’ve remained silent when talking to my friends about Jesus because they might think, I’ve lost my mind. And that’s exactly what Festus thought of Paul! But Paul’s words have been a real encouragement to me: the gospel is both reasonable and true.
That truth was a comfort during Clubs Week at Victoria University last week. As we talked with students, inviting them to church, and sharing the gospel with anyone willing to stop and listen. Knowing that the hope we have in Jesus is not foolish—but reasonable and true—gave me confidence.
As we explained to the students that we’re a church that loves Jesus and loves Wellington it’s fascinating to see their different reactions. The responses I’m encouraged by are from people that come up wanting to engage with us, to have a reasonable discussion about Jesus, whether they believe the gospel or not. That said, two types of responses continue to challenge me:
1. People with absolutely no interest in engaging with a discussion. They just want their coffee or hot chocolate and to just be on their way.
2. People come for a coffee and out of politeness will stand there and listen quietly, but don’t engage in conversation as we try to share and point them to Jesus.
Both responses show an indifference—because they don’t believe that following Jesus is reasonable or true.
Last week I had one conversation that really stood out. A student came up, clearly in that second group—politely listening but not responding. I was asking him questions about his studies, but he seemed completely uninterested to engage in a conversation (maybe he struggled to understand my accent). Once he got his drink, I assumed that was the end of it.
But then he turned back to me and asked, “What does it mean to be a Christian?”
I was caught off guard. For someone who seemed so disconnected with our previous conversation, I wasn’t expecting that question. But I shouldn’t have been surprised, because the gospel is both reasonable and true.
We ended up having a great conversation, and as he walked away, he said, “I’ve got a lot to think about.”
Now in our short conversation I don’t know where that young man stands with Jesus, but my prayer is the same as Paul’s prayer for King Agrippa in Acts 26:28-29:
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 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...”
So, as we continue to follow Jesus together, let’s keep praying that prayer—for students, for our friends, co-workers, family, and all of Wellington. That they too would come to see that the gospel, and following Jesus, is both reasonable and true.
Grace and Peace,
David
eNews - 18th July 2025