Acts 26:16, 19–21 NIV “Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me…So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.”
Men, Jesus’ command to Paul is the same call on us: stand up and live the Great Commission. Paul began right where he was—Damascus—before expanding to Jerusalem, Judea, and finally the nations. We are to do the same: begin at home, in our workplace, and among the people already in our lives. Not all of us will travel across the globe, but every one of us is sent to the people we know, and we can support global missions through our prayers and giving just as Paul’s supporters did.
The gospel is simple but offensive: repent and turn to God. That means admitting we aren’t living or thinking rightly and must change. Culture insists we can define our own truth and morality. God says otherwise. Repentance calls us away from sin of every kind—sexual immorality, greed, selfish ambition, pride, and anything else that rebels against His commands.
Christian men, this message will bring conflict—even in our families—because light exposes darkness. But our response must be Paul’s response: “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.” We can’t soften God’s Word to avoid rejection. We must live in humble obedience and call others to the same.
Here’s the challenge:
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Stand up—own your calling as Christ’s servant.
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Speak out—share the gospel with courage and clarity.
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Live it—demonstrate repentance by deeds that show a changed heart.
Purpose, provision, and priorities are found in obeying the risen Christ. Begin today where you are. Pray. Testify. Support those who go farther. And when resistance comes, remember Paul: faithful to Jesus, fearless before men.
The Great Commission isn’t optional. It’s the mission of every follower of Jesus—starting now, starting with you.
