### **“Paul’s Defense Before the King of Rome”**  
*By Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ*  
  
Oh mighty King, and all who hear me today, I stand before you not as a criminal, nor as one who seeks power or rebellion, but as a servant of the living God, called to declare **the truth that can save your soul.**  

I was once like many of you—proud, confident in my own wisdom, zealous for the traditions of men. I persecuted those who followed Jesus of Nazareth, believing them to be deceived. I sought to destroy His name from the earth.  

But something happened that changed my life forever.  

### **1. The Light That Blinded My Eyes**  
As I traveled to Damascus with authority to arrest Christians, suddenly, **a great light from heaven shone around me.** I fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying,  

*"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."*  

Trembling, I asked, *"Who are You, Lord?"*  

And He replied,  

*"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose—to make you a minister and a witness of what you have seen and what I will reveal to you."*  

At that moment, my eyes were opened—not just to the light of the sun, but to **the truth of God’s grace.**  

### **2. The Call to Preach the Gospel**  
The same Jesus whom I opposed is the Son of God, risen from the dead! He commanded me to **turn people from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Him.**  

Oh King, I was not disobedient to this calling. From Jerusalem to the Gentiles, I have preached **that they should repent, turn to God, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.**  

### **3. Why This Matters Today**  
Some of you may say, *“Paul, this message is foolishness! We are strong, we have wealth, we have knowledge—why do we need salvation?”*  

I answer you with **truth**: **Every man, whether king or servant, rich or poor, will stand before God in judgment.** It is written, *“It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this, the judgment”* (Hebrews 9:27).  

Your power cannot save you.  
Your wealth cannot buy you eternal life.  
Your wisdom cannot erase the sin in your soul.  

Only **through Jesus Christ** can you be saved. He took upon Himself the punishment you and I deserve. He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, defeating death itself! **And now, He offers you eternal life.**  

### **4. The King’s Choice: Life or Death**  
Oh King, I know these words may seem strange to you. Some may mock, others may say, *“I will hear you again on this matter.”* But let me warn you—**time is not in your hands.**  

Even now, God calls you to repent, to turn from your sins, to trust in the risen Christ. **If you reject this message, you reject the only hope of salvation.** But if you believe, you will be **forgiven, justified, and made a citizen of God’s kingdom.**  

### **5. My Final Plea**  
I do not stand before you seeking my own freedom, nor do I fear your judgment. My concern is for **your soul.**  

Would to God that not only you, but all who hear me today, might **become as I am**—a man forgiven, redeemed, and made alive in Christ, **except for these chains!**  

Oh King, will you believe? Will you be set free? Or will you turn away, only to stand before God in judgment?  

The choice is yours.  

**Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!**