The Apostle Paul was exuberant. From sunup to sundown, he taught about Jesus and His kingdom. His faith life in Jesus overflowed to others around him. Even to the closing years of his life and while he was under guard in Rome, Paul could not keep quiet. He knew that it was “because of the hope of Israel” that he was “bound with this chain” (v. 20), yet “boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 31).
But did you notice that no matter how Paul tried to persuade people concerning the truth from the Scriptures, only some were persuaded? It is the Holy Spirit alone who moves in hearts. The word could be spoken by someone as impassioned as Paul or by the most famous of theologians or by a child’s simple pleadings. But in all situations, some will be persuaded, and others will not.
Trust in God’s promise written in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord… is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Be persuaded by His lovingkindness.