And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
He got a sales job. The training was exciting. The pay potential was great. All seemed so promising. But as the training gave way to the grit of sales calls, the bloom began to fall from the roses. And the sweet smell faded to the stale odor of the grind. And the pressure built. He quit. There were too many behind the scenes realities hidden from the new recruits.
It all seemed so appealing. The emphasis on healthy living, family values, and decency was compelling. They were so encouraging, welcoming, and kind. But as they got further and further into the religious community they discovered secrets and hidden facts that were disturbing. They never would have engaged with this group had they known the whole truth.
Paul makes a comment to Festus regarding Agrippa’s knowledge of Paul’s experiences: “none of these things has escaped [the king’s] notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” All of what Paul had done, taught, claimed, and proclaimed were above board, visible to everyone. There was no bait an switch going on here.
Followers of Jesus who wish to bring others into his kingdom must follow this light of day approach to telling others about Jesus. No false advertising. But what would need to be hidden? Perhaps some would want to downplay Jesus’ virgin birth. Others might want to make the resurrection a spiritual myth. A person might want to remove things from the Bible that are difficult to understand. We might be tempted to make Jesus one choice of many paths to God. None of these are true to God’s word.
True witnesses to the Christian faith have never tried to hide these things. The Gospel message welcomes the bright light of full disclosure. The message of the gospel must not be relegated to the corners of life.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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