Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cesar.
Acts 26 recounts a pivotal moment in Paul's journey, offering a powerful testament to his faith and a compelling defense of the gospel. Held in custody for two years, facing relentless accusations from the Sanhedrin, Paul appeals to Caesar (Acts 25:7–12). Before his voyage to Rome, Governor Festus arranges for Paul to present his case before King Agrippa II and the leading figures of Caesarea Maritima (Acts 25:23–27). This chapter reveals the varying reactions to Paul's message and highlights the divine orchestration behind his mission. This chapter is crucial for understanding Paul’s unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, even in the face of persecution.
A Chance to Speak (Acts 26:1-3)
Given the opportunity to speak, Paul, with a gesture of respect, stretched out his hand and expressed his gratitude to King Agrippa for the chance to address him. Recognizing Agrippa's deep understanding of Jewish customs and controversies, Paul acknowledges the King's familiarity with the cultural and religious nuances of his story. As Paul says, "I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am going to make my defense before you today regarding all the things I am accused of by the Jews" (Acts 26:2). Paul’s respect for authority, as also reflected in Romans 13:1, demonstrates his understanding that governmental offices, even when held by imperfect individuals, are established by God and deserve respect.
Paul's Life Before Christ (Acts 26:4-11)
Paul begins by outlining his life before his conversion, emphasizing his rigorous upbringing within the Jewish faith. He recounts his early life as a Pharisee, deeply zealous for the traditions of his ancestors and the Mosaic law. Paul highlights that his accusers are well aware of his past, underscoring the dramatic transformation he has undergone.
He states, "All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee" (Acts 26:4-5). He emphasizes that the reason he was on trial was for believing in the hope of the resurrection of the dead, a promise rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures (Acts 26:6-7). Paul turns the tables, questioning why anyone would find the resurrection incredible (Acts 26:8).
Paul doesn't shy away from acknowledging his past persecution of Christians. He confesses that he once vehemently opposed Christianity, actively imprisoning and even advocating for the execution of believers. He explains, "Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison on authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them" (Acts 26:9-10).
Paul makes it clear to Agrippa that only a miraculous intervention could have transformed him from the chief persecutor of Christianity into its most ardent advocate.
Paul's Conversion Experience (Acts 26:12-18)
The heart of Paul's defense lies in his recounting of his conversion on the road to Damascus. He vividly describes the encounter with the resurrected Jesus, a blinding light from heaven that surpassed the brightness of the sun. Paul recounts the Lord's words, revealing his divine appointment: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you" (Acts 26:15-16).
Jesus's appearance brought both salvation and a divine purpose to Paul's life. He was commissioned to be a witness, sharing the message of salvation with both Jews and Gentiles. His mission would be to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, so that they might receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those sanctified by faith in Jesus (Acts 26:17-18). This encounter completely reoriented Paul's life, redirecting his energy from opposing Christ to serving Him.
Paul's Ministry and Message (Acts 26:19-23)
Paul emphasizes his obedience to the heavenly vision, stating, "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19). He immediately began preaching repentance and turning to God, urging people to demonstrate their repentance through their actions (Acts 26:20). This message, particularly its extension to the Gentiles, ignited the animosity of the Jews, leading to his arrest.
Paul insists that his teachings are in complete alignment with the prophecies of the Old Testament, proclaiming the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Messiah. He states, "that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles" (Acts 26:23). Paul highlights the core of the gospel: the Messiah's suffering, His resurrection, and the offer of light and forgiveness to all, Jew and Gentile alike.
Reactions to Paul's Testimony (Acts 26:24-29)
Festus, a Roman governor unfamiliar with Jewish theology, dismisses Paul's testimony as madness, exclaiming, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind" (Acts 26:24). Paul respectfully refutes this accusation, asserting that he speaks words of truth and reason (Acts 26:25).
Turning to Agrippa, Paul appeals to the king's knowledge of Jewish affairs, knowing that he is well aware of the events surrounding Jesus and Paul's ministry. Paul directly asks Agrippa, "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe" (Acts 26:27). In this moment, Paul subtly shifts the focus, placing Agrippa on the spot and challenging him to acknowledge the truth of the prophetic message.
Agrippa responds with a hint of irony, questioning whether Paul intends to persuade him to become a Christian so quickly (Acts 26:28). Paul responds, "Whether quickly or not, 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" (Acts 26:29). Paul expresses his heartfelt desire that everyone, regardless of how easily or with what difficulty, might come to know Jesus.
Conclusion: An Innocent Man (Acts 26:30-32)
Following Paul's defense, Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice confer privately and conclude that Paul is innocent of any crime deserving of death or imprisonment. They acknowledge that had he not appealed to Caesar, he could have been set free (Acts 26:30-31). However, Paul's appeal to Caesar aligns with God's plan to bring him to Rome, where he would bear witness to the gospel before the emperor himself. This situation underscores how God works through even the most challenging circumstances to fulfill His purposes.
Acts 26 reveals Paul's unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel, his skillful defense of his faith, and the diverse reactions he encountered. It also highlights the divine orchestration behind Paul's journey, leading him to Rome to proclaim the message of salvation to the heart of the Roman Empire.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cesar.
Acts 26 recounts a pivotal moment in Paul's journey, offering a powerful testament to his faith and a compelling defense of the gospel. Held in custody for two years, facing relentless accusations from the Sanhedrin, Paul appeals to Caesar (Acts 25:7–12). Before his voyage to Rome, Governor Festus arranges for Paul to present his case before King Agrippa II and the leading figures of Caesarea Maritima (Acts 25:23–27). This chapter reveals the varying reactions to Paul's message and highlights the divine orchestration behind his mission. This chapter is crucial for understanding Paul’s unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, even in the face of persecution.
A Chance to Speak (Acts 26:1-3)
Given the opportunity to speak, Paul, with a gesture of respect, stretched out his hand and expressed his gratitude to King Agrippa for the chance to address him. Recognizing Agrippa's deep understanding of Jewish customs and controversies, Paul acknowledges the King's familiarity with the cultural and religious nuances of his story. As Paul says, "I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am going to make my defense before you today regarding all the things I am accused of by the Jews" (Acts 26:2). Paul’s respect for authority, as also reflected in Romans 13:1, demonstrates his understanding that governmental offices, even when held by imperfect individuals, are established by God and deserve respect.
Paul's Life Before Christ (Acts 26:4-11)
Paul begins by outlining his life before his conversion, emphasizing his rigorous upbringing within the Jewish faith. He recounts his early life as a Pharisee, deeply zealous for the traditions of his ancestors and the Mosaic law. Paul highlights that his accusers are well aware of his past, underscoring the dramatic transformation he has undergone.
He states, "All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee" (Acts 26:4-5). He emphasizes that the reason he was on trial was for believing in the hope of the resurrection of the dead, a promise rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures (Acts 26:6-7). Paul turns the tables, questioning why anyone would find the resurrection incredible (Acts 26:8).
Paul doesn't shy away from acknowledging his past persecution of Christians. He confesses that he once vehemently opposed Christianity, actively imprisoning and even advocating for the execution of believers. He explains, "Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison on authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them" (Acts 26:9-10).
Paul makes it clear to Agrippa that only a miraculous intervention could have transformed him from the chief persecutor of Christianity into its most ardent advocate.
Paul's Conversion Experience (Acts 26:12-18)
The heart of Paul's defense lies in his recounting of his conversion on the road to Damascus. He vividly describes the encounter with the resurrected Jesus, a blinding light from heaven that surpassed the brightness of the sun. Paul recounts the Lord's words, revealing his divine appointment: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you" (Acts 26:15-16).
Jesus's appearance brought both salvation and a divine purpose to Paul's life. He was commissioned to be a witness, sharing the message of salvation with both Jews and Gentiles. His mission would be to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, so that they might receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those sanctified by faith in Jesus (Acts 26:17-18). This encounter completely reoriented Paul's life, redirecting his energy from opposing Christ to serving Him.
Paul's Ministry and Message (Acts 26:19-23)
Paul emphasizes his obedience to the heavenly vision, stating, "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19). He immediately began preaching repentance and turning to God, urging people to demonstrate their repentance through their actions (Acts 26:20). This message, particularly its extension to the Gentiles, ignited the animosity of the Jews, leading to his arrest.
Paul insists that his teachings are in complete alignment with the prophecies of the Old Testament, proclaiming the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Messiah. He states, "that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles" (Acts 26:23). Paul highlights the core of the gospel: the Messiah's suffering, His resurrection, and the offer of light and forgiveness to all, Jew and Gentile alike.
Reactions to Paul's Testimony (Acts 26:24-29)
Festus, a Roman governor unfamiliar with Jewish theology, dismisses Paul's testimony as madness, exclaiming, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind" (Acts 26:24). Paul respectfully refutes this accusation, asserting that he speaks words of truth and reason (Acts 26:25).
Turning to Agrippa, Paul appeals to the king's knowledge of Jewish affairs, knowing that he is well aware of the events surrounding Jesus and Paul's ministry. Paul directly asks Agrippa, "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe" (Acts 26:27). In this moment, Paul subtly shifts the focus, placing Agrippa on the spot and challenging him to acknowledge the truth of the prophetic message.
Agrippa responds with a hint of irony, questioning whether Paul intends to persuade him to become a Christian so quickly (Acts 26:28). Paul responds, "Whether quickly or not, 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" (Acts 26:29). Paul expresses his heartfelt desire that everyone, regardless of how easily or with what difficulty, might come to know Jesus.
Conclusion: An Innocent Man (Acts 26:30-32)
Following Paul's defense, Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice confer privately and conclude that Paul is innocent of any crime deserving of death or imprisonment. They acknowledge that had he not appealed to Caesar, he could have been set free (Acts 26:30-31). However, Paul's appeal to Caesar aligns with God's plan to bring him to Rome, where he would bear witness to the gospel before the emperor himself. This situation underscores how God works through even the most challenging circumstances to fulfill His purposes.
Acts 26 reveals Paul's unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel, his skillful defense of his faith, and the diverse reactions he encountered. It also highlights the divine orchestration behind Paul's journey, leading him to Rome to proclaim the message of salvation to the heart of the Roman Empire.