Imagine standing before a king, your life hanging in the balance, and instead of pleading for your freedom, you share your deepest convictions. In Acts 26, Paul does just that as he addresses King Agrippa, revealing the transformation that turned him from a fierce persecutor of Christians to one of their most passionate advocates.
The Reading: Acts 26
World English Bible1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
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2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,
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3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
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4 “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;
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5 having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
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6 Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,
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7 which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!
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8 Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead?
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9 “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
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10 This I also did in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
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11 Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
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12 “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,
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13 at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.
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14 When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
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15 “I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
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16 But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you;
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17 delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,
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18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
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19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
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20 but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
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21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple, and tried to kill me.
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22 Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen,
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23 how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles.”
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24 As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”
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25 But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
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26 For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner.
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27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
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28 Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
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29 Paul said, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds.”
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30 The king rose up with the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them.
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31 When they had withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”
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32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Paul's Defense Begins
King Agrippa gives Paul the floor, allowing him to defend himself against the accusations from the Jewish leaders. Paul starts by expressing his happiness to speak before Agrippa, who is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and laws. He invites the king to listen patiently as he explains his history and beliefs.
A Life Transformed
Paul recounts his early life, highlighting that he was once a devout Pharisee, living strictly according to Jewish law. He explains that he is on trial because of his hope in the promise made by God to the Jewish people - specifically, the belief in the resurrection of the dead. Paul challenges Agrippa, asking why the idea of resurrection seems unbelievable.
The Encounter on the Road
Paul then shares a pivotal moment from his past. While traveling to Damascus with authority to arrest Christians, he experiences a blinding light and hears the voice of Jesus asking why he is persecuting Him. This moment marks a turning point for Paul, who is instructed by Jesus to become a witness to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul emphasizes that he has been obedient to this divine vision, preaching repentance and turning towards God.
Reaction from Festus and Agrippa
As Paul speaks, Festus, the governor, interrupts, suggesting that Paul is out of his mind due to his extensive education. Paul calmly replies, insisting that he speaks truthfully and reasonably. Then he turns to Agrippa, asking if he believes in the prophets and hinting at the king's knowledge of such matters. Agrippa responds with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, asking if Paul is trying to make him a Christian.
A Hope Beyond Chains
Paul expresses a hope that all who hear him would embrace faith, though he acknowledges that he is still in chains. After hearing his defense, Agrippa and Festus determine that Paul has done nothing deserving of death or imprisonment, yet he remains in custody because he appealed to Caesar.
Why It Matters
The Power of Testimony
Paul's defense showcases the impact of personal testimony. His willingness to share his story, including his darkest moments, reveals the transformative power of faith. In our own lives, sharing our experiences can inspire others and create connections that lead to understanding and hope.
Embracing Change
Paul's radical change from persecutor to preacher illustrates that it is never too late to turn around and embrace a new path. No matter where you come from or the mistakes you've made, there is always a chance for renewal and purpose.
Seeking Truth
Paul's encounter with Jesus prompts us to consider our own beliefs. It encourages us to seek truth in our lives, to question our assumptions, and to be open to new perspectives. Each of us can discover deeper meanings through our faith.
If you're looking to explore these themes in a community, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Engaging with others can help deepen your understanding and support your journey of faith.
Coming Up Next: Acts 27
As we move into Acts 27, Paul's journey takes a dramatic turn as he sets sail for Rome. What challenges will he face at sea? Join us for the next part of this incredible journey!