Acts 26

Acts 26 features Paul's defense before King Agrippa II, where he recounts his background, his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, and his mission to the Gentiles. This chapter is crucial as it highlights the transformative power of encountering Christ and emphasizes the theme of resurrection which is central to Paul's preaching and defense.

Acts 26:1-5 (NKJV) Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Paul begins his defense with a respectful address to King Agrippa, expressing his pleasure at being able to present his case before someone knowledgeable about Jewish customs. He outlines his Jewish heritage and strict adherence to the Pharisee sect, which is known for its rigorous observance of the Law, to establish his credibility and the seriousness with which he once regarded Jewish law and customs.

Acts 26:6-8 (NKJV) “And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?

Paul points out that his trial is essentially about the hope of the resurrection, a promise he argues is rooted in Jewish tradition and scriptures. He challenges the disbelief surrounding the resurrection of the dead, implying that such an event should not be deemed incredible, especially to those familiar with Jewish teachings.

Acts 26:9-11 (NKJV) “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul confesses his former zeal in persecuting followers of Jesus, admitting his aggressive actions and approval of their execution. His testimony highlights the drastic change in his life post-conversion, underscoring the sincerity and depth of his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a proponent of the Christian faith.

Acts 26:12-15 (NKJV) “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

In this vivid recounting of his conversion, Paul describes the supernatural light and voice that confronted him. The phrase "kick against the goads" suggests resistance against divine direction. This moment represents a pivotal point where Paul's life purpose is fundamentally redirected by a personal encounter with Jesus.

Acts 26:16-18 (NKJV) 'But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and 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 Me.’

Here, Jesus commissions Paul as His witness, tasking him with spreading the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. This mission involves enlightening those in spiritual darkness, turning them away from Satan's influence towards God, thereby granting them forgiveness and a place among the sanctified. This divine mandate underscores the transformative power of faith and the universal offer of salvation.

Acts 26:19-23 (NKJV) “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

Paul emphasizes his obedience to the divine vision, outlining his evangelistic efforts starting from Damascus to a broader audience, including Gentiles. He underscores that his message—central to which is Christ’s suffering, resurrection, and role as a light to all—aligns with Jewish prophecy, challenging the legal basis of the accusations against him. Paul’s survival and continued ministry are portrayed as evidence of God's support.

Acts 26:24-29 (NKJV) Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king knows these things, before whom also I speak freely; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me today might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

In this exchange, Festus accuses Paul of madness, a charge Paul refutes by appealing to rationality and truth. His direct challenge to Agrippa's belief in the prophets and his wish for all present to embrace Christianity, highlights the evangelistic zeal that characterizes his ministry. Paul's final words reflect a poignant desire for universal salvation, overshadowed only by his physical imprisonment.

Acts 26:30-32 (NKJV) When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice, and those who sat with them; and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

The concluding verses depict the authorities’ private acknowledgment of Paul’s innocence, suggesting that his legal entanglements are more about politics than justice. Agrippa’s remark about Paul's potential release had he not appealed to Caesar underscores the complexities of Roman legal proceedings and the strategic nature of Paul’s appeal, which ultimately aims to extend his ministry to Rome.