The Book of
Acts 26
32 verses≈ 6 min3 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa
King Agrippa
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”
Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
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“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
Acts 26:8
In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Paul
‘Who are You, Lord?’
I asked.
Jesus
‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.
Reflect
From darkness to light
The Lord sent Paul “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light.” Paul had been sure he was right, and he was wrong. Where have your own eyes been opened? What is one thing you see differently because of Jesus?
So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.
Stylised map · locations approximate
Where it happened
Where Paul preached
“First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles.” Paul’s own summary of his work follows the map Jesus gave His witnesses, and it brought him at last to this hall in Caesarea.
But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”
Acts 26:22–23
What Moses and the prophets said
Whiteboard
Paul claims nothing new. The Scriptures already said the Christ would suffer and rise, and that the risen One would proclaim light to Israel and to the nations. Paul is that light’s witness, standing in chains before a king.
Question
Quick question
This is the third time Acts tells about the light on the Damascus road. This time Paul tells it to King Agrippa.
At what time of day did Paul see the light from heaven?
Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense
At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”
“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”
0:45
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Pray
Not only you
Paul stood in chains and wished that everyone listening would become what he was, “except for these chains.” He did not wish them harm. He wanted their good. Pray for someone you know who is ‘almost persuaded,’ and ask God for Paul’s kind of love for them.
You’ve experienced
Acts 26
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A verse to carry with you
“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Acts 26:29
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