Acts Chapter 26: Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa


Summary
Acts 26 narrates Paul’s defense before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus in Caesarea, emphasizing his conversion, apostolic calling, and the gospel’s truth. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Introduction and Context (26:1–3): Agrippa grants Paul permission to speak. Paul expresses gratitude for Agrippa’s familiarity with Jewish customs, setting the stage for his defense.
  • Paul’s Early Life and Zeal (26:4–11): Paul recounts his life as a Pharisee, known to Jews, and his zealous persecution of Christians, imprisoning and voting for their deaths, even pursuing them to foreign cities.
  • Conversion on the Damascus Road (26:12–18): While traveling to Damascus, a blinding light from heaven stops Paul. Jesus speaks, commissioning him to turn people from darkness to light, from Satan’s power to God, offering forgiveness through faith. Paul receives a mission to Jews and Gentiles.
  • Paul’s Obedience and Ministry (26:19–23): Paul obeyed the vision, preaching repentance in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and to Gentiles, leading to his arrest. He affirms his message aligns with Moses and the prophets, proclaiming Christ’s suffering, resurrection, and light to all.
  • Reaction and Conclusion (26:24–32): Festus interrupts, calling Paul mad due to his learning. Paul appeals to Agrippa’s knowledge of the prophets, asking if he believes. Agrippa deflects, saying Paul almost persuades him to be a Christian. After private discussion, Agrippa and Festus agree Paul is innocent but must go to Caesar due to his appeal.
Cross-References
  • Paul’s Early Life:
    • Philippians 3:4–6: Paul’s Pharisaic credentials.
    • Acts 8:3; 22:4–5: Paul’s persecution of Christians.
    • Galatians 1:13–14: Paul’s zeal for Jewish traditions.
  • Damascus Conversion:
    • Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–16: Parallel accounts of Paul’s conversion.
    • Isaiah 42:7: Opening blind eyes, applied to Paul’s mission.
    • Ephesians 2:8: Forgiveness through faith.
  • Paul’s Ministry:
    • Acts 13:47: Light to the Gentiles, fulfilling Isaiah 49:6.
    • Romans 1:5: Obedience of faith among Gentiles.
    • 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: Christ’s death and resurrection per Scripture.
  • Reactions:
    • 1 Corinthians 1:23: Gospel as foolishness to some.
    • Acts 25:19: Festus’ confusion about Jewish disputes.
    • 2 Timothy 4:16–17: Paul’s defense for gospel proclamation.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Witnessing to the ends of the earth.
    • Romans 10:14–15: Preaching for faith.
Theological Meaning
Acts 26 is rich with theological themes that underscore Paul’s mission and the gospel’s power:
  • Divine Calling: Paul’s conversion (26:13–18) shows God’s sovereign choice, transforming a persecutor into an apostle, highlighting grace (Ephesians 3:7–8).
  • Gospel’s Continuity: Paul’s message aligns with Moses and the prophets (26:22–23), showing Jesus fulfills Scripture as the suffering and risen Messiah (Luke 24:46).
  • Universal Mission: Commissioned to Jews and Gentiles (26:17–18), Paul embodies Acts’ theme of salvation for all, turning people from darkness to light (Acts 13:47; John 8:12).
  • Bold Witness: Paul’s defense before rulers (26:19–29) fulfills Jesus’ promise that he would testify before kings (Acts 9:15), modeling courage in proclaiming truth (2 Timothy 1:7).
  • Faith and Repentance: Paul’s preaching of repentance and faith (26:20) reflects the gospel’s call to turn to God, receiving forgiveness (Acts 20:21; Romans 10:9).
  • Human Responses: Agrippa’s deflection and Festus’ dismissal (26:24, 28) illustrate varied reactions to the gospel—skepticism, curiosity, or rejection—yet Paul persists (1 Corinthians 2:14).
  • Innocence and Providence: Paul’s innocence (26:31–32) and appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11) show God’s plan to bring him to Rome, advancing the gospel (Philippians 1:12).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did Paul address Agrippa specifically (26:2–3)?
    • Agrippa, a Jewish king familiar with Jewish customs (26:3), was better equipped to understand Paul’s defense than Roman officials like Festus (Acts 25:26). Paul leveraged this to present the gospel (26:2; Acts 24:24).
  2. What was Paul’s life like before his conversion (26:4–11)?
    • Paul was a devout Pharisee, zealous for the Law, and persecuted Christians, imprisoning them and approving deaths (26:9–11; Philippians 3:6). His past showed his radical transformation (Galatians 1:13).
  3. What happened on the Damascus road (26:12–18)?
    • Jesus appeared in a blinding light, confronting Paul’s persecution and commissioning him to preach forgiveness and salvation to Jews and Gentiles (26:14–18; Acts 9:3–6). It marked his apostolic call (1 Corinthians 9:1).
  4. Why did Jesus say, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (26:14)?
    • This proverb, unique to Acts 26, likens Paul to an ox resisting prods (26:14). It suggests he was resisting God’s conviction, making his persecution futile (John 16:8; Acts 22:10).
  5. What did Paul preach after his conversion (26:19–20)?
    • Paul preached repentance and turning to God, proving faith through deeds, first to Jews in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to Gentiles (26:20; Acts 20:21). His message was consistent with the gospel (Romans 2:4).
  6. Why did Festus call Paul mad (26:24)?
    • Festus, a Roman unfamiliar with Jewish theology, thought Paul’s talk of visions and resurrection was irrational due to his learning (26:24; 1 Corinthians 1:18). It reflects the gospel’s challenge to secular minds.
  7. Was Agrippa almost persuaded to become a Christian (26:28)?
    • Agrippa’s response (26:28) is ambiguous, possibly sarcastic or deflecting. He recognized Paul’s intent to convert him but avoided commitment, showing partial openness but resistance (Acts 24:25).
  8. Why was Paul still sent to Rome if found innocent (26:31–32)?
    • Agrippa and Festus agreed Paul committed no crime (26:31), but his appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11) legally required transfer to Rome (26:32). This fulfilled God’s plan for Paul to testify there (Acts 23:11).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great, ruled a small territory under Rome (26:1). His sister Bernice (26:30) was rumored to have a scandalous relationship with him (Josephus, Antiquities 20.7.3). Festus, a new governor (Acts 25:1), sought Agrippa’s expertise on Jewish matters (26:3). Paul’s appeal to Caesar (26:32) invoked Roman citizenship rights, ensuring a trial in Rome.
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why Paul’s Pharisaic background mattered (26:5). It established his credibility among Jews (Philippians 3:5). The “goads” proverb (26:14) was Greco-Roman, relatable to Agrippa’s audience. Agrippa’s response (26:28) reflects diplomatic evasion, common in public settings. Paul’s chains (26:29) were literal, symbolizing his sacrifice (Ephesians 6:20).
  • Application: Acts 26 calls believers to share their faith boldly, trust God’s calling, and persevere despite rejection. It encourages aligning with Scripture’s promises and embracing the gospel’s universal reach (Colossians 4:6).
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