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Acts 26 · Berean Standard Bible

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¹Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: ²“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, ³especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently. ⁴Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from the earliest days of my youth, among my own people and in Jerusalem. ⁵They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion. ⁶And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, ⁷the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews. ⁸Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? ⁹So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. ¹⁰And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. ¹¹I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. ¹²In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. ¹³About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. ¹⁴We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ ¹⁵‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. ¹⁷I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ ¹⁹So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. ²⁰First 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. ²¹For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ²²But 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: ²³that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.” ²⁴At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” ²⁵But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. ²⁶For 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. ²⁷King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” ²⁸Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?” ²⁹“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.” ³⁰Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. ³¹On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” ³²And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

Acts

Acts 26

Paul Testifies Before King Agrippa

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Objective

Acts 26 is Paul's most detailed and passionate defense of the Gospel as he testifies before King Agrippa, Governor Festus, and an audience of prominent leaders. Paul recounts his conversion, his commission to preach to the Gentiles, and the hope of the resurrection. This chapter highlights the power of personal testimony, the Gospel's transformative impact, and the universal call to repentance. Paul's boldness and unwavering faith inspire believers to proclaim the truth with courage, even to those in positions of power.

Detailed Analysis

Event Description

Agrippa invites Paul to speak, and Paul begins with respect and gratitude for the opportunity to present his case before someone familiar with Jewish customs. Paul highlights his background as a Pharisee and explains that his trial centers on his hope in God's promise to the patriarchs--the resurrection of the dead. Paul challenges Agrippa and the audience, asking why it should be considered incredible that God raises the dead. This sets the stage for Paul to connect his message to the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ.

Central Themes

Respectful Engagement: Paul's courteous address to Agrippa shows the importance of respect when sharing the Gospel, even with those in power.

The Hope of the Resurrection: Paul identifies the resurrection as the cornerstone of his faith, fulfilling God's promises to Israel.

God's Power and Sovereignty: Paul challenges the audience to recognize the plausibility of the resurrection, emphasizing God's ability to do the impossible.

Cultural & Historical Context

Agrippa's Knowledge of Jewish Customs: As a descendant of the Herodian dynasty, Agrippa had familiarity with Jewish beliefs and traditions (Acts 25:13). The Pharisees' Belief in the Resurrection: Paul's emphasis on the resurrection aligns with the Pharisaic doctrine, contrasting with the Sadducees (Acts 23:6-8). God's Promise of Resurrection: The resurrection fulfills Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 26:19 and Daniel 12:2, affirming God's covenant faithfulness.

Key Verse

"Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?" (Acts 26:8)

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

Paul Before Agrippa and Festus

Paul stands in chains, his eyes blazing with conviction as he recounts his encounter with Jesus. Festus, seated on a raised platform, leans forward with a mix of curiosity and frustration, while Agrippa listens intently, his face unreadable. The audience murmurs as Paul boldly declares the truth of the resurrection.

Paul's Damascus Encounter

A blinding light floods the dusty road to Damascus, surrounding Paul and his companions. Paul falls to the ground, shielding his face, as the voice of Jesus echoes, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

Song

From Chains to Freedom

Verse 1

On the road to hate, I walked alone, Blinded by zeal, a heart of stone. But mercy called, a light did shine, The Risen Lord said, "You are Mine."

Verse 2

In chains I stand, yet bold I'll speak, To kings and rulers, the lost and weak. The truth I share, the hope I bring, Is Christ, my Lord, my risen King.

Chorus

From chains to freedom, my heart was made new, From death to life, Lord, I'll follow You. Through trials and trials, Your Word will stay true, From chains to freedom, I live for You.

Bridge

The world may scoff, the chains may bind, But in Your grace, true freedom I find. Your promise stands, Your Word remains, Through every storm, Your love sustains.

Outro

From chains to freedom, I live for You.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Share Your Testimony Boldly: Like Paul, reflect on the ways God has worked in your life and share your story of transformation to glorify Him and encourage others.

Live With Hope in the Resurrection: Root your faith and daily life in the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, trusting in the promises of God.

Community & Society

Engage Respectfully: When sharing the Gospel, approach others with respect and humility, even when addressing those in positions of authority.

Be a Light to Others: Demonstrate the transformative power of repentance and faith by living a life marked by love, integrity, and grace.

Global Perspective

Proclaim the Gospel Widely: Follow Paul's example in seeking to bring the message of salvation to all people, regardless of their background or status.

Trust God's Plan: Rest in the assurance that God is sovereign over every circumstance and can use even trials and opposition to advance His kingdom.

Conclusion

Acts 26 is a testament to the power of personal witness and the transformative nature of the Gospel. Paul's unwavering faith, his bold proclamation before Agrippa, and his heart for the salvation of all people challenge us to live courageously for Christ. No matter our audience--whether a king, a governor, or a neighbor--we are called to proclaim the hope of the resurrection and the truth of God's grace. Like Paul, may we live with the conviction that nothing, not even chains, can hinder the power of God's message to change lives and bring freedom to the captives.