Acts Chapter 26 Expository Thoughts and Considerations

Verse 1: Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: Though this hearing takes place in Festus’ reception hall, it appears he has turned all authority for the questioning over to Agrippa. Paul’s motioning with his hand indicates that he gives a salute, or possibly is gesturing to emphasize his message. It is a different phrase from the one that indicates someone motioning for silence.

Verse 2 -- "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. Paul is about to embark upon the third defense he will give concerning his ministry and faith in the gospel. Lenski states, “Paul converted this great hall into a church, and acted as a preacher.”

Paul presents a polite and complimentary introduction to Agrippa. The primary points of his defense will focus upon the accusations made against him by the Jews – namely that he stirs up trouble, that he blasphemes God and that he is a rebel against Rome. Agrippa truly was an expert in the matters of Jewish religion and held a position of authority with the Roman government in connection with the matters of Jewish religion.

Paul mentions “customs” and “controversies”. He affirms that Agrippa understands the customs and traditions of the Jews, especially as these reflected the worship of God. He also affirms that Agrippa understands the “controversies”. These would be the matters of debate between especially the Sadducees and the Pharisees.

Verse 4-8 – (summarized) Defense from heritage The Jews know how I’ve lived since childhood. They can tell you that I lived according to the strictest sect of the Pharisees. I am on trial because I believed in the hope of my forefathers – promised by God. All of Israel (twelve tribes) are hoping to see the fulfillment of those promises. I am accused for this hope – believing that God has raised someone from the dead.

Verse (summarized) Defense From Zeal Began as an opponent of Christianity and against Jesus. Persecuted the church with great fervor on the authority of the chief priests. Voted in favor of putting the saints to death. Pursued Christians to the synagogues and tried to force them to blaspheme the name of God, thus securing a death penalty against them. Even pursued to other countries.

Verse – (summarized) Defense from Divine Vision Recount of the events on the road to Damascus Events occurring at noon Voice of the Lord speaks in Aramaic (the common tongue of the Jews). “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” First time we learn of these words from Jesus. Promise of Jesus to rescue him from both Jews and Gentiles to convert them to the gospel.

Verse – (summarized) Defense from Obedience to the Vision Paul obeyed the vision, believing it unquestionably to have come from the resurrected Lord. Worldwide mission effort launched in obedience to the vision. Unlawful arrest. Intercession by God. Consistency with all prophets and revelation.

Verse At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." This defense direction is beyond Festus’ ability to endure. While this hearing is actually before Agrippa, Festus feels free to rudely interrupt Paul and assert his own opinion that what Paul is speaking is nonsense. That is exactly what Paul said the Gentiles would think of the gospel message.

It is interesting to see that Festus recognized in Paul a person of great learning. The Greek reads, “your great writings are driving you insane”. We should probably understand that Paul has gone into a more lengthy explanation of the ways in which Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus. Luke has not likely recorded the entire defense, but only the highlights.

Verse 25-27: (summarized) Paul assures Festus that he is not insane, but rather controlled and reasonable. He politely reminds Festus that he is talking to Agrippa, and not to Festus. He knows that Agrippa is able to follow the discussion, even if Festus is in the dark. He also knows that King Agrippa believes in the Old Covenant accounts and the prophesies and can therefore understand Paul’s reason (at very least) for believing Jesus is the Messiah.

Paul concludes this segment of his defense with these words: King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” The question is purely rhetorical. Paul answers it immediately. As wicked as Agrippa was, he still believed in the Old Covenant accounts and knew that the prophets had spoken only truth. At stake, though, is understanding.

Verse 28 – “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian.” The NIV here captures the idea of the text better than many. Agrippa is not suggesting to Paul that in a very short time he is about to become a Christian. He is not in any way affirming that he finds Paul’s reasoning to be either valid nor convincing. He is rather chiding Paul for his fervor.

Verse 29 – Paul replied, “Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Paul recognizes that Agrippa is not expressing faith in Christ. He offers a prayer, though, that Agrippa and all others who heard his reasoning from scripture would repent and turn to the Lord. Paul wishes the chains removed, but celebrates his Christian salvation.

Verse The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” They agree with one another that Paul is innocent and should be set free. That does not mean they believe his conclusions, but only they see he is innocent.

We see here, again, the great intervention of God. Had this hearing taken place before the earlier hearing before Festus, Paul might never have gone to Rome. Because of Paul’s appeal to Caesar, he must now go to Caesar. No one but Caesar now could either acquit or convict him. God has paved the way for Paul to go to Rome.