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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 26

PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Paul, who could have been intimidated by the political leaders he stands before, does not back
down from boldly sharing his conversion experience and call to ministry, even when accused of
being a madman. We must not be moved by the opinions others have of our faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ. God may bring those across our path who are at the point of almost being
persuaded to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Perhaps the Lord will use us to plant the
final seed so the one standing on the brink of his or her decision to receive Jesus Christ as Lord
and Savior will finally be persuaded to enter into His kingdom.

AGRIPPA PERMITS PAUL TO SPEAK (1-11)

When Paul is permitted to address Agrippa, he uses the Roman style of oratory. He explains
how he was trained to be a Pharisee. Paul continues by explaining how he was not much
different from those now persecuting him because he once also persecuted Christians.

PAUL ADDRESSES AGRIPPA

Act 26:1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched
out his hand and answered for himself:

Paul is completely poised and uses the Roman style in addressing these men. The stretched
forth hand is to draw attention in respect to a speaker. There was probably a lot of small talk
going on in the room. Paul has a message for them to hear.

Act 26:2 "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,

I think (conclude) myself happy (makarias: Blessed), king Agrippa, because I shall answer for
(defend) myself this day before thee touching (concerning) all the things whereof I am accused
of the Jews:

Paul is happy in bonds. These men are unhappy in freedom.

Act 26:3 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.

Paul knows Agrippa’s past, that he is a fourth-generation Herod and ruler of the Jews in
Palestine. In truth, Paul is not on trial here; this group is on trial with God. Paul is God’s
representative in court.