Paul and Agrippa

["Click here for scripure"]

Paul Speaks for Himself
["Click here for Acts 26:1-23"]

Verses 1 thru 23 of Chapter 26 record Paul's defense. We see, immediately, several things about Paul. He had remained silent until he was given permission to speak. He respected the due process of law. Secondly, when he was given the opportunity to speak, he spoke with all sincerity and professionalism as one whose case was resting on the decision of that court. In reality, Paul needed to say nothing. His case had already been assigned to Caesar, no minor court could have legally decided this case. Never the less, Paul pleaded his case before Agrippa.
Notice his deliberation before Agrippa.

He acknowledged Agrippa's understanding of the laws and customs of the Jews. Also he acknowledged the fact that Agrippa was well versed in the Scriptures (Old Testament).
He made it clear that he did not intend to abbreviate his defense. For this, he asked the patience of Agrippa. He would trace his life from being a persecutor of the Christians to being a proclaimer of Jesus Christ. As a persecutor, he was zealous for the Law. He imprisoned the Saints, he put them to death, he tried to make them renounce their beliefs, and he sought them out even in foreign cities.
But then something happened that changed his life. Christ appeared to him on his way to Damascus. He turned from being a persecutor of Christ to being a follower of Christ and a proclaimer of the Gospel.
He pleaded obedience to this heavenly calling, declaring the Gospel at Damascus, Jerusalem and throughout all the country even to the Gentiles.
Lastly, he describes what he believes are the reasons that the Jews were attempting to get rid of him. First of all, he had proclaimed Christ to the Gentiles, begging them to repent and turn to God and do deed worthy of their repentance. Secondly, he proclaimed the resurrection and that Christ was the first to be raised from the dead and this point about the resurrection, was the most difficult for these Jews to accept. Some Jews believed and some didn't for it was hard to prove before the coming of Christ.

Agrippa's Decision
["Click here for Acts 26:24-32"]

At this point, described here in verses 24 thru 32 of Chapter 26, protocol goes in the face of disbelief. Agrippa had been placed in charge of the proceedings but here, Festus could not contain himself and he spoke out "loudly" without consulting or getting permission from Agrippa. His interruption, caused Paul to cease his defense. Festus had no idea what Paul was speaking about but his belief in life after death could only be that of a mad man. But Paul continued to address Agrippa whom he knew was familiar with the Old Testament and the Prophets and he said to Agrippa, "I know that you believe the Prophets." This placed Agrippa in an uneasy position. He had Bible knowledge, but he did not have understanding, because he did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Agrippa's answer to Paul is not clear in the English translation. Did he made a statement to Paul, or did he ask a question. Most scholars, even though it is written like a statement, believe that he asked a question of Paul, "Do you think to make me a Christian in such a short time?" This certainly was Paul's purpose for he knew that Agrippa could not even if he wanted to, decide his case. Festus may not have understood any of this but Agrippa did and becoming confused and unable or unwilling to discuss his thoughts, so he arose and left the courtroom and in the privacy of his chambers there were those who said that Paul had done nothing to deserve death to which Agrippa said, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

Previous Chapter

Return to Outline

Ask Questions

Next Chapter