Acts Chapter 26
Paul was given the opportunity to testify before the roman king called King Agrippa. This man was well versed in Jewish customs and religion. It was his great grandfather that had tried to kill Jesus as an infant. His grandfather was the king who had beheaded John the Baptist. And it was his father who had murdered the apostle, James. King Agrippa did not rule over a large territory, but his rule did include oversight of the temple in Jerusalem.
Caesarea was not within the jurisdiction of King Agrippa, so this was more of just a “board room” testimony than a trial. Paul would have been well aware that the king did not have jurisdiction. Therefore, Paul could honestly state that he was happy to share his defense before the king.
Let's Reflect
1. Paul explained that he was of the Jewish religion and had been educated in the faith as one who has had the most intense doctrinal training. What was the name of the group who had such strict Jewish doctrinal teachings?
2. What did Paul say was the reason he was on trial?
3. I love Paul’s rhetorical question that he asks in verse 8. What was the question he asked the listeners?
4. Paul then explained how he had once been a man that opposed all those who followed Jesus of Nazareth. Paul talked about the horrible things he had done to the Christians – locking them up in prisons and casting his vote to have them executed. He talked about his rage against Christians. What did his rage lead him to do?
5. Paul shared how he had experienced Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul told about the mission that Jesus had for his life. In retelling this mission before King Agrippa (a Gentile), what did Paul say was his mission? See verses 17-18.
6. Paul said he had only been obedient to the heavenly vision. He had declared the truth of the gospel first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout Judea and also to the Gentiles. Everywhere Paul went, he said, he called for people to repent and turn to God. He also taught them to live their lives in the manner of one who has been redeemed. Paul understood that what he was teaching was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. What did Paul say that the prophets and Moses had said would come to pass?
7. Paul was rudely interrupted by Festus. What did the governor have to say about Paul’s testimony?
8. Paul knew that King Agrippa had seen testimony that the words of the Old Testament prophets were true. So, he appealed to the king to believe. What was the king’s response?
9. The king stood up and so did the governor. It was clear that they had r
ejected the gospel, but Paul had done what he was called to do. Do you remember what God told Ananias, the man sent to heal Paul’s blindness after Paul had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”
10. What did King Agrippa think about Paul’s imprisonment?
Devotionals
