Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Acts 26
Acts 26:18to 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 a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
This verse outlines the heart of Paul's mission: to open people's eyes so they can move from the power of darkness into God's light and receive forgiveness.Acts 26:22To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
Paul emphasizes that his message is not a new invention but is exactly what the ancient prophets and Moses said would happen.Acts 26:28And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
King Agrippa's famous response shows how Paul's logical and passionate argument brought the king to a moment of decision.
Historical & Cultural Context
A Royal Audience for the Gospel
Following his arrest in Jerusalem and a long period of being held in custody, Paul is finally brought before King Agrippa and the Roman governor Festus. This meeting is significant because Agrippa was an expert in Jewish customs, making him the perfect person to hear Paul's explanation of why he believes in Jesus. Paul begins his speech with respect, acknowledging the king's knowledge of the very laws Paul is accused of breaking.
From Persecutor to Prisoner for Christ
The atmosphere in the hall is formal and high-stakes, filled with military commanders and prominent leaders of the city. Paul stands in chains, yet he speaks with the authority of someone who has seen a heavenly vision. He moves from his personal history as a strict religious leader to the miraculous moment that changed his life forever on the road to Damascus.
Paul's Testimony and the Rulers' Response
In Acts 26:1-32, the scene is set in a grand auditorium in Caesarea where Paul stands before a royal audience. He meticulously walks through his life story, his conversion, and his calling to reach the world with the message of Jesus.
The Strict Pharisee (Acts 26:1-11)
1 So Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews."
5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,
7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.
11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
Commentary:
Paul explains his background as a strict religious leader who once persecuted Christians.
The Light from Heaven (Acts 26:12-18)
12 "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests."
13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.
And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,
17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles - to whom I am sending you to 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 a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
18 to 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 a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Commentary:
Paul describes his miraculous encounter with Jesus and his call to be a witness.
Obedience to the Vision (Acts 26:19-23)
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
21 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."
Commentary:
Paul explains how he obeyed God's call by preaching the message of the risen Messiah.
The Verdict of the Kings (Acts 26:24-32)
24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind."
25 But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am - except for these chains.”
30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.
31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.”
And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Commentary:
The leaders find Paul innocent of any crimes but must send him to Rome for trial.
The Power of a Changed Life and the Truth of the Resurrection
The Reality of Transformation
This chapter shows that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Paul went from being the greatest enemy of the church to its most dedicated messenger, proving that a real encounter with Jesus changes a person's entire direction and purpose.
The Continuity of God's Plan
Paul argues that Christianity is not a departure from Jewish tradition but its ultimate fulfillment. He connects the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus directly to the promises God made to the ancestors of Israel in the scriptures.
The Necessity of a Response
The interactions with Festus and Agrippa highlight that the gospel demands a reaction. Whether someone thinks it is madness or feels the weight of its truth, the message of Jesus forces people to decide what they believe about the resurrection.
Applying Paul's Boldness to Our Daily Lives
Paul shared his past mistakes and his meeting with Jesus in verses 9-15; you can be honest about your own journey. People are often more moved by a sincere story of how God has worked in your life than by a formal argument. Your personal experience is a unique tool that God can use to reach others.
When Festus called Paul crazy in verse 24, Paul remained calm and respectful while standing by the truth. You can follow this example by not getting defensive when others misunderstand your beliefs. Instead, focus on speaking words that are true and rational, trusting that the message has its own power.
In verse 20, Paul explains that true change is about how we live, not merely what we say. Repentance means turning away from old, harmful ways and moving toward God. You can apply this by making sure your daily actions, like showing kindness and integrity, match the faith you profess.
A Bold Witness to the Risen King
Acts 26 shows us that the message of Jesus is grounded in historical fulfillment and personal experience. Paul demonstrates that being a witness means telling the truth about what God has done in our lives and through His Word. The message is clear: God has provided a way out of darkness through the suffering and resurrection of Christ. This truth is not hidden in a corner but is an open invitation for everyone, from the smallest to the greatest, to turn to God and receive a new life.
What This Means for Us Today
Faith involves more than agreeing with facts. It is a response to a heavenly vision. Paul's life reminds us that once we have seen the light of Christ, we are called to share that light with everyone we meet. Acts 26 invites us to consider our own story and how we can boldly stand for the truth in our own circles of influence.
- If you had to summarize your 'Damascus Road' moment, what would you say?
- In what areas of your life is God calling you to move from darkness to light today?
- Who is one person in your life who needs to hear that God's promises are true and rational?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Connections Across Scripture
Paul gives another account of his conversion and emphasizes that his message came directly from Jesus.
Paul explains the central importance of the resurrection, which was the core of his defense before Agrippa.
Discussion Questions
- Paul was 'fortunate' to speak before someone who understood his culture. How can we better understand the 'customs and controversies' of the people we want to reach today?
- Jesus told Paul it was hard for him to 'kick against the goads' (verse 14). What are some ways people today might be resisting God's direction in their lives?
- Agrippa was almost persuaded but didn't quite make a commitment. What are the common barriers that keep people from fully deciding to follow Jesus?