Acts 26:1-32
Q.1. Why was Paul glad to testify before Agrippa? How well did the Jews know Paul? Why was he on trial? How had he treated Christ’s followers previously? – (Acts 26:1-11)
Paul expressed his delight at setting forth his appeal to Agrippa, because – you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews (Acts.26:3). Festus had summed up the disagreement between Paul and the Jews as – … some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive (Acts 25:19). Paul agreed that – … all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem (Acts 26:4). Paul further stated – … I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers (Acts 26:6). He added the question on every thinking person’s mind – Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead? (Acts 26:8). He previously had been on the side of these Jews, and had vehemently persecuted Christ’s followers, even to death (Acts 26:9-11).
Q.2. How was Paul’s life turned around? Why did he include information about his call to the Gentiles? How did he conduct himself after his conversion? – (Acts 26:12-20)
Paul then explained how he had changed sides because of a surprising confrontation with the risen Christ, whilst on a killing mission on route to Damascus (Acts 26:12-15). Previously while addressing the Jews, he had avoided mention of his solemn call to the Gentiles. However, here he was testifying before Gentiles. He included his call from Christ, revealing – 16 … for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ (Acts 26:16-18). Consequently – 19 … King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance (Acts 26:19-20).
Q.3. Was his message new? How did the Jews respond? What impact did Paul’s message have on Festus and Agrippa? What was the king’s conclusion? – (Acts 26:21-32)
Paul claimed that his message agreed with what – 22 … the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23 that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:22-23). Rejecting his interpretation of the Scriptures, the Jews did all in their power to kill Paul (Acts 26:21). Festus, ever seeking an opportunity to advance himself, interjected – … Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad (Acts 26:24). Paul respectfully deflected the remark, and questioned the thoughtful king – … Do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do (Acts 26:27). However, Agrippa refused to be persuaded after only such a brief presentation (Acts 26:28-29). Later the king told Festus – … This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:32).