Acts 26 explained: Paul Tells His Story to a King

Paul gets to speak (vv. 1-3)

Agrippa ruled small territories with Rome's permission, had a say over the Jerusalem temple and its high priests, and knew Jewish customs and debates well. Paul is glad to explain himself to someone who understands what the dispute is really about.

His past and his hope (vv. 4-8)

Paul says he was raised among his own people, much of it in Jerusalem, as a Pharisee, a member of the strictest group in Judaism, so he did not drift away from his faith out of ignorance. He insists he is on trial for the very hope his people have always held, God's ancient promise, which for him includes God raising the dead.

Once a persecutor (vv. 9-11)

Paul admits he once jailed Jesus' followers with the backing of the chief priests and supported their executions. He describes his old self as obsessed, chasing them even into cities outside Judea.

The voice on the road (vv. 12-18)

Jesus' words draw on an old saying about an ox kicking the sharp stick used to drive it, meaning a fight you cannot win that only hurts you. Paul then sums up the task he says Jesus gave him, to help people turn from darkness to light and be forgiven, and many scholars think he folds several later messages into this one account.

Why he keeps preaching (vv. 19-23)

Paul says he simply obeyed the vision, urging people everywhere to turn to God and show it by how they live, and that this is why he was attacked in the temple. He claims the Jewish Scriptures pointed to a Messiah who would suffer and be first to rise from the dead, which is how Christians read those passages in light of Jesus.

Interrupted, then judged innocent (vv. 24-32)

Festus shouts that all Paul's learning has driven him mad, and Agrippa gives a reply scholars still debate, either a dry brush off or a half serious admission. In private the officials agree Paul has done nothing to deserve death or prison, but because he has formally appealed to the emperor, the appeal must go ahead and he will be sent to Rome.

Key verse: Acts 26:18

Something to think about

Have you ever completely changed your mind about something you once opposed strongly, and what did it take?