ACTS 26

PAUL SHARES THE GOSPEL WITH AGRIPPA

Visited by King Agrippa, Paul shares his defense. Paul is appreciative of Agrippa’s willingness to listen and urges him to listen patiently as he delves into the details of his case. Paul gives context to his story, telling Agrippa that he was once a Jewish religious leader who hated followers of Jesus. Paul then tells of his conversion and his personal encounter with Jesus (Acts 9).

Paul boldly defends his obedience to God and the Jewish customs. Although Paul desperately wants to share the news of Jesus with the Jewish people, he is also considerate of their laws and practices. As both a Jewish man and a Roman citizen, Paul is uniquely equipped to minister to both Jewish and Gentile people. Amidst all the many challenges Paul faced in his mission to share the gospel, he still trusts God is helping him in both big and small ways.

After hearing the message of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus, Festus believes that Paul is insane. Despite what Festus thinks, Agrippa is more understanding of Paul’s message. Although Agrippa does not instantly believe in Jesus as the Savior, Paul says he will continue to share the gospel with Agrippa and hope for his conversion. Agrippa finds Paul innocent and tells Festus that if Paul had not appealed to Caesar, he would have been set free.