An Outline Of Acts 26

Paul's Testimony Before King Agrippa

Introduction: This chapter has a record of Paul's testimony, and almost autobiography, when he was brought before King Agrippa in Caesarea. Compare this speech or testimony with what Paul had said in Acts 9 and 22.

Luke recorded in the last few verses of chapter 25 that a number of high-ranking dignitaries were there as well. Festus, the Roman governor, had given a private talk with Agrippa, then made a public opening statement before Paul even said a word. The chapter closes with some very sad words, and some ironic words.

1 Paul's deeds before he met the Lord

Text, Acts 26:1-11, KJV: 1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

--Paul started his defense with a rather direct statement, that Agrippa had been an expert in the customs and questions among the Jews. Festus, clearly, did not, as he had only been there a relatively short time.

--Then Paul started with his known and familiar story, how that he grew up in Jerusalem. He went on to say he was a Pharisee, and that was well known to the Sanhedrin (Acts 23).

--The word translated "you" in verse 8, where Paul mentions God raising the dead, is plural per (https://biblehub.com/text/acts/26-8.htm). Festus had no clue about resurrection (25:18-19); Agrippa's own faith or lack of same is not known; but the Jews (if any were there) would have had at least a working knowledge.

--Beginning in verse 9, Paul lists some of the things he did to the followers of Jesus. He not only did this in Jerusalem (see Acts 9:1-2) but also in other or "strange (i.e., foreign, https://biblehub.com/greek/1854.htm )" cities.

--One of these "strange cities" was Damascus, as we'll see in the next several verses. But something was about to happen while Paul was on the journey there.

2 Paul's commission from Jesus once he met the Lord

Text, Acts 26:12-18, KJV: 12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

--Paul was still known as Saul of Tarsus during this time. He and some others were heading to Damascus to arrest any and all believers in Jesus (paraphrased from Acts 9:2) and take them back to Jerusalem. The chief priests were all in on this mission.