PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA - ACTS 26

Paul Before Agrippa
Acts 26



Festus presented Paul to to Agrippa, stating that he found nothing worthy of death in Paul’s behavior and that Paul had appealed to Caesar.



Paul’s defense began with flattery, a common way to present an argument in the Greek world. the Flattery (1-3) His defense was similar to that he gave before. After the flattery, Paul described his life as a Jew (4-5). He was raised in the Jewish tradition and was a faithful Jew. In fact, Paul said, he believed what all Jews have always believed (6-8)
Paul was such a good Jew that he persecuted believers (9-11). But then he had the encounter with Jesus (12-18), as we studied in chapter 9. After his conversion, Paul was arrested for preaching (19-23).

After Paul spoke of the resurrection, Festus erupted. Festus thought Paul was crazy. All of his learning had made him made. The reason for this is that Romans did not believe in resurrection. They believed the soul endured for eternity, but the body was left behind to perish.

Paul denied being crazy and asserted that  king Agrippa knew of these things. Agrippa was a Gentile, but had learned about Judaism and Christianity. Agrippa was likely pleased that Paul recognized his knowledge until the next thing happened. Paul asked if Agrippa believed the prophets. He was trying to get an opportunity to share the gospel. Amazingly, he was not solely focused on his criminal defense, but also on bringing souls to salvation.

Agrippa recognized this and cut Paul off. But, all agreed Paul was innocent. Nonetheless, since Paul had appealed to Caesar, he must go to him.

The Lord continued to accomplish his will, propelling Paul toward Rome, protecting him from murderous plots and working his way through the Roman judicial system. The Lord said Paul would witness to the emperor, and he made it happen.