InstaStudy

Paul's Defense Before Agrippa: A Study in Acts 26

A study of Acts 26, focusing on Paul's defense before Agrippa.

1. Paul's Early Life and Testimony

1.1 Paul's Respectful Address (Acts 26:2-3)

Verses: Acts 26:2-3
  • Paul addresses Agrippa with respect, acknowledging his knowledge of Jewish customs.
  • He establishes common ground before presenting his case.

1.2 Paul's Pharisaical Background (Acts 26:4-5)

Verses: Acts 26:4-5
  • Paul recounts his early life as a Pharisee, known for strict adherence to Jewish law.
  • He emphasizes his zeal for the traditions of his fathers.

2. The Reason for the Trial

2.1 The Hope of the Promise (Acts 26:6-8)

Verses: Acts 26:6-8
  • Paul explains that his hope in the promise made by God to the fathers is the reason for his trial.
  • He highlights the resurrection as the central point of contention.

2.2 Paul's Persecution of the Church (Acts 26:9-11)

Verses: Acts 26:9-11
  • Paul admits to persecuting the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
  • He believed he was acting in accordance with God's will, though misguided.

3. Paul's Conversion and Commission

3.1 The Vision on the Road to Damascus (Acts 26:12-15)

Verses: Acts 26:12-15
  • Paul describes his encounter with a bright light and the voice of Jesus on the road to Damascus.
  • He emphasizes the divine origin of his transformation.

3.2 Paul's Commission (Acts 26:16-18)

Verses: Acts 26:16-18
  • Jesus commissions Paul to be a minister and a witness to both Jews and Gentiles.
  • He is sent to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.

3.3 The Message of Repentance (Acts 26:19-20)

Verses: Acts 26:19-20
  • Paul emphasizes the message of repentance and turning to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.
  • He highlights the importance of obedience to the heavenly vision.

4. The Fulfillment of Prophecy

4.1 Agreement with the Prophets (Acts 26:22-23)

Verses: Acts 26:22-23
  • Paul asserts that he has taught nothing different from what the prophets and Moses said would come.
  • He emphasizes that the Christ would suffer, rise from the dead, and proclaim light to both Jews and Gentiles.

5. The Impact of Paul's Defense

5.1 Festus's Interruption and Paul's Response (Acts 26:24-27)

Verses: Acts 26:24-27
  • Festus interrupts Paul, accusing him of being out of his mind due to excessive learning.
  • Paul defends his sanity and appeals to Agrippa's understanding.

5.2 Agrippa's Near Persuasion and Paul's Desire (Acts 26:28-29)

Verses: Acts 26:28-29
  • Agrippa acknowledges that Paul almost persuades him to become a believer.
  • Paul expresses his desire that all who hear him would become like him, except for his chains.

5.3 Conclusion of the Hearing (Acts 26:30-32)

Verses: Acts 26:30-32
  • Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice conclude that Paul has done nothing deserving of death or imprisonment.
  • Agrippa believes Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.