Welcome to Acts 26

Acts 26 contains the capstone of Paul's defenses in Caesarea, as he presents his case before the full assembly of Governor Festus, King Agrippa II, and Bernice. This highly formal setting allows Paul to deliver his most comprehensive and compelling personal testimony, simultaneously serving as a powerful proclamation of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel and a clear demonstration of Prophecy Fulfillment through his own calling. Paul begins by respectfully addressing King Agrippa, acknowledging his expertise in Jewish customs and thus his unique position to understand the matters at hand. He recounts his meticulous upbringing as a Pharisee, "according to the strictest sect of our religion" (Acts 26:5), demonstrating his impeccable Jewish credentials and his prior fervent zeal for God, a zeal that once led him to intensely persecute followers of "the Way." This confession sets up the dramatic contrast of his conversion.

Paul then vividly re-tells his Damascus Road experience, detailing the blinding light, the voice of the resurrected Jesus, and the profound question, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 26:14). Crucially, he includes the Lord's specific commission to him: "I am sending you to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me." (Acts 26:18). This divine mandate, a direct manifestation of The Holy Spirit's Role, transforms him into an apostle to the Gentiles, fully aligning with The Great Commission to reach "all nations." Paul then asserts that his subsequent ministry—preaching repentance to both Jews and Gentiles—is simply his obedience to this heavenly vision, a message consistent with Moses and the Prophets, highlighting the resurrection of Christ as the central truth.

Festus interrupts, declaring Paul mad from excessive learning. Paul calmly refutes this, affirming his sanity and the truthfulness of his words. He then directly challenges King Agrippa on the veracity of the prophets, causing Agrippa to famously exclaim, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian." (Acts 26:28). The ensuing discussion among the Roman officials reveals their verdict: Paul is innocent and could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. This outcome, despite Agrippa's personal conviction, providentially ensures Paul's journey to Rome, underscoring that no human judgment or opposition, however powerful, can thwart God's sovereign plan for The Great Commission. Acts 26 is thus a climactic testimony to the resilience of Paul and the irresistible power of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, even in the face of profound Christianity Accepted and Opposed, further Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT by laying the groundwork for the Gospel's arrival in the heart of the Roman Empire.