Acts 26: Paul's Defense Before Agrippa and Festus

Short answer: Acts 26 records Paul's defense before King Agrippa, where he tells his life story, his persecution of Christians, his dramatic conversion, and his commission to preach to Gentiles. Festus interrupts, calling Paul insane, and Agrippa asks if Paul is trying to convert him, but they agree Paul has done nothing deserving death.

What Acts 26 says

Paul begins his defense by expressing happiness to speak before Agrippa, whom he acknowledges as an expert in Jewish customs and questions. He asks for a patient hearing. He then recounts his early life as a Pharisee, known to all the Jews from his youth in Jerusalem. He states that he is now on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to the fathers, which the twelve tribes hope to attain. He asks why it is judged incredible that God raises the dead. This opening sets the stage for his testimony, grounding it in his Jewish heritage and the resurrection hope.

Paul then confesses his former opposition to Jesus of Nazareth. He describes how he persecuted the saints, imprisoning them and voting for their death. He punished them in synagogues, tried to make them blaspheme, and pursued them even to foreign cities. He then recounts his journey to Damascus with authority from the chief priests. At noon, he saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun and heard a voice in Hebrew asking why he persecuted him and saying it is hard to kick against the goads. Paul asked who the speaker was, and the Lord identified himself as Jesus, whom Paul was persecuting. This section is the dramatic turning point of his story.

Paul continues with Jesus' commission to him. Jesus told him to arise and stand, for he had appeared to appoint him as a servant and witness of what he had seen and would reveal. He promised to deliver Paul from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom he was sending him. The purpose was to open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light and from Satan's power to God, so they might receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Jesus. Paul then declares he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but preached repentance to Jews and Gentiles alike. He says this is why the Jews seized him in the temple and tried to kill him, but God helped him to testify that the Christ must suffer and rise, proclaiming light to both Jews and Gentiles.

Festus interrupts loudly, accusing Paul of being crazy because of his great learning. Paul calmly denies it, asserting he speaks words of truth and reason. He appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of these events, noting they were not done in a corner. He asks Agrippa if he believes the prophets, and Agrippa responds with a question about whether Paul is trying to make him a Christian. Paul expresses his wish that all who hear him might become as he is, except for his chains. The king, governor, Bernice, and others withdraw, agreeing Paul has done nothing worthy of death or bonds. Agrippa tells Festus that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead?” (Acts 26:8) — This verse captures the central issue of Paul's trial: the resurrection. It challenges the listener to consider why belief in God raising the dead is deemed incredible, a key point of contention with his accusers.
• “When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” (Acts 26:14) — Here Paul recounts the voice of Jesus speaking to him on the Damascus road, revealing both Jesus' identity and the futility of opposing him. It is the moment of Paul's dramatic encounter that changed his life.
• “to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” (Acts 26:18) — This verse summarizes Paul's commission: to open eyes, turn people from darkness to light and from Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness and an inheritance. It encapsulates the gospel message Paul preached.
• “Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?” (Acts 26:28)” (Acts 26:28) — Agrippa's response reveals the personal challenge of the gospel. His question about becoming a Christian shows how Paul's defense moved from legal argument to a call for faith.

Gospel connection

Acts 26 connects deeply to the wider biblical story by showing the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Paul argues that the hope of the resurrection, promised to the fathers, is now realized in Jesus. The chapter demonstrates how the gospel extends beyond Israel to the Gentiles, as foretold by the prophets. Paul's conversion and commission illustrate the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ, turning a persecutor into an apostle. The message of repentance, forgiveness, and inheritance among the sanctified by faith in Jesus is the same gospel that runs from Genesis to Revelation, culminating in the inclusion of all nations into God's family.

Application

This chapter asks readers to consider how they respond to the gospel. Like Paul, we are called to share our story of encountering Jesus, not with elaborate arguments but with honest testimony. We may face opposition or be misunderstood, as Paul was called mad, but we are to speak truth with reasonableness and boldness. The chapter also challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we like Agrippa, intrigued but unwilling to commit, or like Festus, dismissing the message as madness? It invites us to embrace the hope of resurrection and to live as those who have been turned from darkness to light, demonstrating repentance through our actions.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not claim that Agrippa or Festus became believers; it leaves their spiritual state unresolved. It does not record Paul's actual execution or release, only the legal opinion that he could have been freed. It does not describe the reactions of the Jews who accused Paul, nor does it provide details about the journey to Rome. The text is silent on what happened to Bernice or the others after they withdrew. It also does not explain the meaning of the goads or the exact nature of the heavenly light beyond what Paul states. These silences remind us to stick to what is written and not speculate beyond the text.

Questions for study

1. How does Paul's description of his former life as a Pharisee and persecutor shape the way he tells his conversion story?
2. What does Paul mean when he says he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, and how does that apply to believers today?
3. Why do you think Festus accused Paul of being crazy, and how does Paul respond to that accusation?
4. What is the significance of Agrippa's question about becoming a Christian, and what does it reveal about his heart?
5. How does the chapter's emphasis on the resurrection hope challenge both the original audience and modern readers?

Keep reading

Related studies: Acts 10 Bible Study, Acts 11 Bible Study, Acts 12 Bible Study, Acts 13 Bible Study.

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FAQ

Why was Paul on trial before Agrippa and Festus?

Paul was on trial because the Jews had accused him of teaching against the law and profaning the temple. He had appealed to Caesar, so Festus brought him before Agrippa to clarify the charges.

What was Paul's main defense in this chapter?

Paul defended himself by recounting his former life as a persecutor, his dramatic conversion on the Damascus road, and his commission from Jesus to preach repentance to Jews and Gentiles. He argued that his message was nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen.

What did Agrippa and Festus conclude about Paul?

They concluded that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. Agrippa even said Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.