Paul’s Testimony before King Agrippa Acts 26:1-32

We come to one of the greatest pieces of literature, Acts 26 regarding Paul’s Damascus Road Experience.  As this chapter opens, the Apostle Paul marvels in the fact that he was given the opportunity to speak before King Agrippa.  He (Paul) proceeds to give King Agrippa a brief sketch of his youth and background.  Paul reveals King Agrippa’s intimate knowledge of the Law (vv.1-3) and tells of his early life as a Pharisee.  Pharisees believed firmly in the resurrection and thus this group should not be surprised or shocked when God raised Jesus from the dead (vv. 4-8).

Paul related that he persecuted the church stating specifically in verses 9-11 that: “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  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.  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 goes on to tell of his dramatic Damascus Road Experience, and great impact of that meeting he had with Jesus Christ.  Paul also revealed that he had received a commission from Jesus Christ to witness to Gentiles “so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (V. 18).  Paul stated to King Agrippa just what Moses and the Prophets foretold would happen (vv. 19-23).

What Paul had said seemed like utter madness to Festus, for verse 24 says: “And as he thus spake for himself Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.”  Paul will then tell King Agrippa to make a personal commitment (vv. 25-27).  Paul had given a tremendous testimony before King Agrippa, Bernice, Festus and others; however, his testimony did not result in his audience receiving salvation (vv. 28-30).  This chapter concludes with the acknowledgment that Paul had not done anything deserving of death, for Paul should have been a free man (vv. 31-32).

May God Bless!