ETB Acts 26:19-29

Session 12 p.109 Respond

Ask: How did you respond the last time someone attacked you or your character? If you could go back, what might you do differently? (p. 101)

Transition: No one likes being criticized or judged unfairly. Yet, it’s something we all face at one time or another. As a preacher and missionary, Paul faced a lot of criticism and false accusations. But instead of getting defensive, he found ways to use those opportunities to share the gospel and to call people—even people who might be closed to his message—to embrace Jesus. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Understand the Context

There is at least 2 years between the passage we looked at last week when Paul was addressing a mob in Jerusalem and today’s.

For an innocent man, Paul was almost always in some kind of trouble. Most of the turmoil landed Paul in the unenviable position of defendant in a trial. Paul did not tread lightly, however. He was bold with the subject of his messages, including the testimony of his life before knowing Christ and his life after knowing Christ. He never shied away from telling people where he had been and where Jesus had taken him.

Paul had already been to trial in the courts of local government administrators during his missionary journeys. After his arrest in Jerusalem, he stood before Roman governors. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Our lesson passage today picks up in Paul’s address to these officials after he has already told his conversion account, and now begins telling of his works because of that event.

Explore the Text

Acts 26:19–23 ESV

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

King Agrippa

All the People in the Bible: An A–Z Guide to the Saints, Scoundrels, and Other Characters in Scripture (Herod) Agrippa II

Agrippa, like his father, was popular with the Jews because he was a Jewish nationalist and appeared to observe the Jewish Law. It is now evident that, while his father sincerely believed in the Jewish faith, Agrippa II, like most of the Herods, observed it more because it was politically expedient to do so than because he really believed in it. From many contemporary documents it is clear that he had little genuine religious interest. Most of the Jews at the time did not know that he was carrying on an incestuous affair with his sister Bernice, who was at the same time married successively to two of his half-brothers. Agrippa also antagonized the priests by intervening in temple business, but this did not hurt his reputation among the rest of the Jews, who distrusted the priests.

I was not disobedient

As he had with the Jewish mob in Acts 22, Paul shared his personal testimony with Agrippa. Even though Paul started out as a persecutor of early Christians, this heavenly vision changed everything for him. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

This opening statement is the first of several allusions to the Old Testament, especially the prophets. These references are likely building up to Paul’s question later to the king before him.

Isaiah 50:5 “5 The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.”

Why would Paul’s obedience to God be important for his defense to the men?

He may not have been attempting to defend himself before these men in regard to government laws but merely showing why his obedience to God has caused his accusers to come forward.

English Standard Version Chapter 26

Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles

As the book of Acts is finishing, Luke’s account reiterates God’s plan as recorded by in Acts 1:8 was being fulfilled.

Even though the presentation may have adjusted, Paul’s message did not change with his audience.

repent and turn to God

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 26

Repentance is changing one’s mind. Regeneration is changing one’s heart. Redemption is changing one’s state—trading the kingdom of darkness and death for the kingdom of light and life. “This was my message,” said Paul.

I have often heard that repentance is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. Here talking to a king, Paul states it very clearly using both words. Greek for for repent is the turning away. In non-religious texts it is translated as changing the mind, in this case it is about one’s position before God. Then Paul uses the Greek word denoting to “turn toward” something, this time it is God.

performing deeds in keeping with their repentance

Paul uses the same word for repentance again when speaking about works. These deeds are a reflection of the “changed mind” and the internal cleansing by God through faith because of that repentance. Performing is also in the perfect tense meaning it is a continuing action. As long as your “mind has changed” then your deeds should reflect it. Later, Paul would write this as “working out your salvation.” Phil 2:12

It was while Paul was performing his “deeds” that the Jews seized him in the temple and dragged him out causing the tribune to come get him.

Opposition from Jews was not unfamiliar to Paul. On each of his missionary journeys, angry Jews protested his message and persecuted him personally. Their rejection of the gospel was based on the equality of Gentiles. While the gospel did not violate the law, it gave everyone—including Gentiles—an open door to a relationship with God. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Where does Paul say he got the authority for his message? Why is that significant to those he is speaking to?

help that comes from God

This help seems to be military terminology. Like receiving reinforcements from an ally.

How has God strengthened you this week in your “weaker” moments?

I got delayed multiple ways trying to get home in time to see my daughter before she and husband had to leave. With each delay I continued to get more frustrated and angrier, until I realized that this was not very trusting in God’s sovereignty since it was “my plan” that was getting thwarted. I prayed for forgiveness, and accepted God’s timing for Him getting me home and ride home became much more pleasant.

testifying both to small and great

I am sure that you recognize this “small and great” as opposites. You may even recognize the Greek root words “micro” and “mega”. We know the two “greatest” in the room are named. But who else was there that may be the “micro” people.

Acts 26:23 “23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.””

Understand that part of the “great pomp” would have been to have many servants/slaves come in with you to display your wealth.

Notice that Paul wisely does not go into detail, as he had before, about how all are equal in God’s kingdom. But he does reiterate how he personally has presented the message to all regardless of social stature.

Christ must suffer, rise from the dead, proclaim light.

Notice that order. Jesus Himself has done all three, but He has asked us to be instrumental in the last part.

proclaim light

I was not sure how to interpret this “proclaiming light” or rather how Agrippa and the others present would understand it when first reading through our passage. But after reading some of the verses around it for context, Paul explains the imagery and its meanings with Jesus’ own words.

Acts 26:18 “18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”

Isaiah uses this imagery as well.

Isaiah 42:6 “6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,”

While Paul was making allusion to Old Testament prophets that Agrippa would probably recognize, Festus picked up on the claim of Christ’s resurrection.

Acts 26:24–26 ESV

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.

out of your mind

This phrase “out of your mind” is a single word in the Greek. Closest to our English word maniac.

The last time we studied together, and this word came up was back with Peter was miraculous released from prison but was left standing at the door while the servant girl went and told those inside.

Acts 12:15 “15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!””

Paul is in good company to be accused of such “insanity” as the Jews leaders did the same with Jesus.

John 10:20 “20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?””

Festus had already expressed confusion and frustration about Paul’s claims about Jesus’s resurrection (Acts 25:19-20). Hearing it again convinced the governor that Paul was “out of your mind.” He thought Paul had gone crazy. While Festus’s comment sounds hostile to contemporary ears, he actually may have expressed a measure of respect. While Festus acknowledged the apostle’s educational credentials, he also thought too much education had warped Paul’s perspective and disconnected him from reality. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

You have probably heard the phrase, “so heavenly minded, not earthly good.” Festus’ claim for Paul is similar. Today however, especially in universities, the opposite appears to be more prevalent.

Not out of my mind

Roman pagans lacked any understanding of spiritual matters, and Festus was no different. Even if his comments were softened by a kind of compliment, few people would have the presence of mind to respond respectfully. But Paul did. Rather than lashing out, he addressed the governor with grace: most excellent Festus. In addition, Paul did not allow the governor’s remark to sidetrack his sermon. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

After addressing Festus’ remark, Paul guides the conversation back toward Agrippa.

The King knows … not been done in a corner

Paul uses some more figurative language.

What does he mean “not been done in a corner?”

Scholars are divided about the meaning of in a corner. Some focus on the fact that Christianity was not a secret society or monastic group isolated from the world. Others believe Paul was emphasizing the rapid growth and influence of the early church over a short period of time. Either way, he made it clear that the church had been having a documented impact on culture.

Since Pentecost, Christians had practiced their worship of Jesus openly. Paul himself had spoken with Jews in synagogues and Gentiles in marketplaces all over Asia Minor and Greece. The events surrounding Jesus’s death and resurrection were public, as well. In fact, another member of Agrippa’s family, Herod Antipas, had met and mocked Jesus on the night before His crucifixion (Luke 23:6-12). Nothing was hidden, and Paul believed Agrippa knew he was speaking the truth. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

If Agrippa knows about these things and is willing to validate them, what does this prove about the rest of Paul’s words?

This could also be Paul’s last allusion to the prophets before his question.

Isaiah 30:20 “20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.”

Transition: Paul was not intimidated by his audience. In fact, the more he spoke, the bolder he grew. And once he reached the right spot in his defense, he called for a response.

Acts 26:27–29 ESV

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Do you believe?

That’s always the important question. It should be the one that we guide all our conversations to if we do not know the other person’s answer already. Paul and all the witnesses in Acts have been consistently asking and guiding people to respond to that question. It started with the lowest people in society and has come to the top of the government officials of the land, and all in between. The Gospel is for everyone, so this question should be asked of all.

would you persuade me to be a Christian

Agrippa was trying to evade Paul’s question. On one hand, he did not try to contradict his belief in the prophets. On the other hand, he had no interest in opening a door for further evangelization by Paul. So, Agrippa answered the apostle’s question with a question of his own. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Regardless of what else was expected of him, Agrippa did realize what Paul was attempting. He understood that Paul was not in any way attempting to defend himself before the court but was more focused on fulfilling the call to tell everyone “the things he had seen and heard.” Festus did not pick on this. One day we will know if the king accepted the King of Kings, for God was definitely revealing Himself to him through Paul’s witness.

not only you but also all who hear

Life Application Bible Notes Profile: Herod Agrippa II

Paul’s heart is revealed here in his words: He was more concerned for the salvation of these strangers than for the removal of his own chains. Ask God to give you a burning desire to see others come to Christ—a desire so strong that it overshadows your problems.

Paul was never worried about numbers. The most important person to him was the person (or people) standing right in front of him in the moment. Reaching them was how he could accomplish God’s plan for his life. [It is how he remained “obedient” to the vision] Because this was God’s work, he refused to be discouraged by Agrippa’s negative response.

Paul was very conscientious of his audience. He was addressing the king and other officials of the land but knew that many others were listening and that as a trial it was being recorded in writing. This awareness is evident throughout his speech as he constantly included all the people in his presentation of the Gospel.

How might this mindset help us in daily activities?

except for these chains

In his current condition, Paul was a prisoner of Rome and on his way to a trial before Caesar. Yet, his physical circumstances were not what he wished for Agrippa and “all who listen.” Paul’s desire for everyone in attendance was a personal and powerful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As a follower of Christ, Paul had realized that no physical bondage could steal his hope, peace, or contentment. He might be forced to sacrifice his freedom temporarily; and, at some point, he knew that he would probably sacrifice his life. But he wouldn’t trade what he had found in Christ for any price—and he would never stop telling people about it. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Believer’s Bible Commentary H. Paul’s Arrest and Trials (21:27–26:32)

Morgan writes:

He would die to save Agrippa, but he would not put his chains upon Agrippa. That is Christianity. Magnify it, multiply it, apply it. The sincerity that persecutes is not Christian. The sincerity that dies to deliver, but will not impose a chain, is Christianity.

Apply the Text

· Our lives should bear witness to what Jesus has done for us.

· Believers can expect to be questioned, mocked, and opposed when we declare Jesus to be the Messiah.

· We’re called to have gospel conversations with those who don’t yet know Christ as Savior.

Prayer Guide (QR code on p. 71).

Pray that you would not be disobedient to God’s purpose for your life. Thank God for His faithfulness in helping you accomplish what He has called you to do. Ask Him for help.