Paul Meets Agrippa

Introduction

Good morning! Join me in the book of Acts, chapters 25. Much like we did last week, we’ll pick up with the end of this chapter, and stop just shy of the end of the next.

From 25:23 to 26:23, in fact. Verse 23 to 23 of each chapter.

I’ve made sure it’s really nice and short today, so we can move along into the business meeting afterwards without it getting too late.

Recap

Paul, after having been imprisoned in Caesarea for over two years now, is in the custody of a new governor.

Felix is gone, and Festus has taken over.

To commemorate the occasion, King Herod Agrippa & his sister Bernice visit, and Agrippa wants to meet Paul to hear from him personally.

We left off in verse 22, wherein Festus, (the new governor) promises Agrippa (king Herod) that he will be able to hear from Paul the next day.

Acts 25:22 LSB

22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”

Overview

The following passage picks up the next day, when Paul is brought before King Agrippa and his sister, Bernice, with much pomp and circumstance.

Festus presents Paul as a curious case: a prisoner left by his predecessor Felix with no clear charges against him. In fact, Paul is a Roman citizen who appears to be in good standing aside from these accusations from the Jews.

They alarmed the Romans into thinking Paul might be a dangerous rebel, but they quickly realized the real issue was a question of Jewish law, as he was accused of desecrating the temple in Jerusalem.

The irony of course is that Paul is himself one of the most studied and accomplished experts of said Jewish law, a scholar at an elite level!

We’ll see Paul once again share his testimony in classic form, as he seizes the moment to share his dramatic conversion story.

A conversion story such as his did then, and it still does now, provide compelling evidence for faith in Jesus.

Thankfully, not everyone needs to suffer such a dramatic “conversion” experience, but I am also grateful for those who, like Paul, are willing to share just how dramatically their faith in Jesus has transformed their lives.

In the end, Paul argues that he’s simply preaching the fulfilment of the hope of Israel promised by God long ago. Of a light to all people, everywhere. As crazy as that may sound to some, it’s nothing worthy of the death sentence the Jews have been seeking.

Passage: Acts 25:23–26:23

Let’s read, together, as we take it just one or two verses at a time today:

Paul Meets Agrippa

23 So, on the next day when Agrippa came together with Bernice amid great pomp, and entered the hall accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the order of Festus, Paul was brought in.

So, we are clearly meant to imagine quite a lot of energy, and pretense, and perhaps some excitement, that something was happening that would draw together such an honored entourage.

That kind of thing causes a stir, and creates suspense at a social level, so Paul really is faced with a rather volatile situation, or one ripe with eager attention, depending on how you look at it.

Let’s keep reading:

24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen here present with us, you see this man about whom all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer.

He leads with how clear they have made it they want him dead, which makes it a very serious matter. The problem is, what they’ve accused him of is only serious to them and their own laws, not Roman laws, so they can’t condone his execution:

25 “But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

So, they really didn’t want to execute him anyway, but he’s appealed to Caesar, so they’re going to send him…at least they can blame Paul for making the appeal himself, and he won’t be their problem anymore.

But the question remains: how are they going to explain this to Caesar? What message are they going to send Caesar to explain why this guy is being brought before him?

Festus says, in verse 26:

26 “Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write.

27 “For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.”

So, Festus has explained his perspective to Agrippa, and has now given a clear purpose to the hearing, and a context, or a lens, for Agrippa to use when hearing Paul.

That is, “help me explain to Caesar why we’re sending Paul to him.”

Festus, new as he is to this position, wouldn’t want Caesar thinking him absurd or unreasonable, would he? Nobody wants an irrational governor, am I right? 😆

Paul Gets to Speak

So, Agrippa’s task is to help Festus explain why they’re sending Paul to Caesar.

But not, of course, before Paul is provided a chance to give his defense, in chapter 26, verse 1:

1 Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, stretching out his hand, began to make his defense:

I still wish I could see what exactly this hand gesture looked like! It seems like such a strange detail to have repeated so many times, but so often Paul, and other speakers, begin with an outstretched arm, or a hand gesture of some kind.

Perhaps he was assuming the posture of The Orator, in line with his training in classical rhetoric and education. Regardless, the implication is that he’s more than prepared to speak, and people are prepared to listen.

And so, he’ll begin his third apologetic speech in Acts, the other two being in chapters 22 and 24:

2 “Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I regard myself blessed, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today;

3 especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

Once again we see a bit of opening flattery, wherein Paul acknowledges Agrippa’s expertise! This is Herod, he is very familiar with Jewish matters, both religious and political.

As unpopular as he may be with the Jews, that in itself is indicative of how involved he was with them. Something about that relationship with his sister just made them uncomfortable, apparently...

Nonetheless, he was familiar with Jewish customs and culture, controversies and all.

Anyway, moving on to Paul’s testimony:

4 “So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

5 since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.

We know Paul was born in Tarsus, but later grew up in the city of Jerusalem, from a “young” age, so people there would have known him at least since he was a teenager, so for his entire adult life and more. He’s appealing to their own, personal, long-standing knowledge of who he is and what his character is.

As he writes in Philippians,

Philippians 3:5–6 LSB

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

He’s calling on them to view him and remember him as the peer that he was and is to them, before calling into question the very reason he’s on trial in the first place:

6 “And now I am standing here being tried for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers;

7 the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews.

What hope is Paul referring to? What promise, specifically?

That of resurrection.

8 “Why is it considered unbelievable among all of you if God does raise the dead?

Back to this question yet again! Paul argues that anyone who believes in the God of the Old Testament knows he can raise people from the dead! Except for the Sadducees, it’s not so much the how or the what of the resurrection, it’s the who. They should know God can raise people from the dead, but they don’t want to believe Jesus was one of them.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 26

More than a mere tactic to pit Pharisees and Sadducees against one another, this was an accurate assessment of the Jewish complaint against Christianity: that Jesus was raised from the dead and that faith in him as risen Lord gives eternal life.

That all being said, Paul continues telling his story:

9 “So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.

He was doing what he thought was necessary for him to do as a faithful Jew!

10 “And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them.

He admits that he endorsed even the execution of Christians at this time.

11 “And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities.

I think he’s made it very clear how set against Christians he was, leading up to the following encounter. This will be the third and final account of Paul’s conversion in the book of Acts.

12 “While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests,

13 at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me.

I think it’s significant that he mentions it was midday, the time when the sun is the highest, hottest, and brightest, and yet this light from heaven was brighter than the sun at midday! That’s impressive!

What do you do in response to something like that other than just fall down, I suppose. Which is what they do:

14 “And when we had all fallen to the ground, 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.’

A couple things here, one being that this is the first and only time he’s mentioned that the voice from heaven was “Hebrew” or “Aramaic.” This may explain why nobody else with him was able to understand what the voice was saying, if they were Roman rather than Jewish.

Also, does anybody know what a “Goad” is?

What does the phrase “to kick against the goads” mean?

Literally, the word “goads” which you might also see translated as “ox-goads” or “pricks” refers to the prodding sticks people would use to guide animals in the right direction.

So, it’s a noun in that sense, it’s a spiked stick. But the word can also be used as a verb, like “to goad someone on” is to provoke them.

The word “spur” is very similar, it’s something people would literally use with a horse, and you can figuratively “spur someone on” by encouraging or motivating them in some way.

Fighting against the guiding pokes and prods of the goads instead of just going the right way is like fighting against the conviction of God’s spirit as he reveals to us his will. Like trying to go down a different road, because it looks fun, or scenic, when he’s shown us the correct path to take.

It’s like an ox fighting a cattle-prod, or a horse fighting the spurs.

So, “Stop resisting me!” the voice says. It’s useless. It’s not working, it’s not stopping me, and It’s not benefiting you to resist. In fact, it’s hurting you.

Paul responds, in the next verse:

15 “And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

“I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” What an amazing moment of realization for Paul!

And, without further ado, he immediately finds out why Jesus appeared to him.

16 ‘But rise up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a servant and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;

17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you,

18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

Paul is quoting Jesus here, but conveniently in doing so he also lays out the conditions for receiving new life in Christ.

That is, for both Jews and Gentiles alike, that they should repent and turn to God.

The motive, and reward, is forgiveness for our sins, and a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in Him.

Did you notice, in verse seventeen, how Paul mentions that God says he’ll rescue Paul, from both the Jews and Gentiles alike? And he currently needs to be rescued from both! Nice of Paul to mention that. "He said he would save me from you.”

Paul continues, addressing the king directly:

19 “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision,

20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, practicing deeds appropriate to repentance.

“So, King Agrippa, of course I obeyed!”

That is, “I did not disobey.”

Paul’s not going to kick against this particular goading! He’s not going to buck these spurs. The Lord has gone from using an ox-goad to using an elephant-goad!

Paul has been faithful to carry the message as he’s been called to do. To say that he was “not disobedient” is actually something of an understatement, in light of everything he’s been through!

But that has also caused some trouble, hasn’t it?

21 “For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and were trying to put me to death.

Paul’s faithfulness to comply with the commission he received from Jesus became the very reason the Jews seized him and wanted him dead.

22 “Therefore, having obtained help from God to this day, I stand here bearing witness both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place;

23 that the Christ was to suffer, and that as first of the resurrection from the dead, He was going to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

We’re going to stop there, before Festus jumps in and calls him crazy! Paul doesn’t get to say much more after this, anyway.

Paul claims that it’s only by God’s help; only by repeated divine intervention that he’s even standing there in that moment to bear witness to the truth.

This moment reminds me of what Peter said to the authorities back in chapter 5:

Acts 5:29 LSB

29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.

Paul, too, now, has been obeying God rather than men. Certainly that is being lived out in this moment with Agrippa and Festus.

And he’s emphasized, in this case, how the message of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection lines up with Old Testament teachings, like Isaiah 52-53. Whether they like it or not, the suffering, killed, and risen Messiah is their Messiah. The Messiah.

And in doing so, Paul has challenged his hearers to believe his message, that Jesus is in fact the Messiah, who fulfills the promises made by the God of the Old Testament.

Summary

I think the following summarizes the last few verses very well:

New Living Translation Study Bible Chapter 26

In his eloquent defense before King Agrippa, Paul argued that his preaching was completely consistent with the Jewish faith. The defense begins with a courteous acknowledgement of Agrippa’s competence to hear the evidence (26:2–3), outlines the nature of Paul’s background, Jewish training, and membership in the Pharisees (26:4–5), and explains that the charges against him are merely for believing the fulfillment of Jewish hopes for the resurrection (26:6–8). Paul then tells the story of his conversion from strong opponent of Christianity (26:9–11) through a vision on the way to Damascus (26:12–18; see 9:1–18). His preaching was nothing more than obeying this divine vision (26:19–20). Even though he encountered violent opposition from his fellow Jews (26:21), God protected him as he taught a message that the Jews should have embraced (26:22–23). This defense is a model for Christians put on trial for their faith (see 9:15; Luke 21:12–15).

Conclusion

Eloquence

Paul’s defense was very well-crafted, eloquent.

That’s partly just because of Paul’s ability as an orator.

Do you think Paul’s abilities, his natural talents, as well as his education, training, and skills, are a part of why God called him to just such a purpose?

Do you think in fact, maybe, that God was shaping him for this purpose his whole life whether he knew it or not?

But regardless of someone’s background and skills, we also know that God equips those who he calls, and gives people the words to say in the moments they need them. We have this encouragement from Jesus in Luke 21:12-15

Luke 21:12–15 LSB

12 “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. 13 “It will result in an opportunity for your testimony. 14 “So set in your hearts not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.

And similarly in Matthew 10:19-20

Matthew 10:19–20 LSB

19 “But when they deliver you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given to you in that hour what you are to say. 20 “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Personal Witness

Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa shows us the power of a personal story in witnessing for Christ. Even when faced with imprisonment and death, Paul boldly and humbly shared the transformative power of Jesus in his own life. This reminds us that our own stories—how we’ve encountered Christ and how He’s changed us—are powerful tools in evangelism. We may not always stand before kings, but we do stand before people in our families, workplaces, and communities who need to hear the hope that the gospel brings.

Let us take courage from Paul’s example. We don’t need to have all the answers or the perfect words; we simply need to be willing to share what Christ has done in us. Like Paul, we can trust God to open hearts as we speak the truth in love, leaving the results in His hands.

Whether in times of hardship or ease, may we be faithful witnesses, using every opportunity to speak of the grace and power of Jesus in our lives. And like Paul, may we never shrink from sharing the good news, confident that God’s truth will shine through—even when we face opposition.

It may seem like I keep preaching the same application week after week, but it’s because of the same repeated patterns in the story, which I think indicates a level of importance which justifies the repetition.

Let’s close with an exhortation from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4. This is just such a beautiful passage for meditation, especially verse 8. This passage speaks to our mindsets, and the things which should fill our consciousnesses, and which prepare and equip us for ministry.

Philippians 4:4–9 LSB

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the joy and peace You offer us in Christ, as we rejoice always in Your presence. Help us, like Paul, to be bold in our witness, speaking Your truth with grace and courage. Guard our hearts and minds with the peace that surpasses understanding, and guide us to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, and worthy of praise.

May we stand firm in faith, trusting in Your power to use our testimony for Your glory, and may Your Spirit fill us with boldness to declare the hope we have in You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above ye heavenly host.

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.