Acts 26:19-32 - Paul before Agrippa (Part 3)

Paul Before Agrippa – Part 3

“Are You Trying to Convert Me?” (Acts 26 : 19–32) Lesson 99

1 Paul’s Bold Evangelistic Strategy

This final portion of Paul’s testimony shows him not as a man on the defensive but on the offensive. Though technically a prisoner, Paul wields the truth like a sword. He directs the message toward King Agrippa and Governor Festus, not to clear his own name, but to confront them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

— In verse 28, Agrippa exclaims, “Are you trying to convert me in such a short time?” Paul’s entire testimony builds toward that exact goal. Yes, he is trying to convert him—and everyone else in the room.

2 Verse 18: The Gospel in a Single Sentence

Paul’s divine commission in verse 18 lays out a condensed outline of the Gospel’s work in a person’s life:

Conviction – “To open their eyes”

Illumination – “To turn them from darkness to light”

Conversion – “From the power of Satan to God”

Sanctification – “That they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance”

Promise – “Among those sanctified by faith in Me”

All of this flows from faith in the risen Christ. This is not merely an invitation to believe but a divine rescue operation.

3 Obedience as Evidence of Faith (v. 19)

Paul immediately affirms his obedience to that heavenly vision. The call of God is sovereign, but it demands human response. Obedience is the fruit of faith.

— “Faith without works is dead” (James 2 : 17) — Obedience is not optional; it proves one’s love and trust (John 14 : 15; Hebrews 11 : 8). — To disobey God’s will is to place one’s own desires above His authority. Paul could not disobey and remain faithful.

4 The Offense: Equality with Gentiles (v. 21)

The Jewish leaders could not tolerate the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant blessings of God. — That Paul would offer salvation to Gentiles on equal terms enraged them. — But the prophets had already spoken of a suffering Messiah who would bring light to the nations (Isaiah 49 : 6; Psalm 22; Isaiah 53).

5 Festus Interrupts: “Paul, You Are Mad!” (vv. 24–25)

— Paul’s talk of resurrection and heavenly visions makes Festus scoff: “You are out of your mind!” — Roman pragmatism couldn’t process divine revelation. — Paul calmly replies: “I am not mad… what I speak is true and reasonable.”

The Gospel often appears as foolishness to the world (1 Corinthians 1 : 18–25), but that does not make it untrue.

6 Agrippa Cornered by the Truth (vv. 26–27)

— Paul declares that Agrippa already knows these things—“none of this was done in a corner.” — He presses the king directly: “Do you believe the prophets? I know that you do.” — Agrippa says in effect, “Do you really think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” — Paul responds: “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become as I am—except for these chains.”

In that moment, Paul stands clothed in shackles, Agrippa in royal purple. Yet Paul has eternal riches, and Agrippa has none.

7 The Consequence of Truth Rejected (vv. 30–32)

— When Agrippa stands, so does everyone else—the hearing is over. — Both Agrippa and Festus agree: Paul is innocent. — Yet instead of releasing him, they hide behind his appeal to Caesar. — They are unwilling to face the political fallout or personal conviction that would come from doing the right thing.

8 Key Themes and Final Reflections

Obedience is the mark of a true believer  Faith that does not submit to God is not genuine (Romans 6 : 16).

Evangelism is central to Paul’s mission  He does not merely defend the Gospel; he proclaims it, aiming at hearts and souls—even in a courtroom.

Festus represents worldly ignorance  To the secular mind, resurrection sounds like madness. But divine truth does not conform to human rationalism.

Agrippa represents religious avoidance  He believes the prophets, yet refuses to accept their fulfillment in Christ. He is almost persuaded—but almost saved is still lost.

The hearing ends, but the Gospel advances  Paul will now go to Rome, just as Jesus promised (Acts 23 : 11). No man, no court, no king can stop the plan of God.

9 Summary

Acts 26 : 19–32 portrays a fearless apostle standing before royalty with divine clarity. Paul presses his testimony not for personal vindication but for the conversion of his hearers. Festus ridicules; Agrippa hesitates; the room is silent—but the Gospel speaks loudly. The call to repent, believe, and follow Jesus Christ leaves no neutral ground. Though bound in chains, Paul is spiritually free. Though seated on thrones, Agrippa and Festus are imprisoned by fear, pride, and the love of popularity. Paul’s question still echoes today: Do you believe the prophets? If so, then Jesus Christ is the Messiah—and He calls for your full obedience and faith.