Acts Chapter 26 — Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa
Paul presents his defense to King Agrippa, detailing his Pharisaic background, his conversion on the road to Damascus, and his mission to the Gentiles.
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Notable Verses
Acts 26:18
“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.”
This verse explicitly states the purpose and goal of Paul's commission to the Gentiles.
Acts 26:19
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,”
It highlights Paul's commitment to his calling despite the personal cost and legal consequences.
Acts 26:28
“Agrippa said to Paul, "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?"”
This famous response shows the impact of Paul's testimony on the Roman-appointed king.
Chapter Summary
In Acts 26, the apostle Paul stands before King Agrippa II and Governor Festus to make his formal defense. Paul begins by noting Agrippa's expertise in Jewish customs and questions. He describes his early life as a strict Pharisee and his former zeal in persecuting followers of Jesus in Jerusalem and abroad. Paul then provides a detailed account of his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, where he received a divine mandate to open the eyes of the Gentiles and lead them to repentance. While Governor Festus interrupts by claiming Paul’s great learning has made him insane, Paul maintains his composure and appeals to Agrippa’s knowledge of the prophets. Agrippa asks if Paul is trying to persuade him to become a Christian in such a short time. Ultimately, the leaders conclude that Paul is innocent of any crime, though he must remain in custody and proceed to Rome because he has already appealed to Caesar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Governor Festus brought Paul before Agrippa because the king was familiar with Jewish customs and traditions. Festus sought Agrippa's help in clarifying the charges against Paul before sending him to Rome for a hearing with Caesar.
The vision refers to Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He describes seeing a light brighter than the sun and hearing Jesus' voice commissioning him to preach to the Gentiles.
No, after the hearing, they agreed that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. However, because Paul had already made a formal appeal to Caesar, they were legally required to keep him in custody and send him to Rome.
Study Note
Paul's reference to "kicking against the goads" in verse 14 uses a common agricultural metaphor of the time to describe the futility of resisting a divine or inevitable force.
Related Chapters
Acts 9
This chapter provides the original narrative account of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
Acts 25
The previous chapter explains how Paul came to be in the custody of Festus and the reason for Agrippa's visit.
Acts 28
This chapter shows the outcome of Paul's appeal as he finally arrives in Rome.
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