Acts 26

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa

Where did the events of Acts 26 take place?
Review the context of Acts 26.
Why did Paul refer to Agrippa as an expert in Jewish customs?
Follow the logic of Paul’s argument about resurrection.
In this scenario with Paul we see two typical responses of unbelievers to a believer’s testimony. What are they?
What blessings of salvation does Paul lay out in Acts 26:18?

These events occurred in Caesarea, the military headquarters for the Roman forces and rulers over the land of Israel during New Testament times.
Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Caesarea as prisoner. Paul made his case before Festus, who, in order to appease the Jews, left Paul in prison. Under Festus, the new procurator, Paul appealed his case to Caesar. While Paul was waiting to travel to Rome, King Agrippa arrived in Caesarea and wanted to hear Paul.
Because Agrippa was part Jewish, being the great-grandson of Herod the Great and his Jewish wife Mariamne.
As a Pharisee, Paul believed in the prophetic promises made to the patriarchs. Since those promises were not yet fulfilled, they could only be fulfilled if the faithful were resurrected.
Believers are unstable. Believers are pushy.
Our eyes are opened We turn from darkness to light We are transferred from the dominion of Satan to the kingdom of God We are forgiven for our sins We have a future eternal inheritance

Paul’s argument in Acts 26:6-8 could be used today against those who teach that the Church is the “New Israel.” God made distinct promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants. These unfilled promises await future fulfillment – to the Jews, not to the Church!
When you share your faith with others, you may encounter the two responses Paul faced. Look at Paul’s reaction to each of these responses and discuss how you could follow his example.

Paul took every opportunity to share his faith. Are you excited about the truth of the gospel and the blessings of salvation? Find someone to share them with this week.

“Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?” Acts 26:8
“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22-23
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’” Acts 26:28