Acts 26
Summary. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul presents his defense before Agrippa, Festus, and a group of important individuals. His defense can be divided into two main sections: first, his life before he came to know the Lord Jesus, and second, his encounter with the resurrected Lord Jesus, which led to his conversion. Acts 26:1-11. Apostle’s Paul defense before Agrippa. The apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, began his defense before King Agrippa by showing respect for his position. He emphasized that he had acted openly and that his way of life and worship could be verified. Paul explained that he was being judged because of the hope of the promise God made to their forefathers: the resurrection from the dead. He also testified about his past sins, acknowledging that he had once opposed the name of the Lord Jesus and persecuted His followers. Acts 26:12-32. Apostle Paul testifies about the Lord Jesus Christ resurrection. In this part of the apostle’s defense, he shares his encounter with the resurrected Lord Jesus. While he and his companion were on their way to Damascus to persecute the followers of the Lord Jesus, the Lord miraculously appeared to him. The Lord Jesus gave him direct orders to serve Him personally and to be a witness to His resurrection. The apostle, guided by the Holy Spirit, spoke to capture everyone’s attention: the king and all those present needed to hear the true gospel. In conclusion, the king, the governor, and the people sitting with them agreed that the apostle had done nothing wrong and could be set free.
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Then Agrippa said to Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself. Then Paul, having stretched out the hand, made his defence:
Comments Acts 26:1
When the Lord God Almighty wanted His apostle to speak, no one could stop. Now, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the apostle will defend his case in front of all people.
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concerning all of which I am accused by the Jews, king Agrippa, I regard myself blessed, being about to defend myself today before you,
Comments Acts 26:2
Give attention to the way the apostle started his conversation with the king in this place. The apostle gave respect to the position of the person, but also, at the same time, put the idea for the listener to hear the words “defend myself” at the same time to get attention from the listener. The Holy Spirit gave wisdom to the apostle: the speech uplifted the king, which man themselves don’t know they have that urge when the right words people say regarding them.
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especially you being an expert with all, both the customs and questions of the Jews; therefore, I beseech you to hear me patiently.
Comments Acts 26:3
Now, the listener gave ear to the words of the apostle. But in the heart of the hearer, he already had positive feelings toward the apostle; the lifting-up words the apostle used made the heart of man swell with pride.
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Indeed, then, my manner of life, from youth, from the beginning, having been among my own nation, also in Jerusalem, all the Jews know;
Comments Acts 26:4
The apostle used the truth to confront the king and the people around him. He did nothing in secret, and all the Lord’s children and people around knew the way of life that the apostle had. The way he glorified the Lord God Almighty had been publicly shown, and many can be witnesses to his behavior.
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from the beginning knowing me, if they would be willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.
Comments Acts 26:5
“From the beginning knowing me ...” The words from the mouth of the apostle are guided by the Holy Spirit, and make all hearers think about what they hear. All remember who the apostle is, the way he lived his life, and all are witnesses that he is a descendant of a strict sect of the Lord’s children.
“That according to the strictest sect ...” The apostle points out the way of his forefathers’ belief, and that he himself is a descendant of those believers who keep the law strictly. He and his forefathers hold the teaching of the Lord God Almighty to a greater degree than the rest of the people.
“That according to the strictest sect ...” The apostle points out the way of his forefathers’ belief, and that he himself is a descendant of those believers who keep the law strictly. He and his forefathers hold the teaching of the Lord God Almighty to a greater degree than the rest of the people.
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And now, I stand to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers;
Comments Acts 26:6
The apostle reminds all hearers that he and his forefathers believe in the Lord God Almighty and have knowledge of the coming One, the Savior of the world, as all the Lord’s children should have with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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to which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain, concerning which hope I am accused by the Jews, O king!
Comments Acts 26:7
“To which our twelve tribes, earnestly ...” The Lord’s children, many tribes, all still worship and glorify the Lord God Almighty with their whole heart, expecting to receive the blessing of faith for many generations of their children.
“Concerning which hope I am ...” The apostle told the king that he himself had the same faith as all the Jews, but that the Lord God Almighty also chose him to proclaim the good news to the Gentiles.
“Concerning which hope I am ...” The apostle told the king that he himself had the same faith as all the Jews, but that the Lord God Almighty also chose him to proclaim the good news to the Gentiles.
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Why is it judged incredible by you if God raises the dead?
Comments Acts 26:8
The apostle raised the question that was hard even for the religious leaders to answer. But in this place, the apostle raised the question regarding the ability of the Lord God Almighty Himself. This question will make the religious leader think about whom they are serving. If the Lord God Almighty does not have this ability, then who else will have this ability? Let all readers think as well about whom you serve.
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I, indeed, therefore, thought with myself that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Comments Acts 26:9
Here, the apostle admitted his sins, saying that he himself had done many things against the name of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom the Lord God Almighty raised up from the dead to conquer the whole world. The Lord God Almighty raised up the beloved Son of God with His mighty power, and the resurrection of the first human belongs to the beloved Son of God because this resurrection is the resurrection in the body, not in the spirit.
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Which I also did in Jerusalem; and I also locked up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; then, they having been put to death, I gave a vote against them.
Comments Acts 26:10
“Which I also did in Jerusalem ...” The apostle had confessed his sins against the children of God. He himself went to obtain the chief priests’ approval to harm the believers; for the apostle, at that time in his position and duty, had committed many sins against the believers.
“Then, they having been put to death ...” The heart of the apostle at that time was covered with the wish to be important and successful in duty. His eyes watched believers being put to death, and his heart had no mercy for them at that time. But also, the Lord God Almighty worked in his heart to keep the guilty feeling in him; he did bad and approved bad deeds, which made his heart rebuke him. The Holy Spirit worked in the apostle’s heart; this guilty feeling could come only from the Holy Spirit through the conviction of sin.
“Then, they having been put to death ...” The heart of the apostle at that time was covered with the wish to be important and successful in duty. His eyes watched believers being put to death, and his heart had no mercy for them at that time. But also, the Lord God Almighty worked in his heart to keep the guilty feeling in him; he did bad and approved bad deeds, which made his heart rebuke him. The Holy Spirit worked in the apostle’s heart; this guilty feeling could come only from the Holy Spirit through the conviction of sin.
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And punishing them frequently in all the synagogues, I was constraining them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly furious against them, I persecuted them even as far as to foreign cities.
Comments Acts 26:11
“And punishing them frequently ...” Give attention, all believers; the apostle, a common man, with a background hard to tell to people what he did, including forcefully using his authority to make people blaspheme against the Lord God Almighty. This was the sinner of that time, whom the Lord God Almighty had an eye on, in saving him, for His kingdom.
“And being exceedingly furious against them ...” When the dark mind controls a person, it will drive them to do madness exceedingly against people, including fighting against the Lord God Almighty. And here the apostle himself forcefully did evil, even going far from his own area.
“And being exceedingly furious against them ...” When the dark mind controls a person, it will drive them to do madness exceedingly against people, including fighting against the Lord God Almighty. And here the apostle himself forcefully did evil, even going far from his own area.
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During which, journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests,
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at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, having shone around me and those journeying with me.
Comments Acts 26:12-13
At the right time, the Lord God Almighty showed the light to the people who needed to see; this was a sign for them to follow. Everything happened for a reason, and the Lord God Almighty guided the people by signs and wonders. The people had a duty to follow.
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And we all, having fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute M e ? Hard for you to kick against the goad!
Comments Acts 26:14
“And we all, having fallen to the ground.” Let all believers give attention, as the verse tells: humans cannot stand even in the presence of the light of the Lord God Almighty. You are serving the Lord God Almighty, who has power; even the light from His glory is beyond the ability of humans to stand up.
“I heard a voice saying to me ...” The apostle heard the voice of the Lord speaking to him; a simple question was asked, which would make the apostle’s heart have the answer in his heart for all his life, reminding him of the actions and behavior that he had toward the Lord God Almighty.
“Hard for you to kick against the goad!” When the Lord God Almighty had shown and told the will of the Lord God Almighty, what humans should be, even for being an apostle, he cannot have actions or will against that order. The below always must obey and do as the Lord God Almighty has put for you to do. No human can go against that will.
“I heard a voice saying to me ...” The apostle heard the voice of the Lord speaking to him; a simple question was asked, which would make the apostle’s heart have the answer in his heart for all his life, reminding him of the actions and behavior that he had toward the Lord God Almighty.
“Hard for you to kick against the goad!” When the Lord God Almighty had shown and told the will of the Lord God Almighty, what humans should be, even for being an apostle, he cannot have actions or will against that order. The below always must obey and do as the Lord God Almighty has put for you to do. No human can go against that will.
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Then I said, Who are You, Lord ? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute.
Comments Acts 26:15
The apostle asked out of fear, and the Lord gave him the true answer: this is the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom he is fighting against His order.
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But arise, and stand upon your feet; for, for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things you have seen M e , and of the things in which I will appear to you;
Comments Acts 26:16
“But arise, and stand upon your feet ...” The apostle, the blessed man, received a direct order from the beloved Son of God Himself to be His personal servant and witness. The apostle will proclaim to the whole world what he saw and witnessed. The truth of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus will be proclaimed to all humans.
“Both of the things you have seen Me ...” The apostle will tell in detail the things he experienced and the things that the beloved Son of God will show him of what will happen in the future.
“Both of the things you have seen Me ...” The apostle will tell in detail the things he experienced and the things that the beloved Son of God will show him of what will happen in the future.
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delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,
Comments Acts 26:17
The beloved Son of God told His apostle details of deliverance from among people who let the dark mind control them. And at the same time, He let the apostle know where He would send him. At this point, the apostle himself also noticed that a lot of work was waiting for him. But this order also let the apostle know that wherever he would go, the beloved Son of God would also be there with him, and this filled his heart with confidence to do the work without fear.
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to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God , that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in M e .
Comments Acts 26:18
“To open their eyes, that they may turn ...” Give attention, all believers; the beloved Son of God tells His apostle, Your duty is to tell the good news, and that good news itself will open the eyes of those who give attention to the good news, to see the true light from the good news itself.
“And from the power of Satan to God.” Those who listen and follow the good news will be free from the hand of Satan, and their souls will be saved in the hand of the Lord God Almighty. The souls that meditate and obey the good news will receive deliverance from hell itself.
“That they may receive forgiveness of sins.” When they receive the forgiveness of their sins, that moment they will feel the joy of freedom. The power of good news also gives strength and joy to all who listen and obey.
“And an inheritance among those ...” The good news to those who accept and believe in the resurrection of the beloved Son of God will bring all to be with Him, and be part of the great joy of heaven with those who have been sanctified in the beloved Son of God, the Lord God Almighty Himself.
“And from the power of Satan to God.” Those who listen and follow the good news will be free from the hand of Satan, and their souls will be saved in the hand of the Lord God Almighty. The souls that meditate and obey the good news will receive deliverance from hell itself.
“That they may receive forgiveness of sins.” When they receive the forgiveness of their sins, that moment they will feel the joy of freedom. The power of good news also gives strength and joy to all who listen and obey.
“And an inheritance among those ...” The good news to those who accept and believe in the resurrection of the beloved Son of God will bring all to be with Him, and be part of the great joy of heaven with those who have been sanctified in the beloved Son of God, the Lord God Almighty Himself.
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Therefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
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but declared both to those in Damascus first, and all Jerusalem, and the region of Judaea, and to the Gentiles, to repent and to turn to God , doing works worthy of repentance.
Comments Acts 26:20
“... but declared both to those in Damascus first ...” The Lord God Almighty gave to His apostle a clear mind and vision to where the work needed to be done, and where he should be, and to tell the good news. He must declare to all the resurrection of the beloved Son of God; all humans need to know this good news.
“To repent and to turn to God ...” The apostle’s duty was to tell all humans that the Lord God Almighty’s mercy is great, and to come to the Lord God Almighty, confess their sins, and the mercy will be given; and to repent with a true heart, and forgiveness will be granted to all.
“To repent and to turn to God ...” The apostle’s duty was to tell all humans that the Lord God Almighty’s mercy is great, and to come to the Lord God Almighty, confess their sins, and the mercy will be given; and to repent with a true heart, and forgiveness will be granted to all.
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On account of these, the Jews, having seized me in the temple, attempted to kill me.
Comments Acts 26:21
The apostle told all listeners the order he received from the beloved Son of God. Now, everyone has no excuse; the ear heard the words from the witness’s mouth testify about the order he received that the beloved Son of God Himself gave him this message; and if their hearts still ignore this belief, the judgment will be upon them, and they cannot blame the Lord God Almighty for having no mercy for them. The guilt is upon themselves. When people want to kill the messenger of the Lord, the guilt is on them.
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Therefore, having obtained the help from God , I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing other than what both the prophets and Moses said was about to happen;
Comments Acts 26:22
“Therefore, having obtained the help that is from God.” The apostle announced to everyone with confidence that his life was spared by the hand of the Lord God Almighty Himself.
“I stand unto this day testifying both ...” The apostle’s specific words let them know that both the ruler and people heard the truth, the mighty work of the Lord God Almighty. Now it is up to them to let the word that they heard work in their hearts, or not; it is upon their hearts to think.
“Saying nothing other than what both the prophets ...” The apostle used the word that the Lord God Almighty gave to His holy prophets, telling them that what he told them is not from his own.
“I stand unto this day testifying both ...” The apostle’s specific words let them know that both the ruler and people heard the truth, the mighty work of the Lord God Almighty. Now it is up to them to let the word that they heard work in their hearts, or not; it is upon their hearts to think.
“Saying nothing other than what both the prophets ...” The apostle used the word that the Lord God Almighty gave to His holy prophets, telling them that what he told them is not from his own.
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that the Christ should suffer, as first through the resurrection of the dead, He is about to proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.
Comments Acts 26:23
“That the Christ should suffer ...” The apostle announced the Lord Jesus’ resurrection to all. The beloved Son of God never dies; He was resurrected in the body, being the Lord of light; death cannot contain Him.
“He is about to proclaim light ...” The beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, will proclaim the true light for all the Lord’s children and every human on this earth. Every human will have the same chance to be saved through the beloved Son of God, the true light for life for all humans.
“He is about to proclaim light ...” The beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, will proclaim the true light for all the Lord’s children and every human on this earth. Every human will have the same chance to be saved through the beloved Son of God, the true light for life for all humans.
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Now, of him saying in his defense these things, Festus said in a loud voice, Paul, you are mad! Your great learning is turning you mad.
Comments Acts 26:24
The apostle spoke out under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The true gospel has been proclaimed and made the ear of the listener go against the good news. The listener believed that the apostle, under the influence of teaching and learning, became crazy and spoke things that are not true.
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But Paul says, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but I speak forth words of truth and soberness.
Comments Acts 26:25
But the apostle replied with great confidence that he had spoken the truth. Nothing that he had spoken had been made up, but all things were the truth for all to hear.
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For the king understands concerning these things, to whom also I speak boldly; for I am persuaded, none of these things are hidden from him; for this has not been done in a corner.
Comments Acts 26:26
“For the king understands concerning these things ...” The apostle also had knowledge about this king, that he had been receiving much information and knew many things in detail, no secret had been hidden from him.
“For I am persuaded, none of these things ...” The apostle received confirmation from the Holy Spirit on how to speak. In his saying, he also lifted up the king for having knowledge of everything, but he also told the king that he himself worships the Lord God Almighty in open, with nothing hidden in his actions.
“For I am persuaded, none of these things ...” The apostle received confirmation from the Holy Spirit on how to speak. In his saying, he also lifted up the king for having knowledge of everything, but he also told the king that he himself worships the Lord God Almighty in open, with nothing hidden in his actions.
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King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.
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Then Agrippa said to Paul, In a little do you persuade me to make a Christian.
Comments Acts 26:28
Hearing the good news from the apostle created doubt in the mind of the king, but the pride in man had power to persuade the thought that, being a king, he could not let a commoner change his mind and believe in the Lord God Almighty, because the Lord God Almighty in all people’s thoughts is God of the Jews only.
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And Paul said, I pray to God , both in little and in much, not only you, but also all those hearing me this day, to become such as I also am, except these chains.
Comments Acts 26:29
The apostle spoke out by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to draw the attention of everyone: the king and the people around would hear the true gospel. And also, to let people know that in the Lord God Almighty, he has freedom to speak, but in this world, he has no right to be free.
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Then the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and those sitting with them,
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and having withdrawn, they spoke one to another, saying, This man is doing nothing worthy of death or of chains.
Comments Acts 26:30-31
The important persons of this world, by human standards, agreed to one another that the apostle had done no wrong that was enough to be punished in any way, but also that something needed to be done in order to keep themselves out of trouble.
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And Agrippa said to Festus, This man might have been set free, if he had not appealed to Caesar.
Comments Acts 26:32
Give attention, all believers; the apostle could be set free, but the Lord God Almighty had a purpose for His apostle to travel: a mighty work awaited him.
Life and faith applications. 1) Show respect to people in positions of authority. 2) Watch your way of life and worship, and always tell the truth. 3) Do not be ashamed of the Lord Jesus, and do not conceal your worship of Him. 4) Believe in the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus and embrace the hope of resurrection every day. 5) Pray continually to the Lord and seek guidance in everything; do not harm anyone, whether they are believers or non-believers. 6) Pray to the Lord and ask Him to guide you in how to serve Him during your time on earth. 7) Do not be afraid of anyone, whether they are small or great; boldly testify to your faith in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.