Day 34

Day 34: Acts 26

In this chapter, we see another one of Paul’s evangelistic approaches: his personal testimony. Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul was often persecuted or imprisoned - see, for example, his list of hardships in II Corinthians 11:21-33. But now, both the Jewish and Roman ruling bodies were involved in his trials. Before appearing in the presence of King Agrippa, Paul had appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11-12). As a Roman citizen, Paul would have had the right to appear before the emperor Nero. Nero is often remembered in history for his vicious persecution of Christians, but if Paul would have won the case currently brought against him regarding his supposed crimes against the Jewish people, it would have gained official recognition for Christianity. Much more was at stake in these trials than Paul’s own freedom or safety.

This Agrippa, to whom Paul is speaking in Acts 26, was King Herod Agrippa II, the great-grandson of the Herod who tried to kill the baby Jesus in Matthew 2. The various Herods were appointed by the ruling Roman emperors and the Senate, and they were involved in the death of Jesus (Luke 23), John the Baptist (Matthew 14), and some of the other apostles. Herod Agrippa II, however, showed considerable sympathy towards Paul in allowing him to speak in his own defense, thus sharing the gospel with everyone assembled there and preventing more violence from the Jewish leaders.

Paul told his story in a calm and orderly manner, speaking freely of his upbringing, conversion, and subsequent ministry. He concluded once again with the idea that he was “saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen - that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles” (vv. 22-23). And when Governor Festus shouted insults in response, Paul simply replied, “What I am saying is true and reasonable” (v. 25). He even prayed for Agrippa and told him frankly that he hoped to see him become a Christian (v. 29). God had clearly been at work in the life of Paul, and he continued to work in him now, even on such a public stage. Without getting defensive or angry, Paul simply told the story of how his own life had been changed, and in doing so he was able to explain the person and work of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all of Scripture.

Questions for reflection and discussion: How has Paul’s life been changed since meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus? What is your testimony, the story of how God has worked in your life? How can you truly and reasonably tell your story so that it points your listeners toward the person and work of Jesus?