Overview

Acts 26 records the Apostle Paul‘s defense before King Agrippa, marking one of the most powerful personal testimonies in the Book of Acts. This chapter is not merely a historical account but a theological proclamation of the gospel rooted in divine calling, the resurrection of Christ, and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.

Paul boldly recounts his conversion and commission by the risen Christ, portraying God’s sovereign hand in calling him to preach to both Jews and Gentiles. He appeals to the truth of the resurrection, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the transforming power of grace. This chapter highlights the authority of Scripture, the necessity of repentance, and the clarity of the gospel message in a world resistant to truth.

Key Themes:

• The transformative power of the gospel

• The historical reality of Christ’s resurrection

• God’s sovereign call and purpose

• The authority of Scripture and fulfilled prophecy

• Evangelism rooted in personal testimony and Scripture

Theological Significance:
Acts 26 affirms the divine origin of the gospel, the reliability of Paul’s apostolic calling, and the necessity of proclaiming repentance and faith in Christ. It models bold gospel proclamation under pressure and provides a template for sharing the faith faithfully, even in hostile contexts.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context:
This chapter takes place during Paul‘s imprisonment in Caesarea. After appealing to Caesar (Acts 25:11), Paul is given an opportunity to testify before King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice. Agrippa, a descendant of Herod the Great, had some authority and familiarity with Jewish customs and controversies. Paul’s defense is both a legal and evangelistic speech—likely delivered in a formal, public setting with Roman officials present.

Literary Context:
Acts 26 continues Luke’s consistent focus on Paul’s legal defenses (Acts 22-28). Luke emphasizes Paul’s innocence, his faithfulness to his divine calling, and the sovereign work of God through His servant. The chapter follows a chiastic structure:

• Introduction and setting (vv. 1–3)

• Paul’s Jewish background (vv. 4–11)

• The Damascus Road encounter (vv. 12–18)

• Obedience to the heavenly vision (vv. 19–23)

• Festus’s reaction and Agrippa’s response (vv. 24–32)

Luke’s writing combines historical narrative with theological persuasion, affirming both the inerrancy and purpose of Scripture: to testify about Jesus (John 5:39).

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty in Salvation

• Paul’s conversion was entirely the work of God. He was not seeking Christ but was instead persecuting the church (v. 11).

• God chose Paul, confronted him on the road to Damascus (v. 13), and commissioned him to be a witness to Jews and Gentiles (vv. 16–18).

• This illustrates the doctrine of election and God’s initiating grace (Romans 8:30; Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. The Authority of Scripture and Fulfilled Prophecy

• Paul repeatedly appeals to the “prophets and Moses” (v. 22) to show that the gospel is not a novelty but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

• The death and resurrection of Christ, as prophesied, are central (v. 23).

• This affirms the unity of Scripture and the trustworthiness of Old Testament prophecy.

3. The Centrality of the Resurrection

• Paul insists that the resurrection of Christ is not only the hope of Israel but the basis of salvation (vv. 6–8, 23).

• Christianity stands or falls on the bodily resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:14-17).

• The resurrection proves Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4).

4. Personal Testimony as a Witness to the Gospel

• Paul shares his own transformation as a case study of the gospel’s power (vv. 9–18).

• His testimony is not self-centered but Christ-exalting, always pointing to grace and the truth of Jesus as Messiah and Savior.

5. The Necessity of Repentance and Faith

• Paul preached that people “should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds” (v. 20).

• Salvation involves a turning from sin and a turning to Christ—faith that results in visible transformation.

6. Moral Clarity and the Offense of Truth

• Paul’s gospel presentation offends Festus, who calls him insane (v. 24).

• Biblical truth is often rejected by worldly wisdom, yet Paul remains unwavering and respectful, appealing even to Agrippa’s conscience (vv. 25-29).

Expository and Homiletical Outline

Sermon Title: The Gospel on Trial: Paul’s Bold Witness Before Agrippa

1. Paul’s Life Before Christ (Acts 26:1-11)

• Key Point: Paul was zealous in his Jewish faith and opposed to Christ.

• Application: God can redeem anyone, regardless of their past.

1. Paul’s Encounter with Christ (Acts 26:12-18)

• Key Point: Jesus reveals Himself and commissions Paul for ministry.

• Application: Christ personally calls and equips us for His mission.

III. Paul’s Obedience to Christ (Acts 26:19-23)

• Key Point: Paul obeyed God’s call to preach the gospel.

• Application: True conversion leads to faithful witness and action.

1. The Gospel Response (Acts 26:24-29)

• Key Point: Some mocked, some were convicted—but Paul remained faithful.

• Application: Share the gospel boldly, regardless of response.

1. The Verdict and Final Reflection (Acts 26:30-32)

• Key Point: Paul is recognized as innocent, but the mission continues.

• Application: Trust God’s providence even when wrongly accused.

Practical Application for Today’s Christian

1. Be ready to give a personal testimony that clearly points to Christ and the gospel, especially in a culture that is increasingly hostile to biblical truth.

2. Remain confident in Scripture’s authority and sufficiency to defend the faith (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. Boldly proclaim the resurrection of Jesus as historical fact and the basis for Christian hope.

4. Be faithful in your calling even when misunderstood, marginalized, or mistreated.

5. Preach and live a gospel that includes repentance, not merely mental assent or cultural Christianity.

6. Engage the conscience, as Paul did with Agrippa, trusting the Holy Spirit to convict hearts.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Creation and New Creation: Paul‘s transformation echoes the Genesis theme of God bringing light out of darkness (v. 18; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:6).

• Redemption and Restoration: Christ’s commissioning of Paul is part of God’s redemptive plan to bring salvation to all peoples.

• Covenant Fulfillment: The promise to Abraham to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3) finds fulfillment in Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.

• The Sovereignty of God: Even Roman trials serve God’s plan to spread the gospel to the highest levels of power.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Paul’s testimony challenge the way we share our own faith stories?

2. What can we learn from Paul’s boldness in defending the gospel under pressure?

3. In what ways does this chapter affirm the reliability of Scripture?

4. How can we better incorporate the resurrection into our personal evangelism?

5. Are we, like Paul, obedient to God’s calling even when it leads to suffering?

6. What would it look like for us to appeal to others’ conscience, as Paul did to Agrippa?

Verse-by-Verse Analysis – Acts 26

Verses 1–3: Paul’s Respectful Appeal to Agrippa

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You have permission to speak for yourself.’ So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: ‘King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.’”

• Explanation: Paul shows courtesy and respect to Agrippa, recognizing his familiarity with Jewish matters. This builds credibility and opens the door for a more attentive hearing.

• Cross-Reference: 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.”

• Application: Christians should defend their faith with both boldness and grace.

Verses 4–11: Paul’s Life Before Christ

Paul recounts his strict Pharisaic upbringing and zeal, including persecuting Christians.

• Explanation: Paul emphasizes that he once lived according to the strictest sect of Judaism, showing that his conversion was not due to ignorance or rebellion but a genuine transformation.

• Doctrine: Total depravity — humanity, even in religious zeal, is spiritually blind apart from grace.

• Cross-Reference: Philippians 3:4-6, Galatians 1:13 – Paul’s former life in Judaism.

• Application: Our past sins and failures are not obstacles to grace but opportunities to showcase God’s transforming power.

Verse 8: The Hope of Resurrection

“Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?”

• Explanation: Paul confronts the denial of resurrection by appealing to God’s omnipotence.

• Doctrinal Insight: God’s power over life and death is central to the Christian hope.

• Cross-Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 – the resurrection is the foundation of our faith.

• Application: Boldly affirm the bodily resurrection of Christ as non-negotiable.

Verses 12–18: Paul’s Conversion and Commission

Jesus appears to Paul on the road to Damascus, appointing him to open eyes and turn people from darkness to light.

• Explanation: A literal, supernatural encounter with the risen Christ; Paul receives a divine mission.

• Key Doctrines:
  • Sovereign grace: Christ initiates salvation (v. 14–15).

  • Spiritual blindness and illumination: v. 18 – “to open their eyes.”

  • Sanctification and inheritance: v. 18 – “among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

• Cross-References: Isaiah 42:7 (opening blind eyes), Ephesians 1:18.

• Application: Believers are called to bear witness to the light and to God’s sanctifying work.

Verses 19–20: Obedience to the Heavenly Vision

“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.”

• Explanation: Paul responded in obedience, preaching repentance and works that demonstrate true faith.

• Doctrinal Insight: Salvation by grace leads to obedient living and repentance (James 2:17, Acts 2:38).

• Application: Faithful ministry means calling people to repentance and walking in obedience to Christ.

Verse 22–23: Fulfillment of the Prophets

“But God has helped me to this very day… that the Messiah would suffer and… rise from the dead…”

• Explanation: Paul appeals to Scripture to validate the gospel—Jesus is the promised Messiah.

• Doctrine: Unity of the Bible — Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Jesus.

• Cross-Reference: Luke 24:27, Acts 3:18, Isaiah 53.

• Application: Our preaching should be rooted in the whole counsel of God and show Christ in all of Scripture.

Verse 24: The World’s Rejection

“You are out of your mind, Paul!” Festus shouted.

• Explanation: Festus, a Roman, rejects the gospel message as irrational.

• Doctrine: The natural man cannot understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14).

• Application: Expect opposition, but never shrink back from gospel truth.

Verses 27–28: Paul’s Personal Appeal to Agrippa

“Do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

• Explanation: Paul presses Agrippa to confront the truth of prophecy fulfilled in Christ.

• Application: Effective evangelism often includes direct, respectful appeals to conscience.

Verse 29: Paul’s Evangelistic Zeal

“I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am…”

• Explanation: Paul’s desire is not self-preservation but gospel proclamation.

• Cross-Reference: Romans 9:3 – Paul’s deep burden for lost souls.

• Application: Love for the lost must drive our preaching and personal witness.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Christ as the Fulfillment of Prophecy

• Paul’s defense centers on Jesus as the one foretold by “Moses and the prophets” (v. 22–23).

• Christ is the Messianic fulfillment, the suffering servant, and the first to rise from the dead.

2. Jesus is the Source of Light and Salvation

• In v. 18, Jesus sends Paul to open eyes and turn people from darkness to light.

• This echoes John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world.”

• Salvation, sanctification, and eternal inheritance are given by faith in Christ.

3. Jesus is the Risen Lord Who Commissions

• The appearance of the risen Christ (v. 13–18) confirms His divine authority and ongoing reign.

• Paul’s commissioning by Jesus reflects His continuing headship over the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

4. Jesus is the Only Way to the Father

• Through faith in Christ, people are turned “from Satan to God” (v. 18).

• Christ is the mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) — the only one through whom people receive forgiveness and inheritance.

Connection to God the Father

1. The Source of the Promise and the Gospel

• Paul speaks of the hope in what God has promised (v. 6). These are not new ideas but ancient promises from the Father to His people.

• God the Father is the covenant-maker who planned redemption from the beginning (Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3).

2. The One Who Raises the Dead

• In v. 8, Paul emphasizes that God raises the dead, attributing resurrection power to the Father.

• This aligns with Romans 10:9 — we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead.

3. The One Who Sends and Helps

• Paul says, “God has helped me to this very day” (v. 22), showing divine providence and sustenance.

• God is active in preserving, empowering, and guiding His servants for the advancement of His gospel.

4. The One Who Grants Inheritance

• In v. 18, believers are given “an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in [Christ].”

• This inheritance originates from the Father (Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:11).

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While Acts 26 does not directly mention the Holy Spirit, the Spirit’s presence is evident throughout Paul’s testimony and ministry. From a biblical perspective, the Spirit is actively involved in every part of this chapter:

1. Empowering Bold Witness

• Paul’s courage to speak before kings (v. 1) fulfills Jesus’ promise in Matthew 10:18-20: “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings… but it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

• The Holy Spirit gives Paul both boldness and clarity (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 6:19).

2. Convicting the Heart

• When Paul appeals to Agrippa’s conscience (v. 27), the Spirit is at work. John 16:8 teaches that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

• Paul’s witness challenges both Agrippa and Festus, though they resist.

3. Revealing the Gospel

• The light that shone around Paul on the Damascus road (v. 13) symbolizes the Spirit’s illuminating work (2 Corinthians 4:6).

• The Spirit is the one who opens spiritual eyes and hearts to the gospel (Acts 16:14).

4. Calling and Sending

• Paul’s commission (v. 16–18) is the outworking of the Spirit’s call, consistent with Acts 13:2 where the Holy Spirit sets apart Paul and Barnabas for mission.

• The Spirit sends and sustains gospel workers in all seasons, including trial.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: Standing Before Kings: Faithfulness, Testimony, and the Power of the Gospel

Text: Acts 26:1-32

Big Idea: God empowers believers by His Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel, even in difficult places, with confidence in His Word, His Son, and His power to save.

I. The Testimony of a Transformed Life (Acts 26:1-11)

• Paul’s past: zealous, religious, misguided, persecutor

• Truth: God can reach anyone, no matter how far they seem.

• Application: Don’t give up on anyone—God’s grace transforms lives.

Transition: But what changed Paul so radically? He encountered someone who changed everything.

II. The Encounter with the Risen Christ (Acts 26:12-18)

• Key moment: Paul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus.

• Doctrine: Salvation is initiated by Christ, not by man.

• Application: Share your testimony. It points others to the power of Christ.

Example: Share the story of a modern-day conversion—from addiction, atheism, or pride—to highlight Jesus‘ power to save.

III. The Obedient Life of Faith (Acts 26:19-23)

• Paul’s response: immediate obedience and public preaching.

• Key message: Repentance, faith, and transformation

• Application: True faith produces obedience. Our lives must reflect the message we preach.

Illustration: Use the story of William Wilberforce—whose conversion led him to fight against slavery as an outworking of his faith.

IV. The Power of the Gospel, Even When Rejected (Acts 26:24-32)

• Reactions: Festus mocks, Agrippa deflects, but Paul stands firm.

• Truth: Not all will believe, but the message must still be preached.

• Application: Be bold in witness. Trust the results to God.

Call to Action: Like Paul, be willing to speak truth in love to friends, coworkers, even authorities—trusting the Spirit to use your words.

Conclusion: Faithfulness in Every Setting

• Paul stood before kings because he was faithful before crowds and individuals.

• Whether we stand before many or few, God calls us to speak.

• The same Spirit that empowered Paul lives in you.

Final Call to Action

“Will you be obedient to the heavenly vision?” (v. 19)

• Commit today to share your story.

• Speak the gospel with boldness, no matter the audience.

• Trust God to use your faithfulness to plant seeds of salvation.

Modern Illustrations and Examples

1. Courtroom Witness Analogy

• Picture a courtroom: a defendant stands, not to plead innocence, but to proclaim the truth.

• Paul isn’t trying to save his life—he’s trying to save theirs.

• Application: In every conversation, we are either defending ourselves or declaring the gospel.

2. Testimony of Nabeel Qureshi

• Former Muslim turned Christian apologist. His bold testimony, even in sickness, led many to faith in Christ.

• Parallel: Like Paul, Nabeel shared his story even in hostile spaces.

3. Lighthouse Analogy

• A lighthouse doesn’t argue with the storm. It simply shines.

• Paul didn’t debate Agrippa endlessly—he just told the truth clearly.

• Application: Be the light. Speak the truth. Trust God to work.

Application for Today’s Christian

Acts 26 is more than a historical courtroom testimony—it offers powerful and personal encouragement for believers to live boldly and faithfully in a culture that may resist or mock the gospel.

1. Discipleship: Bold Witness in All Seasons

• Paul demonstrates that a true disciple of Jesus is not silent in adversity.

• Whether in freedom or chains, believers are called to declare the hope of Christ.

• Practical Step: Share your testimony with someone this week—practice telling your “before and after” story in Christ.

2. Stewardship: Using Opportunities for the Gospel

• Paul doesn’t waste his trial—he uses it to point to Christ.

• Stewardship includes not just money, but moments, platforms, and relationships.

• Practical Step: Evaluate your current context—work, school, family. Ask: “How can I use this setting to glorify Christ?”

3. Living Out Faith: Consistency and Courage

• Paul remained obedient to Christ despite threats, prison, and ridicule.

• True faith results in consistent obedience.

• Practical Step: Commit to one area this week where obedience is hard—whether it’s forgiving someone, resisting sin, or sharing your faith—and ask God for strength to follow through.

Connection to God’s Love

Even in a courtroom scene, Acts 26 reveals the immense love and grace of God.

1. God Pursues the Lost

• Paul was a violent persecutor, yet Jesus met him in mercy and called him to salvation and service (vv. 14–18).

• God’s love is relentless, not based on merit but on grace.

2. God Offers Forgiveness and a New Identity

• Jesus sends Paul “to open their eyes… so they may receive forgiveness of sins” (v. 18).

• Forgiveness is not limited to Jews or Gentiles—it is offered to all who believe.

• This reflects God’s heart to redeem and restore the broken.

3. God Delights to Include Us in His Mission

• Rather than discard Paul, God redeems him and gives him a holy calling.

• Every believer is invited into God’s mission of grace.

• Romans 5:8 – “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Broader Biblical Themes

Acts 26 is deeply tied to the grand storyline of the Bible—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.

1. Creation and Image of God

• Paul‘s call to “open their eyes… from darkness to light” (v. 18) echoes Genesis 1 where God spoke light into darkness.

• Humanity, created in God’s image, was made to walk in truth and light. Through Christ, that image is restored.

2. Redemption through Covenant Fulfillment

• Paul emphasizes that the gospel is not new—it’s the fulfillment of “what the prophets and Moses said would happen” (v. 22).

• The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:3) promised blessing to all nations. Paul, as the apostle to the Gentiles, is part of this fulfillment.

• Christ is the fulfillment of the law and prophets (Matthew 5:17).

3. Exile and Restoration

• Spiritually, Paul’s conversion mirrors Israel’s story: blindness, rebellion, exile—and finally restoration.

• God not only restores Paul but sends him to bring restoration to others.

• Acts 26 shows how redemption leads to mission—God saves to send.

Summary Takeaway for Believers

Acts 26 calls the modern Christian to:

• Boldly proclaim Christ no matter the audience

• Trust God to use every circumstance for gospel witness

• Reflect God’s love through obedience, courage, and grace

• Live as part of God’s redemptive plan, rooted in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit

Reflection Questions for Acts 26

Use these questions to go deeper in your understanding of the passage, stir personal growth, and encourage discussion in small groups or leadership settings.

Personal Reflection

1. Have I shared my personal testimony lately?
   – What was my life like before Christ? How did I come to know Him? How has He changed me?

2. Do I truly believe God can save anyone—even those most opposed to the gospel?
   – Who is one person I’ve given up on that God is calling me to pray for and reach out to?

3. Am I living in obedience to the calling God has placed on my life?
   – What “heavenly vision” have I received that I’ve been neglecting or delaying?

Scripture Engagement

1. What part of Paul’s defense stands out most to me—and why?
   – Is it his boldness, his clarity, his appeal to Scripture, or his love for his hearers?

2. How does Paul’s use of Old Testament prophecy strengthen his message?
   – What does this teach me about the importance of knowing and using Scripture well?

Gospel and Mission

1. How does Paul’s story help me present the gospel more clearly to others?
   – How can I use both Scripture and my personal experience to point others to Jesus?

2. Am I ready to speak for Christ even when people might mock or reject me like Festus did to Paul?
   – What does courage look like for me today—in my family, workplace, school, or community?

Walking in God’s Love

1. Do I truly rest in the fact that I am forgiven and set apart by faith in Jesus (v. 18)?
   – How should that identity affect my daily choices, words, and attitudes?

2. How does this chapter remind me of God’s love and power to restore broken people and use them for His glory?
   – Where do I need to trust Him more deeply with my past, present, or future?

Discipleship and Daily Practice

1. What specific action is the Holy Spirit prompting me to take in response to Acts 26?
   – Who should I share the gospel with this week?
   – What fear do I need to surrender?
   – What next step in obedience do I need to commit to?