Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa

“And Agrippa said to Paul, ‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?  And Paul said, ‘Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.’  Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.  And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, ‘This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.’  And Agrippa said to Festus, ‘This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.’” –Acts 26:28-32 (ESV.  Read Acts 26).

Paul lifted his hand to speak and thanked King Agrippa II for hearing him.  He also stated that he felt fortunate to have an audience before the king because he knew more of the workings of Jewish policy and law than anyone else.  Also, Paul indicates later in his speech that he thinks Agrippa believes “the prophets,” a portion of the Jewish Old Testament. 

Paul’s defense before King Agrippa can be summarized by four statements that are his personal testimony: 

(1)  I lived as a Pharisee (4-11).  He studied and kept the law.  He at first persecuted the Christians.

(2)  I heard a Voice (14-18).  Paul clearly tells of his experience on the road to Damascus.

(3)  I was not disobedient (19-21).  Despite difficulty and opposition, Paul was faithful.

(4)  I continue unto this day (22-32).  This was demonstrated by his personal testimony that day.

Festus avoided making a decision by stating publicly that Paul was mad (a madman).  Agrippa replied to Paul’s invitation, but with a cynical answer:  “Do you think that, in such a short time, you can persuade me to become a Christian?”  I mentioned in the May 31 devotional that the invitation hymn by Philip Bliss, “Almost Persuaded” was based on this reply of Agrippa. 

In private conversation, Festus and Agrippa agreed that if Paul had not appealed to Caesar, they would have set him free.  However, to set Paul free at this time would no doubt have meant that the Jews would have killed him, as angry and strongly opposed to Paul as they were.  To keep him a prisoner meant Paul staying alive.  “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6, KJV).  Paul would have known this statement from Jewish wisdom literature.  He was seeing it performed in his own life.  To God be the glory!