Devotional Acts 26: Paul's Testimony Before King Agrippa Reflection on Acts 26: Paul's defense, the story of his conversion on the way to Damascus, and the declaration of his innocence before King Agrippa. Topics: Devotional, New Testament.

Devotional Acts 26: Paul’s Testimony Before King Agrippa

Today’s devotional is found in the book of Acts, chapter 26, and this is what happened.

Synopsis: This chapter begins with King Agrippa granting Paul permission to speak and defend himself against the accusations. Paul, taking the floor, thanks the king and praises him for knowing that the king is also familiar with Jewish traditions and controversies. He speaks about how all the Jews know of his upbringing as a Pharisee, one of the strictest sects of their religion. And that, now, they are accusing him for believing in the words of the prophets and in the hope of God. Because, apparently, to them, God cannot raise the dead. Furthermore, Paul also admitted that he himself was one of the greatest persecutors of Jesus Christ, going from synagogue to synagogue (even abroad) seeking out Christians to punish, imprison, and force them to blaspheme against God. Until one day, while on his way to Damascus, a bright light from the sun engulfed them (Paul and his companions) and the voice of Jesus warned Paul to stop persecuting Him. For he would become a servant of Jesus and help bring people lost in darkness back to the light. And Paul did exactly as Jesus said: he went to preach the gospel to everyone (Jews and non-Jews). For this reason, the Jews arrested him for preaching about salvation in Christ that the prophets and Moses prophesied. When Festus heard this, he interrupted and warned Paul. But Paul explained that he could speak boldly with Agrippa because the king already knew the Holy Scriptures. Finally, at the end of the hearing, everyone present reached the conclusion that Paul had committed no crime to be imprisoned, much less to deserve death. But since he preferred to be judged by Caesar, he remained in custody awaiting his trial.

Observations

These were my observations.

1. Not all authorities were corrupt. Despite all the persecutions Paul suffered leading up to this chapter—stoning in Lystra (Acts 14:19), imprisonment in Philippi (Acts 16:22–24), and the plot to kill him (Acts 23:12)—this was one of the few times that justice was served before an authority. For the king was not corrupted by the Jews who sought to kill Paul. Agrippa did not advise Festus in the first instance to hand Paul over to be judged by the Jews. First, he preferred to participate in a hearing to listen to what Paul had to say in his defense (Acts 25:22). Second, during the hearing, he genuinely gave Paul permission to defend himself with the ears of someone who was prepared to be impartial and fair (Acts 26:1). Finally, Agrippa and the others tasked with investigating the truthfulness of the accusations against Paul reached the logical conclusion, based on Paul’s defense, that he was innocent of the charges (Acts 26:30–31). That is to say, this hearing was certainly one of the few in which justice was served.
2. Paul speaks again about his origins as a Pharisee. He decides to do so again for two reasons. The first reason was to strengthen his defense and reaffirm his credibility in defending his beliefs, since he had a strict upbringing and training as a Pharisee (Acts 23:6 and Acts 26:5). In other words, he knows the laws, customs, and traditions of the doctrine very well, and the Jews cannot simply ignore him or refute his arguments. The second reason was to explain the real issue that the Jews (more specifically, the Sadducees) had with him. This issue was the fact that Paul (like all Pharisees) believed in the resurrection of the dead, spirits, and angels. But the Sadducees do not believe in these things (Acts 23:7–8). Therefore, by making this statement, Paul solidifies his defense and leaves the jury convinced that he was innocent of all the serious charges made by the Jews.
3. Paul explains why he places all his hope in Jesus Christ. He explains that he was one of the greatest persecutors of Christ and, consequently, of Christians. For he himself was obsessed with punishing them in prison to force them to blaspheme against God and supported decisions to put them to death (Acts 26:9–11). However, it was thanks to the supernatural experience he had with the voice of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus that changed him. For Jesus revealed to him the purpose he would serve in His plans as a servant tasked with sharing the gospel with all who are far from God so that they may obtain salvation through acceptance and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 26:16–18).