Acts 26: Paul’s Bold Testimony and the Hope of Resurrection

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Acts 26, a pivotal chapter, recounts Paul’s compelling defense before King Agrippa, weaving together his dramatic conversion experience and the divinely ordained mission to spread the Gospel. Confronted with skepticism and hostility, Paul eloquently articulates the hope of the resurrection, a central tenet of Christian faith and a point of contention with his Jewish contemporaries. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of encountering Christ and the unwavering commitment required to proclaim His message, even in the face of adversity. Paul’s unwavering faith serves as a model for believers today, urging us to boldly share our own testimonies and to stand firm in the hope of the resurrection. Paul’s testimony is a timeless example of evangelism and unwavering faith.

This passage offers a profound look into the challenges faced by early Christians and the enduring relevance of the Gospel message. It reminds us that truth, though often met with resistance, ultimately prevails. Paul’s courage to speak the truth, even before royalty, challenges us to examine our own willingness to share our faith, regardless of the circumstances.

📖 Acts 26 Commentary 📖

Acts 26:1

(KJV) Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

(NKJV) So Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself:

Agrippa grants Paul permission to speak, signaling a potential shift in the proceedings. Paul’s outstretched hand is a powerful gesture, indicative of his earnestness and authority as an apostle. This physical expression echoes the prophets of old, who often used gestures to emphasize their message. We, too, should approach sharing our faith with sincerity and a willingness to engage fully with those who are listening. Consider how you can use your actions, as well as your words, to convey the truth of the Gospel.

Acts 26:2-3

(KJV) I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

(NKJV) “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

Paul begins with respect, acknowledging Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish customs. This is an example of strategic communication, building common ground before presenting his case. By appealing to Agrippa’s expertise, Paul aims to establish credibility and encourage a fair hearing. 💡 We can learn from Paul’s approach, seeking to understand our audience and tailor our message accordingly. St. Paul is showing respect for earthly authority, as encouraged by the Lord. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to respect authority while holding firm to our faith.

Acts 26:4-8

(KJV) My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

(NKJV) “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes earnestly serve God night and day, hoping to attain it. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?

Paul emphasizes his Pharisaical background, highlighting his deep understanding of Jewish law and tradition. He then connects his current predicament to the “hope of the promise made by God unto our fathers,” namely the resurrection. This connects the Christian faith to the core beliefs of Judaism, demonstrating that Christianity is not a departure from, but a fulfillment of, God’s promises. The question, “Why should it be thought incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” is a direct challenge to Agrippa’s worldview and a powerful defense of the Christian belief in resurrection. ✨ As St. Athanasius said, “Θεὸς ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν” (The God became man, so that we might become gods.) (Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 54.3). We see the promise of theosis—divinization—through Christ’s resurrection, a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox theology.

The historical context is crucial: Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious and political life. Paul’s earlier life as a Pharisee in that environment gave him considerable standing among the Jews. Today, we might think of it like someone who was once a leading scholar now embracing a different, but related, field of study. He uses that former credibility to now preach the Gospel. 📜

Acts 26:9-11

(KJV) I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

(NKJV) “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly furious against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul recounts his past persecution of Christians, demonstrating the radical transformation he experienced upon encountering Christ. This confession humanizes him and underscores the power of God’s grace to redeem even the most fervent opponents. It shows his genuine remorse for his past actions and highlights the magnitude of his conversion. We must always be aware of the potential for transformation within ourselves and others. God can change hearts and lives in unexpected ways. We can see this same theme reflected in the story of the Prophet Jonah.

Acts 26:12-18

(KJV) Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

(NKJV) “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

This is the heart of Paul’s testimony: his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. The light “above the brightness of the sun” underscores the divine nature of the revelation. Jesus’ question, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” reveals the intimate connection between Christ and his followers. The mission entrusted to Paul is to “open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” This encapsulates the essence of the Gospel: liberation from spiritual bondage and reconciliation with God. ✨ The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of *metanoia*, a radical change of heart and mind, as exemplified by Paul’s conversion. As St. Macarius the Great said, “Ἡ ψυχὴ ἡ ἀγαπήσασα τὸν Θεὸν γίνεται ὅλη φῶς, ὅλη ὀφθαλμός” (The soul that has loved God becomes all light, all eye.) (Macarius the Great, *Homily* 15.19). This transformation allows us to see with spiritual eyes and to perceive the truth of God. 🕊️

Damascus held strategic importance as a major trade route and cultural center, inhabited by both Jews and Gentiles. Paul’s mission to this cosmopolitan city signaled the expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins. This aligns with the Great Commission to “go into all the world.”

Acts 26:19-23

(KJV) Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

(NKJV) “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.

Paul emphasizes his obedience to the “heavenly vision,” highlighting the transformative power of his encounter with Christ. His message, rooted in repentance and good works, is consistent with the teachings of the Old Testament prophets. He asserts that Christ’s suffering and resurrection fulfill the prophecies and offer salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. This passage underscores the universality of the Gospel message. The reference to works “meet for repentance” resonates with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on practical Christianity. 📖 We believe that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Our actions should reflect the transforming power of God’s grace in our lives.

Acts 26:24-27

(KJV) And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

(NKJV) Now as he thus defended himself, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but I speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”

Festus interrupts Paul, dismissing his testimony as madness. This highlights the clash between worldly wisdom and spiritual truth. Paul’s response is measured and respectful, asserting that he speaks “the words of truth and soberness.” He then appeals to Agrippa’s knowledge and belief in the prophets, directly challenging him to consider the validity of his message. This is a moment of high tension, as Paul attempts to persuade Agrippa of the truth of the Gospel. We see here that even when faced with ridicule, we must stand firm in our faith. As the Prophet Isaiah said, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

Acts 26:28-29

(KJV) Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

(NKJV) Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

Agrippa’s response is ambiguous, indicating that Paul’s testimony has had an impact, but not a complete conversion. Paul’s desire for Agrippa and all who hear him to become “altogether such as I am, except for these bonds” reflects his genuine love and concern for their salvation. It highlights the joy and freedom that come from following Christ, even in the face of suffering. 💡 This exchange reminds us that our role is to plant the seeds of faith; the Holy Spirit brings about conversion. We should pray for those to whom we witness, trusting that God will work in their hearts.

Acts 26:30-32

(KJV) And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

(NKJV) When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

The closing remarks of Agrippa and Festus suggest that Paul was innocent of any crime deserving of death. However, his appeal to Caesar necessitates his journey to Rome. This illustrates the complex interplay of divine providence and human agency. God can use even difficult circumstances, like Paul’s imprisonment and journey to Rome, to further his purposes. 🌍 The geographical context of this journey is significant. Rome, as the center of the Roman Empire, represented a strategic opportunity for Paul to preach the Gospel to a wider audience. Even in chains, Paul continued his mission.

🤔 Reflections & Teachings 🤔

Here are some key reflections and teachings from Acts 26:

• The Power of Testimony: Paul’s personal testimony is a powerful tool for evangelism. Sharing our own experiences of encountering Christ can resonate with others and open their hearts to the Gospel.
• The Importance of Obedience: Paul’s obedience to the “heavenly vision” demonstrates the importance of following God’s calling, even when it leads to difficulty and hardship.
• The Universality of the Gospel: Paul’s mission to the Gentiles highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which offers salvation to all who believe.
• Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition: Paul’s unwavering faith in the face of ridicule and opposition serves as an example for believers today.
• The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Paul’s emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Christ underscores the continuity between Judaism and Christianity.
• The Hope of Resurrection: Paul’s defense of the resurrection as a central tenet of Christian faith provides hope and encouragement for believers facing trials and persecution.

❓ FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Acts 26:

• Q: Why did Paul appeal to Caesar?
  A: Paul appealed to Caesar because he was a Roman citizen and felt he was not receiving a fair trial in Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen, he had the right to have his case heard by the emperor in Rome. This was a strategic move that ultimately allowed him to preach the Gospel in the heart of the Roman Empire.
• Q: What can we learn from Paul’s approach to sharing his faith?
  A: Paul’s approach to sharing his faith is characterized by respect, boldness, and a deep understanding of his audience. He tailors his message to resonate with those he is speaking to, while remaining true to the core message of the Gospel. He demonstrates humility, admitting his past persecution of Christians, and emphasizes the transformative power of encountering Christ.
• Q: How does Acts 26 relate to Coptic Orthodox theology?
  A: Acts 26 highlights several key tenets of Coptic Orthodox theology, including the importance of personal experience with Christ, the transformative power of grace, the necessity of *metanoia* (repentance), the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Christ, and the hope of resurrection. The chapter also underscores the importance of practical Christianity, emphasizing that faith should be expressed through good works.
• Q: How can I apply the lessons of Acts 26 to my own life?
  A: You can apply the lessons of Acts 26 by sharing your own testimony of encountering Christ with others, being obedient to God’s calling in your life, standing firm in your faith in the face of opposition, and living a life that reflects the transforming power of God’s grace. Remember that your actions speak louder than words; let your life be a testament to your faith.

⭐ Conclusion ⭐

Acts 26 offers a powerful narrative of transformation, courage, and unwavering faith. Paul’s defense before Agrippa is not merely a historical account, but a timeless example of how to effectively communicate the Gospel and stand firm in the face of adversity. Paul’s testimony serves as a reminder that our personal experiences with Christ can be a powerful tool for evangelism. We are called to be obedient to God’s calling, even when it leads us down difficult paths. Paul’s words before Agrippa encourages us to cultivate our own personal relationship with Christ, and to bravely share our faith with others. And just as God helped Paul to continue his testimony, so too will He equip us to fulfill our own unique calling and mission within His church.

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Acts 26, Paul, Agrippa, Testimony, Conversion, Resurrection, Gospel, Faith, Christianity, Coptic Orthodox

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Explore Acts 26: Paul’s compelling testimony before King Agrippa, his conversion, and unwavering faith. Learn how to share your testimony effectively and stand firm in the face of adversity. Paul’s testimony is a powerful lesson!