Acts chapter 26 records Paul’s defense before King Agrippa II. Rather than merely defending himself against legal accusations, Paul uses the opportunity to present the Gospel and testify to the transforming power of Jesus Christ. The chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, the reality of the resurrection, and the call for all people to repent and believe.

1. Paul Begins His Defense (Acts 26:1–8)

Agrippa grants Paul permission to speak, and Paul expresses gratitude because Agrippa is familiar with Jewish customs and controversies.

Paul recounts his background as a Pharisee:

“according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.” (v. 5)

He explains that he is on trial because of:

“the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.” (v. 6)

This promise ultimately centers on the Messiah and the resurrection.

Paul then asks a penetrating question:

“Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?” (v. 8)

The resurrection remains the central issue. Christianity stands or falls on the reality that God raised Jesus from the dead.

2. Paul Describes His Former Life (Acts 26:9–11)

Paul openly admits his former hostility toward Christianity.

He:

• Opposed Jesus' name
• Imprisoned believers
• Approved of executions
• Persecuted Christians across various cities

This highlights the dramatic nature of his conversion. Paul was not predisposed to believe in Jesus; he was actively trying to destroy the Church.

3. Paul Recounts His Conversion (Acts 26:12–18)

Paul again tells the story of his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus.

A brilliant light appears, and Jesus speaks:

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (v. 14)

Jesus adds:

“It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

The image is that of an ox resisting the guidance of its master and only injuring itself in the process.

When Paul asks who is speaking, Jesus replies:

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (v. 15)

This confirms:

• The resurrection of Christ
• Christ's identification with His Church
• Paul's divine calling

Jesus commissions Paul to:

• Open spiritual eyes
• Turn people from darkness to light
• Turn people from Satan to God
• Proclaim forgiveness of sins
• Bring people into God's inheritance through faith

Verse 18 provides one of the clearest summaries of Gospel ministry in Acts.

4. Paul's Obedience to the Heavenly Vision (Acts 26:19–23)

Paul declares:

“I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” (v. 19)

His ministry consistently called people to:

“repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” (v. 20)

Orthodox Christianity understands that good works do not produce salvation; rather, they are evidence of genuine repentance and faith.

Paul explains that his message has always been rooted in the Old Testament:

“saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come” (v. 22)

Specifically:

• The Messiah would suffer
• The Messiah would rise from the dead
• The Messiah would bring light to both Jews and Gentiles

Christianity is presented not as a new religion, but as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan revealed throughout Scripture.

5. Festus and Agrippa Respond (Acts 26:24–32)

As Paul speaks, Festus interrupts:

“Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” (v. 24)

Paul calmly responds that his words are:

“true and reasonable.” (v. 25)

He then directly addresses Agrippa:

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” (v. 27)

Agrippa famously replies:

“You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (v. 28)

Whether spoken sincerely or sarcastically, the statement highlights the personal challenge of the Gospel.

Paul's desire is clear:

“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.” (v. 29)

The chapter closes with Agrippa, Festus, and the others agreeing:

“This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” (v. 31)

Agrippa even observes:

“This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (v. 32)

Yet God's greater purpose is at work: Paul must go to Rome.

Major Themes in Acts 26:

• The resurrection of Jesus Christ
• The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy
• The transforming power of God's grace
• Repentance and faith in Christ
• The mission to Jews and Gentiles
• Obedience to God's calling
• The reasonableness and truthfulness of the Gospel
• Personal responsibility to respond to Christ

Key Takeaway

Acts 26 presents one of the clearest testimonies of conversion in Scripture. Paul's defense becomes an evangelistic appeal, demonstrating that the Christian faith is rooted in historical truth, fulfilled prophecy, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter challenges every reader with the same question that confronted Agrippa: What will you do with the testimony about the risen Christ? Almost persuaded is not the same as fully believing. The Gospel calls for a personal response of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.