Acts 26:19-32
Not Disobedient to the Heavenly Vision
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19So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
20First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance.
21For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.
22But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”
24At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
25But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
26For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”
29“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”
30Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them.
31On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”
32And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul describes obedience to Jesus' commission: he called people to repent, turn to God, and do deeds that fit their repentance. A changed direction should become visible in a changed life. He credits God's help for his continued witness, whether his hearers are small or great.
His message remains what Moses and the prophets anticipated: the Christ would suffer, rise from the dead, and proclaim light to Jews and Gentiles. Festus interrupts with an accusation of madness. Paul answers respectfully, but he does not withdraw the claim. He says he is speaking truth and points to Agrippa's knowledge of events that were not hidden away.
Agrippa asks whether Paul can persuade him to become a Christian so quickly. Paul's reply shows what he wants for the people judging him:
I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.
He wants them to share his faith, not his imprisonment. Luke records no confession of faith from Agrippa here. He does record the officials' agreement that Paul has done nothing deserving death or prison. Their legal conclusion matters, but it is not the same as the response to Jesus Paul hopes they will make.
Questions
1 What did Paul preach?
AnswerHe preached that people should repent, turn to God, and demonstrate the reality of repentance through their deeds.
2 Who did Paul say had helped him?
AnswerHe said God had helped him to that day, so his survival and testimony were evidence of God’s continuing faithfulness.
3 How did Festus describe Paul?
AnswerFestus called him insane because Paul’s great learning seemed to him to have driven Paul beyond reason.
4 What did the officials conclude?
AnswerThey concluded that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment, and Agrippa said he might have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.
What This Means for Us
When someone mocks our faith, winning the exchange can become our main concern. Paul's answer directs us toward a different desire: that the listener would come to know Jesus. We can correct a false claim without insulting the person making it, pray for them, and let our conduct agree with the repentance we speak about.
Prayer
Lord, help us obey what you have shown us without demanding immediate results. Give us respectful courage when people challenge the truth. Amen.