Not Disobedient to the Heavenly Vision

Paul says he was not disobedient to the vision. He preached in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and to the Gentiles that people should repent, turn to God, and live changed lives. That message led to the temple arrest, but God's help has kept him testifying to small and great alike.

I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.

Festus interrupts and calls Paul insane. Paul answers respectfully that he is speaking truth and sobriety, then asks Agrippa whether he believes the prophets. Agrippa does not become a Christian in the moment, but the officials agree Paul has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. His appeal means he will go to Caesar, though he might otherwise have been released.

Paul tells Agrippa that he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. He preached in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and then to the Gentiles that people should repent, turn to God, and do deeds consistent with repentance. This message explains why some Jews seized him in the temple and tried to kill him.

Paul says God has helped him to that day, so he continues to testify to both small and great. His message is not a new invention: he says he is declaring only what the prophets and Moses said would happen, that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead and proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.

Festus interrupts and says Paul is out of his mind because of his great learning. Paul answers that he is speaking true and rational words, and he appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of these public events. He asks whether Agrippa believes the prophets. Agrippa's answer is elusive, but the officials conclude that Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment. Paul could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar, yet the appeal becomes the route by which he will testify in Rome.