ACTS SERIES: ALMOST PERSUADED TO BE A CHRISTIAN – CHAPTER 26 

Instead of returning to Jerusalem to stand trial with the Jews, Paul opted to take his appeal to Ceasar, so following the standard procedure, Festus was required to specify the charges being brought against Paul in a correspondence sent to Caesar. Hence. Acts 25 ended with Festus requesting King Agrippa’s assistance in finding a charge that he could use in the letter to Caesar.

Chapter twenty-six opens with Paul standing in front of King Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, staff members of Festus, and leading citizens of Caesarea, and the king permits Paul to speak. Knowing the king was knowledgeable of Jewish customs and affairs, Paul was elated to talk to him. First, he shared the fact that, from childhood in Tarsus, he received training, and it continued in Jerusalem, where he lived the life of a Pharisee. He explained he was being judged for his belief in the promise God made to his forefathers, which culminated in the resurrection of Jesus.

Continuing as he did in the past when defending himself, Paul shared his prosecution of the saints, his encounter with Jesus, his conversion on the road to Damascus, and his ministry assignment to the Gentiles. He summarized his mission activity to the Jews and Gentiles as opening their darkened eyes, delivering them from the powers of Satan, preaching their forgiveness of sins, and their placement among the sanctified. Paul said this Godly task was obediently carried on in Damascus, Jerusalem, and all the coasts of Judaea until, in Jerusalem, the Jews caught him in the temple and attempted to kill him. However, with the help of God, Paul revealed that he continued to share with both great and small the message of Jesus’ suffering and resurrection.

At this point, Festus interrupted Paul and proclaimed, “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” This did not offend Paul, for he answered, “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” Then, Paul continued appealing to King Agrippa’s awareness of current events in the Jewish nation. Paul asked the king, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” Subsequently, the king responded, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Paul ended his defense desiring all that heard him would become believers. ; Thus, the chapter ends with those present conferring amongst themselves and determining Paul was innocent of the charges brought against him and would have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.

As usual with this series, I will close with nuggets I gleaned from the chapter.

Be elated over the opportunity to share your testimony.

Be not ashamed or fearful of sharing your testimony with people of every culture and socio-economic status.

When you are defending yourself, it is good to know your audience.

Your lifestyle is known among the people you reside.

Though they did not wholly understand, Israel’s forefathers were given a promise of a Messiah for which they hoped.

Desiring salvation for all was the objective of Paul’s ministry.

For some, being brought before kings and governors is God’s plan for their life.

No matter what, don’t stop sharing the gospel message of Jesus.

God will cause men to acknowledge your innocence.

After you witness to people, there will be some that are almost persuaded to be a Christian.

In the end, your witnessing serves as judgment to those who rejected the Gospel.