Lesson Forty-Nine: Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

Supplementary Materials

The Structure of Paul's Defense (26:1-23)

"It Is Hard for Thee to Kick Against the Pricks" (26:14) "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." This detail appears only in Acts 26. The metaphor is agricultural: Element Meaning The "pricks" (goads) Sharp pointed sticks used to drive oxen; the farmer would prod the animal to keep it moving "Kicking against" A stubborn ox might kick back at the goad — but this only hurt itself, not the farmer Application to Paul Paul was fighting against God — and only hurting himself; his conscience was already being pricked (Stephen's death? The martyrs' testimonies?) Greek/Roman proverb This was a well-known expression in the ancient world, meaning "to resist the inevitable" or "to fight against a superior power"

Paul's Divine Commission (26:16-18) This is the fullest statement of Paul's commission in Acts. Jesus appointed him for specific purposes: Commission Explanation "A minister" (v. 16) Greek: hyperetes — an under-rower, a servant; Paul would serve Christ "A witness" (v. 16) Of what he had seen (the risen Christ) and what Christ would yet reveal "Delivering thee" (v. 17) Protection from Jews and Gentiles — God would rescue him for his mission "Sent... unto the Gentiles" (v. Primary mission field — the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 17) 11:13)

The Purpose of Paul's Mission (26:18) "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." Purpose Meaning "Open their eyes" Spiritual enlightenment — understanding the truth about God and Christ "From darkness to light" From ignorance and sin to knowledge and righteousness "From Satan unto God" Transfer of allegiance — rescued from the dominion of the evil one "Forgiveness of sins" Pardon for past transgressions — the guilty declared forgiven "Inheritance among the Eternal life with the people of God — a share in the heavenly sanctified" kingdom "By faith that is in me" All these blessings come through faith in Christ

"Paul, Thou Art Beside Thyself!" (26:24-25) "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad." Festus's Accusation Paul's Response "Thou art beside thyself" — you're crazy! "I am not mad, most noble Festus" "Much learning doth make thee mad" — too "I speak forth the words of truth and much study has driven you insane soberness" A pagan's response to the resurrection — Paul turned to Agrippa — who understood foolishness to the Greeks (1 Cor. 1:23) Jewish hope and the prophets

"Almost Thou Persuadest Me" (26:26-29) Paul's direct appeal to Agrippa led to one of Scripture's most tragic exchanges:

all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds."

Was Agrippa Sincere or Sarcastic? Scholars debate whether Agrippa was genuinely moved or dismissively sarcastic: Sincere View Sarcastic View Paul's response suggests he took it seriously Some translate: "In a short time you think to — he wished Agrippa would go further make me a Christian?" (deflecting) Agrippa knew the prophets and knew Paul's Agrippa may have been embarrassed at being arguments were strong put on the spot publicly The traditional interpretation and basis for Either way, Agrippa did NOT become a the hymn "Almost Persuaded" Christian — that is the tragedy

"Almost" Is Not Enough: Whether sincere or sarcastic, "almost" saved no one. Almost persuaded means completely lost. Almost crossing the finish line is still losing the race. Almost entering the ark means drowning in the flood. Felix delayed for a "convenient season." Agrippa was "almost persuaded." Both are lost as far as we know.

The Verdict: "This Man Might Have Been Set at Liberty" (26:30-32) "And when they had 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."

• "Nothing worthy of death or of bonds" — Complete acquittal from Agrippa, Festus, Bernice, and the assembly
• "Might have been set at liberty" — Paul was innocent and everyone knew it
• "If he had not appealed unto Caesar" — The appeal was binding and could not be reversed
• God's providence — The appeal would take Paul to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's promise (23:11)

Key Cross-References

Lessons from Acts 26:1-32 1. Personal testimony is powerful — Paul's transformation was undeniable evidence for Christ. 2. The resurrection is the heart of Christian hope — this is what Paul was "judged for" (v. 6-8). 3. Fighting against God is futile — "kicking against the pricks" only hurts the kicker. 4. The gospel brings people from darkness to light, from Satan to God.

5. "Almost" is not enough — Agrippa came close but remained lost. 6. Paul's heart was evangelistic — he wanted EVERYONE to be saved, "except these bonds."