Question 1

What is happening when Paul speaks to King Agrippa in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul has been arrested and accused by some Jewish leaders. He is now brought before King Agrippa and the Roman governor Festus to explain himself. Agrippa understands Jewish customs, so Paul gladly tells his story. Instead of giving a normal legal defense, Paul shares his background as a strict Pharisee, his persecution of Christians, and how he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He explains that he is on trial because he preaches the hope of God’s promise, especially the resurrection of the dead through Christ.

Question 2

Why does Paul talk about the hope of the promise and the resurrection?

Accepted Answer

Paul wants Agrippa to see that his faith in Jesus is not a break from Israel’s hope but the fulfillment of it. He says he is judged “for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers,” which Israel’s twelve tribes still serve God for day and night. At the heart of this promise is that God raises the dead. So Paul asks, “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” His message about Christ’s suffering and rising fits what Moses and the prophets said would happen.

Question 3

Why does Paul describe his life as a Pharisee and persecutor of Christians?

Accepted Answer

Paul reminds Agrippa that he once lived as a very strict Pharisee and that many Jews knew this. He wants to show he did not become a follower of Jesus out of ignorance or carelessness. He even persecuted Christians, locking them up, voting against them when they faced death, punishing them in synagogues, and chasing them to foreign cities. By telling this, he shows how strongly he once opposed Jesus. This makes his later change of heart and his bold witness about Christ stand out as the work of God’s grace, not a small shift in opinion.

Question 4

What happened to Paul on the road to Damascus in this passage?

Accepted Answer

On the way to Damascus with authority to arrest Christians, Paul saw a bright light from heaven at midday, brighter than the sun, shining around him and his companions. They all fell to the ground, and Paul heard a voice in the Hebrew language saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” When he asked who was speaking, the answer came, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Jesus then told him to stand up and made him a servant and witness, sending him to Jews and Gentiles with a message of light, forgiveness, and faith.

Question 5

What does it mean to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God?

Accepted Answer

Jesus tells Paul that his mission is to “open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” Darkness pictures ignorance and sin, where people cannot see God’s way. Light pictures truth, life, and the knowledge of God through Christ. The power of Satan means being under evil’s control. Turning to God means coming under God’s rule instead. Through this turning, people receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance with those who are set apart by faith in Jesus. It is a complete change in what rules a person’s life.

Question 6

Why does Festus say Paul is mad, and how does Paul answer him?

Accepted Answer

As Paul speaks about Jesus’ suffering, resurrection, and light for Jews and Gentiles, Festus suddenly shouts that Paul is out of his mind and that much learning has made him mad. Festus cannot accept what he hears about resurrection and heavenly visions. Paul calmly answers that he is not mad, but speaks words of truth and good sense. He turns back to Agrippa, saying the king knows about these things and that none of this was done in a corner. Paul is confident that what he preaches is grounded in real events, not in wild ideas.

Question 7

What does Agrippa mean by saying, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian"?

Accepted Answer

After Paul directly asks, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?” and then adds, “I know that thou believest,” Agrippa replies, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” His words show that Paul’s testimony has come close to convincing him, or at least has deeply challenged him. Agrippa feels the pull of Paul’s message but stops short of openly confessing faith. Paul then answers that he wishes before God that not only Agrippa but everyone listening would become as he is, a believer in Christ, only without the chains he is wearing.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s character and grace?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as faithful to his ancient promises and powerful over death. God made a promise to the fathers about salvation and resurrection, and Paul says that his message about Christ fits that promise. It also shows God’s grace in how he deals with Paul. Paul was violently opposing Jesus and his people, yet Jesus did not destroy him. Instead, he stopped him, called him by name, forgave him, and sent him to bring others from darkness to light. God not only saves enemies, he turns them into servants and witnesses.

Question 9

How can Paul’s testimony before Agrippa apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

Paul’s story invites you to think honestly about your own past and how God may be calling you to change. He did not hide his sins or his former hatred of Christians, but used them to show how patient and strong God’s grace is. You can be encouraged that no past is too hard for God to reach. His example also shows the value of speaking respectfully and clearly about Jesus, even in hard settings. Like Paul, you can point people to the hope of forgiveness, new life, and resurrection in Christ, trusting God to work in their hearts.

Acts 26:1

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa

Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense

Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa

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Acts 26:1

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

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Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa

Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense

Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa

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