Acts 26 | Daily Bible Reading & Reflection

Acts 26 Devotional: Witness Paul’s powerful defense before King Agrippa. Explore the story of his conversion, his commission to the Gentiles, and his unwavering testimony that Jesus Christ is the risen Savior of the world.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to Acts Chapter 26. We find ourselves in a royal courtroom today. Paul, a prisoner in chains, stands before the highest authorities of the land. But as we listen to him speak, we realize that Paul is not the one on trial—the Gospel is. Let us listen closely to his testimony, for it is a masterclass in sharing the hope that lives within us.

Acts Chapter 26 Introduction:

The Logic of the Resurrection and the Call to Light

In Acts 26, Paul delivers his most comprehensive defense. He recounts his life as a strict Pharisee, his fierce persecution of the Church, and his miraculous encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul argues that his message is not a departure from Jewish tradition, but the very "hope of the promise made by God to our ancestors." He challenges Agrippa with a piercing question: "Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?"

What can we learn from this today? In this chapter, we see the Mission of the Church in action. As your Statement of Faith affirms, the Church’s mission is to proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate God’s love. Paul describes his specific commission from Jesus: to open the eyes of the lost so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. This reminds us that salvation is a radical transformation—a "turning" made possible only by God's grace. Paul’s boldness stems from his conviction that the Scriptures are the final authority . He stands "saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen." Like Paul, we are called to be witnesses of the Resurrection, inviting everyone to receive the forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ alone.

Bible Verse - Acts 26

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

9 “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Prayer

Paul prayed that not only the King, but all who were listening, would become what he was—a follower of Christ. Let us enter into prayer with that same desire for the world around us.

Prayer Theme: "From Darkness to Light"

Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You for the power of a transformed life. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who rose bodily from the dead and appeared to His witnesses. Thank You for the testimony of the Apostle Paul and for the way Your Word remains the final authority for our lives today.

Lord, I ask that You would give me the same boldness and clarity that Paul displayed. Help me to be "not disobedient to the vision from heaven," but to follow Your call wherever it leads. I thank You for the Holy Spirit who opened my eyes and turned me from the power of darkness to Your marvelous light. Keep my heart focused on the hope of the Resurrection, especially when I face opposition or misunderstanding for my faith. May my words always point back to the finished work of Christ on the Cross.

We pray for those in positions of authority in our nation and world, just as Paul spoke to King Agrippa. We ask that their hearts would be softened to the message of the Gospel. We lift up those who are currently "blinded" by the enemy; we ask that You would open their eyes to the light of Christ. We pray for Your universal Church, that we would be a people who are not ashamed of the Gospel, but who proclaim it with love and conviction to every person, from the least to the greatest. Amen.

Daily Application Question

Paul was able to pinpoint the exact moment his life changed because of Jesus. If someone asked you today why you follow Christ, what "hope of the promise" would you share with them?

Frequently Asked Questions about Acts 26

Who was King Agrippa? Herod Agrippa II was the last of the Herodian rulers. He had a deep knowledge of Jewish customs and scriptures, which is why Paul appealed to him directly regarding the fulfillment of prophecy.
What does it mean to "kick against the goads"? This was a common proverb. A "goad" was a sharp stick used to steer oxen. By using this phrase, Jesus was telling Paul that by persecuting the Church, he was only hurting himself by resisting the clear direction and conviction of God.
Why did Festus call Paul "insane"? To a Roman mind focused on earthly power and logic, the idea of a "resurrected King" seemed like madness. It reminds us that the message of the Cross is often "foolishness" to the world, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

Thank you for joining us for Acts 26. May you walk today in the light of the Resurrection, ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow as we journey with Paul through the storm in Acts Chapter 27.

Navigate the Journey

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