| Text | Observations |
| AC 26:2 "In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today; [3] especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. [4] "So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem; [5] since they have known about me for a long time previously, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. [6] "And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; [7] the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. [8] "Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead? | Paul testifies to his strict upbringing as a Pharisee, and mentions that his current beliefs are consistent with his upbringing. He cites belief in the resurrection as the real issue behind his persecution. |
| AC 26:9 "So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] "And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. [11] "And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. | He recounts his zealous hostility towards Jesus. |
| AC 26:12 "While thus engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, [13] at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. [14] "And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, `Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' [15] "And I said, `Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, `I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. [16] `But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; [17] delivering you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, [18] to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' | While engaged in his hostilities, he recounts the story
of his conversion-- the vision of Christ and God's commission to send him
to the Gentiles.
He mention a few elements of this mission to the Gentiles:
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| AC 26:19 "Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove
disobedient to the heavenly vision, [20] but kept declaring both to those
of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region
of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to
God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. [21] "For this reason
some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death. [22] "And
so, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both
to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said
was going to take place; [23] that the Christ was to suffer, and that by
reason of His resurrection from the dead He should be the first to proclaim
light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."
AC 26:24 And while Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad." [25] But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. [26] "For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. [27] "King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do." [28] And Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian." [29] And Paul said, "I would to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains." |
Paul states that his subsequent life is a result of obeying
what God told him.
He summarizes his message:
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Comments Copyright © 2002 John Engler. All rights
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