Unleashed Testimony: Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

Acts 26 serves as a powerful reminder that God can and will use every situation for His purposes. The chains that bound Paul physically were unable to restrain the power of the Gospel. His bold testimony to the highest authority of the land demonstrates that the transformative power of Christ can reach anyone, no matter their status. This chapter encourages us to share our personal testimonies with others, trusting in the power of the Gospel message.

Verses 1-23: Paul’s Testimony and the Gospel Message

Given permission by King Agrippa, Paul shares his personal testimony, from his background as a Pharisee to his dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He speaks of his calling to preach to the Gentiles, his obedience to that divine calling, and his message of repentance, conversion, and faith in Christ. Paul boldly asserts that his preaching is consistent with the promises God made to their Jewish ancestors.

Verses 24-29: The Reaction of Festus and Agrippa

In response to Paul's message, Festus accuses him of madness, but Paul maintains his sanity and appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of these events. Agrippa acknowledges Paul's persuasive speech, admitting he is nearly convinced to become a Christian, to which Paul expresses his wish that all who hear him would become as he is, apart from his chains.

In Acts 26, the Apostle Paul seizes the opportunity to share his dramatic testimony and present the Gospel to King Agrippa and the court. It is a powerful example of the transformative work of Christ and how believers can use every situation, even trials and tribulations, as platforms for sharing the Good News.

Testimony and Witness
God’s Redemptive Plan
Transformation in ChristPaul's Personal Testimony
The Claim of Christ's Resurrection
Paul's Commission by Christ
Agrippa's ResponsePaul
King Agrippa and Bernice
FestusCaesarea

1. How does Paul’s personal testimony of transformation by Christ inspire your own faith journey?

2. In what ways does Paul’s boldness in sharing his faith challenge you in your personal evangelism?

3. How can Paul’s appeal to Old Testament prophecies help us understand the continuity of God’s plan of salvation?

4. Why was Festus’s response to Paul’s testimony negative, and what does it teach us about presenting the Gospel in a society that might think it is foolishness?

5. What lessons can we glean from Paul’s appeal to Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish history and prophecies?

6. How does Paul’s response to Festus’s accusation of madness exemplify the believer's response to the world's misunderstanding of the Christian faith?

7. What does Agrippa's response to Paul's appeal say about the challenge of turning intellectual acknowledgment of the Gospel into personal commitment?

8. How does Paul’s wish for all to become like him, apart from his chains, inspire you in your own aspirations for those who hear the Gospel?

9. How does Paul's demeanor throughout his trial and testimony inspire you in your approach to trials?

10. How does Paul's story show the power of a personal testimony in sharing the Gospel message?

11. What can we learn from Paul's approach to evangelism when speaking to individuals with different cultural, religious, or social backgrounds?

12. How does this chapter show the important role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism?

13. How can we ensure that we're prepared to give an account of our faith, as Paul was, in unexpected situations?

14. What challenges do you anticipate if you were to share your testimony to others and how would you handle them?

15. What are the essential elements to include in your personal testimony, as evidenced by Paul's testimony in this chapter?

16. How does the transformation Paul experienced serve as evidence for the resurrection of Christ?

17. How can we cultivate the same level of boldness and courage that Paul demonstrates in this chapter?

18. How does Paul model the call to be "in the world but not of the world"?

19. How might Paul's approach in sharing his testimony change if he were sharing it in today's world?

20. What part of Paul's message in this chapter resonates most with you, and how can you apply it in your life?