Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Paul's examination before Herod Agrippa II is a significant event recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 25:13–26:32. This encounter is a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry, showcasing his unwavering faith and his ability to articulate the gospel message even in the face of political and religious scrutiny.Context and Background Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I and the great-grandson of Herod the Great, was the ruler of a client kingdom under Roman authority. He was known for his knowledge of Jewish customs and laws, which made him a suitable figure to hear Paul's case. The examination took place in Caesarea, where Paul had been held in custody by the Roman governor Festus. Paul had been accused by Jewish leaders of causing unrest and defiling the temple, charges that were serious under both Jewish and Roman law. Festus, seeking to understand the charges against Paul, arranged for Agrippa to hear the case, hoping that Agrippa's expertise in Jewish matters would shed light on the situation. Paul's Defense In Acts 26, Paul is brought before Agrippa, Bernice, and other dignitaries. Paul begins his defense by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to speak before someone knowledgeable about Jewish customs and controversies (Acts 26:2-3). He recounts his early life, his strict adherence to Pharisaic traditions, and his zealous persecution of Christians (Acts 26:4-5). Paul then describes his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ. He shares the divine commission he received to be a minister and witness to both Jews and Gentiles, proclaiming the message of repentance and faith in Jesus (Acts 26:12-18). Theological Significance Paul's defense before Agrippa is not merely a legal argument but a powerful testimony of the transformative power of the gospel. He emphasizes the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs and the prophets, asserting that Jesus is the Messiah who suffered, died, and rose from the dead (Acts 26:22-23). Paul's bold proclamation of the resurrection is central to his defense, as it underscores the hope of eternal life and the vindication of Jesus as Lord. His testimony serves as a model for Christian witness, demonstrating the importance of personal experience and scriptural truth in sharing the gospel. Agrippa's Response Agrippa's response to Paul's defense is one of intrigue and skepticism. He famously remarks, "In such a short time, are you persuading me to become a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). Paul's reply, expressing his desire for all present to come to faith, highlights his evangelistic zeal and compassion for the lost (Acts 26:29). Despite Agrippa's interest, he concludes that Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment. He acknowledges that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:31-32). This acknowledgment underscores the innocence of Paul concerning the charges against him and sets the stage for his journey to Rome, where he would continue to bear witness to the gospel. Historical and Cultural Insights The examination before Agrippa reflects the complex interplay between Roman authority and Jewish religious leadership in the first century. Agrippa's role as a mediator highlights the political dynamics of the time, where Roman officials often relied on local rulers to navigate religious disputes. Paul's ability to articulate his faith in such a setting demonstrates his deep understanding of both Jewish tradition and Roman law. His respectful yet assertive approach serves as an example of how Christians can engage with authorities while remaining faithful to their convictions. This event also illustrates the early Christian movement's challenges, as believers navigated a world hostile to their message. Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission, even in the face of potential persecution, inspires believers to remain steadfast in their faith and witness. Nave's Topical Index Acts 25:13-27And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to salute Festus. Nave's Topical Index Acts 26:1 Library The Acts of the Apostles. The Revelation of St. John the Divine The Course Pursued by the Apostles after the Ascension of Christ. The Acts of the Apostles Acts 26:24-29. Portraits. Imperial Tombs. General Index. Resources Is the New Perspective on Paul biblical? | GotQuestions.orgDid Paul ever meet Jesus in person? | GotQuestions.org Who was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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