In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul's appeal to King Agrippa II is a significant moment that highlights Paul's defense of his faith and his strategic use of Jewish beliefs to make his case. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 26:1-32. Paul, having been arrested and accused by the Jewish leaders, is given the opportunity to present his defense before King Agrippa, a ruler with Jewish heritage and knowledge of Jewish customs and prophecies.

Context and Background

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and faced accusations from the Jewish leaders who claimed he was causing unrest and defiling the temple. After a series of trials and hearings, Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to have his case heard by Caesar. Before being sent to Rome, he was brought before King Agrippa and his sister Bernice, along with the Roman governor Festus, to explain his actions and beliefs.

Paul's Defense

In his defense, Paul recounts his background as a Pharisee and his zealous persecution of Christians before his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. He emphasizes his obedience to the heavenly vision he received, which called him to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

Paul strategically appeals to Agrippa's understanding of Jewish beliefs by referencing the prophets and the hope of the resurrection. In Acts 26:6-8 , Paul states, "And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God night and day. It is because of this hope, O King, that I am accused by the Jews. Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?"

Appeal to Agrippa's Belief

Paul's appeal to Agrippa is particularly poignant in Acts 26:27 , where he directly challenges the king: "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." This question is a masterful rhetorical move, as it places Agrippa in a position where he must acknowledge the validity of the Jewish prophets, who foretold the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection, central tenets of Paul's message.

Agrippa's response, recorded in Acts 26:28 , is both intriguing and non-committal: "In such a short time, are you persuading me to become a Christian?" This response indicates Agrippa's awareness of the implications of Paul's message but also his reluctance to make a public declaration of faith.

Significance

Paul's appeal to Agrippa's belief in the prophets underscores the continuity between the Jewish faith and the Christian message. By invoking the prophets, Paul connects the hope of Israel with the fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. This approach not only defends his mission but also seeks to persuade his audience of the truth of the Gospel.

The encounter between Paul and Agrippa serves as a powerful example of how early Christians engaged with Jewish and Gentile audiences, using shared beliefs and cultural understandings to communicate the transformative message of Christ.