Truth Brings Conviction to Agrippa

Acts 26:12–32
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Paul gave a vivid description of his conversion on the road to Damascus (vv. 12-18). Light from Heaven had sone around him and his companions, and they all fell to the ground. Paul alone had heard voice of the Savior reprimanding him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (v. 14). Jesus had not come to kill Paul but to recruit him. “I have appeared to you because I have chosen you to be my servant. You are to tell others what you have learned about me and what I will show you later” (v. 18). Paul called men to repentance, to return to God, and to do deeds to match their repentance (v. 20). The Jews had repeatedly tried to kill Paul because of his mission: preaching the good news of the Gospel to the Gentiles (vv. 21-23).  

Festus then interrupting Paul’s testimony, telling him he was insane, that his education had gone to his head and scrambled his brains (v. 24). This charge came after Paul’s declaration that Jesus had risen from the dead. Paul answered him in a courteous manner, and then he turned his attention to Agrippa, as he noticed the Lord was bringing conviction to his heart (vv. 25-26). Festus was a newcomer, but Agrippa knew the truth of the matter because of his background. Paul put the king on the spot, saying “King Agrippa do you believe the prophets” (v. 27)? If he accepted the prophets, he would be forced to admit that Jesus Christ had fulfilled their prophesies. Agrippa replied, “Are you trying to persuade me to be a Christian?” (v. 28). Agrippa did not want to give up his sins, have a radical change in lifestyle, and run the risk of Jewish spite, Roman snobbery, and Greek scorn. Paul answers, “Whether it takes a short time or a long time, I wish you and everyone else who hears me today would become just like me! Except, of course, for these chains” (v. 29). The meeting was over, and they filed out. Paul had already been declared innocent by others, and Agrippa had said that he could have been set free, if he had not appealed to Caesar (vv. 30-32).

Application

Lord, help me to be a person who speaks truth with conviction. I know that people will not be drawn to Christ if I present truth as fiction. I want to speak the truth with compassion and boldness.