Introduction:

1. Before Paul heads off to Rome, he will offer his defense once more.

2. Though declared innocent, he still must go to Caesar (26:30-32).

3. We will soon see why as we unpack this narrative.

Discussion:

I. Festus Presents Paul’s Case to Agrippa (25:13-27)

A. Festus presented the peculiar case to Agrippa and confirmed it was a theological dispute, not a civil or criminal matter (25:14-21, 24-27).

B. For this Agrippa wanted to hear him as well (25:22).

C. Festus was thankful, needing some explanation for Caesar (25:26-27).

II. Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa (26:1-23)

A. His early life in Judaism was one of well known, well documented faithfulness to Moses’ Law, and these Jews knew it (26:1-11; esp. 4-5).

B. His conversion to Christ occurred as he traveled to continue his zealous defense of Moses’ Law against a perceived perversion (26:12-18).

C. His life after conversion to Christ was the rational, faithful outworking of God’s purpose revealed in the law and prophets (26:19-23).

D. His accusers were in fact guilty of shirking the law and the prophets.

III. Paul’s Plea to Agrippa (26:24-32)

A. He appealed to Agrippa’s knowledge of and belief in the law and prophets as proof, and then he issued a call to action (26:24-27).

B. Agrippa did not deny his belief in the law and prophets, but he stopped short of following Paul’s reasoning to its logical ends (26:28).

C. Despite all he had endured, Paul wished God’s blessings on all (26:29).

D. All his judges concluded Paul did not deserve punishment, but his appeal to Caesar was an unbreakable appointment (26:30-32).

1. God was providentially offering eternal life to people in far-flung places by these events (23:11; 26:16-23; Philippians 1:12-13; 4:22).

2. Paul put three key principles on display for evangelistic success:

a. First, own a faith that transcends temporal hardships and dangers.

b. Second, be prepared to defend that faith (1 Peter 3:15; Philippians 1:7, 17).

c. Third, love the enemies of the cross enough to show them anyway.