Blanche
In Chapter 25, Festus tells Agrippa that he brings Paul to him because he can see no reason for Paul to be judged and doesn’t know what to write to the sovereign about the case that has been brought to him.
In Chapter 26, the story continues as Paul is brought before King Agrippa. When Agrippa gives him permission to speak, Paul says he is glad to appear before Agrippa because of his knowledge of the Jews and their customs and controversies.
Paul asserts he is the same man who grew up and held high office with the Jews and understood the promise of the Messiah in their teachings. As a Pharisee, he punished and condemned those who spoke against the Jews.
Then, Paul tells of his conversion on the road to Damascus where Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, spoke to him. Jesus ordered him to serve and testify to Jesus as Messiah and show people to go from darkness to light and from Satan to God. Through this, they would receive forgiveness of sins and be allowed to be among those sanctified by faith in Jesus. Paul questioned how the Jews could condemn him for saying what the prophets and Moses said would take place. He had witnessed it.
Festus first called Paul crazy from being too well read. Paul countered that he was not out of his mind and that Agrippa knew it. Agrippa commented on Paul trying to convert him. Finally, as they rose to leave, Agrippa and the others agreed that Paul had done nothing wrong. Unfortunately, since Paul had asked to be heard by the emperor, he could not be set free.
And so, Paul would have to be sent to Rome to be judged.
I pray for the faith and strength of Paul.
Paul had such faith! He didn’t shrink from any controversy. His will was strong because of his faith. In the presence of such hatred, condemnation and cries for his death, he continued to testify to Jesus’ message and try to lead people to Christ. How many of us will “stick to our guns” if our opinions are not popular? How do we behave when someone in our presence is un-Christian? Do we support our beliefs or just turn from him and decide to stay away from him in the future? How many of us are afraid to speak out when we see injustice?