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JULY 26
earnestly serving God night and day, hope to
attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am
accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought
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incredible by you that God raises the dead? 26:24 you are beside yourself! Festus was
9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many astonished that a learned scholar like Paul
things contrary to the name of Jesus of Naza- could actually believe that the dead would
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reth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of live again—something no intelligent Roman
the saints I shut up in prison, having received would accept. Unable to contain himself, he
authority from the chief priests; and when they interrupted the proceedings, shouting that
were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Paul’s tremendous learning had driven him
11 And I punished them often in every syna- insane (Mark 3:21; John 8:48,52; 10:20).
gogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and
being exceedingly enraged against them, I per-
secuted them even to foreign cities. Festus, but speak the words of truth and rea-
12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to son. For the king, before whom I also speak
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Damascus with authority and commission freely, knows these things; for I am convinced
from the chief priests, at midday, O king, that none of these things escapes his attention,
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along the road I saw a light from heaven, since this thing was not done in a corner.
brighter than the sun, shining around me and 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I
those who journeyed with me. And when we know that you do believe.”
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all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost
speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew lan- persuade me to become a Christian.”
guage, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting
Me? It is hard for you to kick against the
goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And
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He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecut- 26:26 not done in a corner.The death of Jesus
ing. But rise and stand on your feet; for I and the Christians’ claim that He rose from the
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have appeared to you for this purpose, to dead were common knowledge in Palestine.
make you a minister and a witness both of the
things which you have seen and of the things 26:27 do you believe the prophets? Paul’s
which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver shrewd question put Herod in a dilemma.If he
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you from the Jewish people, as well as from the affirmed his belief in the prophets, he would
Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open also have to admit that what they taught about
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their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness Jesus’ death and resurrection was true—an
to light, and from the power of Satan to God, admission that would make him appear foolish
that they may receive forgiveness of sins and before his Roman friends. Yet to deny the
an inheritance among those who are sancti- prophets would outrage his Jewish subjects.
fied by faith in Me.’
19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not 26:28 You almost persuade me. A better
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disobedient to the heavenly vision, but de- translation is “Do you think you can convince
clared first to those in Damascus and in Jeru- me to become a Christian in such a short time?”
salem, and throughout all the region of Judea, Recognizing his dilemma, Agrippa parried
and then to the Gentiles, that they should Paul’s question with one of his own.
repent, turn to God, and do works befitting
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repentance. For these reasons the Jews
seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not
22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, only you, but also all who hear me today,
to this day I stand, witnessing both to small might become both almost and altogether
and great, saying no other things than those such as I am, except for these chains.”
which the prophets and Moses said would 30 When he had said these things, the king
come— that the Christ would suffer, that He stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice
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would be the first to rise from the dead, and and those who sat with them; and when they
would proclaim light to the Jewish people and had gone aside, they talked among them-
to the Gentiles.” selves, saying, “This man is doing nothing
24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus deserving of death or chains.”
said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside 32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man
yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” might have been set free if he had not
25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble appealed to Caesar.”

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