God’s Truth Brings Conviction to Agippa’s Heart
July 13, 2020
Commentary
This passage starts out with Festus rudely interrupting Paul’s testimony by telling him he is insane; that his education has gone to his head and scrambled his brains (v. 24). Apparently this charge came as a result of Paul’s declaration that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. To state that Jesus whom Rome had certified dead years before, was alive, was just too much for Festus. Paul answered him in a very 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 spoke with conviction as he put the king on the spot by 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 prophecies. The king passed the question off by replying, “You are trying to persuade me to be a Christian” (v. 28). He is typical of the person who is quite willing to listen to a sermon, and even agree with what is being said – if the preacher does not make it personal. Actually Agrippa did not want to give up his sins, have a radical change in life-style, and run the risk of Jewish spite, Roman snobbery, and Greek scorn.
Paul answers the King by saying, “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 like it is fiction. I want to speak the truth with compassion and boldness.
Acts 26:24– 32 (NET)
24 As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!” 25 But Paul replied, “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely to him, because I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. 27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.”
30 So the king got up, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them, 31 and as they were leaving they said to one another, “This man is not doing anything deserving death or imprisonment.” 32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”