Paul before King Agrippa
TRANSLATION
(1) Then King Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Paul, motioning with his hand, began his defense. (2) “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I stand before you to make my defense today regarding all the accusations the Jews have made, (3) especially because you are well acquainted with all Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
(4) “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived since my childhood both in my own country and then in Jerusalem. (5) They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived according to the strictest sect of our religion as a Pharisee. (6) Now it is because of my hope in the promises God gave our ancestors that I stand here on trial today. (7) These are the promises our twelve tribes hope to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God both day and night. And it is because of this hope that I am accused by the Jews, O king! (8) Why should any of you think it incredible that God would raise the dead?
(9) “I, myself, was convinced that I ought to do everything possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth, (10) and this is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests, I locked many believers in prison, and, when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. (11) I often punished them in synagogues, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my raging fury with them, I persecuted them even in foreign cities.
(12) “On one of those journeys I was bound for Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. (13) While on the road at about noon, O king, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun shining around me and those who traveled with me. (14) After we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speak to me in Aramaic: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? it is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ (15) Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. (16) Get up and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and witness both of what you have seen of me and of what I will show you. (17) I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles to whom I am sending you (18) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”
OBSERVATIONS
This chapter contains the third and final recounting of Paul’s meeting Jesus, risen from the dead, on the road to Damascus in the Book of Acts. His testimony before King Agrippa in the presence of Festus and other dignitaries contained several repetitions for emphasis. Included were several proper names: “Agrippa” (vss. 1, 2, & 19), “Paul/Saul” (vss. 1 & 14), “the Jews” (vss. 2, 3, 4, & 7), “Jerusalem” (vss. 4 & 10), “Jesus” (vss. 9 & 15), and “Lord” (twice in vs. 15). Other repeated words included “defense” (vss. 1 & 2), “known” (vss. 4 & 5), “hope” (vss. 6 & 7), and “persecuted/persecuting” (vss. 11, 14, & 15).
OUTLINE
I. Paul began his defense before Agrippa by recounting his early training as a Pharisee. (1-8)
II. Paul continued his defense by recalling how he had become a persecutor of the church. (9-11)
III. Paul concluded his defense by describing his encounter with the risen Lord. (12-19)
IDEA STATEMENT
Paul retold the story of his conversion and calling as an apostle to the Gentiles in his testimony before King Agrippa in the company of Governor Festus.
APPLICATION
In Ephesians 4:11, Paul specified five types of gifted leaders Christ provides the church to equip and edify the body. First were the apostles, those prepared to go to the ends of the earth to serve as Christ’s ambassadors in other cultures, tribes, and tongues. Next were the prophets, those with a passion for God’s truth who were particularly gifted to proclaim that truth in ways that would penetrate and convict the hearts of those listening. Then there were evangelists, those with a passion for the lost with a special ability to share the Gospel with others. Next were the shepherds, those with empathy and concern who specialize in nurturing the flock of God. Finally, Paul mentioned teachers who possess a special ability to communicate and disciple others in doctrinal truth and godly living.
In a sense Paul was describing himself. Throughout his life he functioned effectively in all five areas of ministry as he traveled throughout Asia Minor and southern Europe planting churches among the Gentiles. As a confined prisoner, unable to go where he wished, he continued exercising his gifts, particularly his calling as an evangelist. By sharing his experience of encountering the risen Lord on the Damascus Road, he testified to the miraculous working of God in his life. It did not matter whether his audience consisted of kings or prison guards. All needed forgiveness of their sins and reconciliation with God. Thus, Paul serves as a fitting example, showing us how we are to bear witness to our faith with everyone we encounter.