Act 26:1-23 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Acts 26:1-23: 26:1-23 In his eloquent defense before King Agrippa , Paul argued that his preaching was completely consistent with the Jewish faith. The defense begins with a courteous acknowledgement of Agrippa’s competence to hear the evidence (26:2-3 ), outlines the nature of Paul’s background, Jewish training, and membership in the Pharisees (26:4-5 ), and explains that the charges against him are merely for believing the fulfillment of Jewish hopes for the resurrection (26:6-8 ). Paul then tells the story of his conversion from strong opponent of Christianity (26:9-11 ) through a vision on the way to Damascus (26:12-18 ; see 9:1-18 ). His preaching was nothing more than obeying this divine vision (26:19-20 ). Even though he encountered violent opposition from his fellow Jews (26:21 ), God protected him as he taught a message that the Jews should have embraced (26:22-23 ). This defense is a model for Christians put on trial for their faith (see 9:15 ; Luke 21:12-15 ).

Summary for Acts 26:1-23: 26:1-23 ^a In his eloquent defense before King Agrippa, Paul argued that his preaching was completely consistent with the Jewish faith. The defense begins with a courteous acknowledgement of Agrippa’s competence to hear the evidence (26:2-3 ^b), outlines the nature of Paul’s background, Jewish training, and membership in the Pharisees (26:4-5 ^c), and explains that the charges against him are merely for believing the fulfillment of Jewish hopes for the resurrection (26:6-8 ^d). Paul then tells the story of his conversion from strong opponent of Christianity (26:9-11 ^e) through a vision on the way to Damascus (26:12-18 ^f; see 9:1-18 ^g). His preaching was nothing more than obeying this divine vision (26:19-20 ^h). Even though he encountered violent opposition from his fellow Jews (26:21 ⁱ), God protected him as he taught a message that the Jews should have embraced (26:22-23 ^j). This defense is a model for Christians put on trial for their faith (see 9:15 ^k; Luke 21:12-15 ^l).
Summary for Acts 26:12-18: 26:12-18 ^m See 9:1-18 ⁿ.
Summary for Acts 26:17-18: 26:17-18 ^o Throughout his defense in this trial for his life, Paul also clearly set out the conditions for receiving new life in Christ (also in 26:20 ^p, 23 ^q; see Matt 10:19-20 ^r).
Summary for Acts 26:22-23: 26:22-23 ^s Paul stressed God’s protection as he carried out his witness (cp. 3:18 ^t; 10:43 ^u; Luke 24:25-27 ^v, 44-47 ^w). Paul then called on his hearers to believe his message, that Jesus is the Messiah who fulfills the promises of the Old Testament (see Luke 24:27 ^x, 44 ^y).