Paul’s speech before King Agrippa, recorded in Acts 26:1-29, stands as one of the most compelling personal testimonies in Scripture. Given the opportunity to defend himself against false accusations, Paul instead boldly proclaimed the Gospel, recounting his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and emphasizing that the resurrection of Jesus was foretold by Moses and the prophets. His speech carried significant weight, not only because of the dignitaries present but also because it revealed Paul’s unwavering commitment to the mission God had given him—to proclaim the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
This moment is crucial in dispensational theology, as it highlights the progressive expansion of the Gospel beyond Israel. Paul openly declared that his mission was to bring the message of salvation to the Gentiles, which had been God’s plan all along. King Agrippa’s reaction—“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28)—demonstrates how Paul’s preaching directly challenged the unbelief of Israel’s leaders. By examining the setting of this trial, analyzing Paul’s speech, and exploring its theological and dispensational significance, we gain a deeper understanding of how Paul’s defense before Agrippa was ultimately a call for salvation to all who would listen.
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The Setting: Paul’s Trial Before Agrippa
Paul’s speech took place in Caesarea, where he had been imprisoned for over two years. His previous trial before Governor Felix had resulted in a stalemate, as Felix, though convinced of Paul’s innocence, kept him in custody as a favor to the Jews (Acts 24:27). When Festus succeeded Felix as governor, he struggled to determine what charges to bring against Paul, since the accusations from the Jewish leaders were religious in nature rather than criminal (Acts 25:7-9).
During this time, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice visited Caesarea. Agrippa, though not ruling over Judea directly, was well-versed in Jewish law and customs. Recognizing Agrippa’s expertise, Festus sought his advice regarding Paul’s case. He admitted his confusion over the charges against Paul, stating:
“When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive.”
(Acts 25:18-19)
Festus then arranged a formal hearing where Paul could present his defense before Agrippa and Bernice. Though this was not a trial in the legal sense, it was a significant opportunity for Paul to witness to powerful leaders, fulfilling God’s promise that he would testify before kings (Acts 9:15).
Paul’s Speech: A Testimony of Transformation and the Gospel’s Fulfillment
Paul’s speech before Agrippa follows a structured argument, beginning with his background as a zealous Pharisee, recounting his miraculous encounter with Christ, and culminating in a declaration that the resurrection of Jesus was the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.
Paul’s Former Life as a Pharisee and Persecutor of Christians
Paul opened his speech by establishing his Jewish credentials, stating:
“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child… I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.”
(Acts 26:4-5)
By emphasizing his Pharisaic background, Paul sought to demonstrate that he was not an outsider to Judaism but had once been deeply committed to its teachings. He further asserted that his current message was not a departure from Jewish beliefs but rather their fulfillment:
“And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.”
(Acts 26:6)
Paul then acknowledged his past actions, confessing that he had persecuted Christians and sought to destroy the movement he now proclaimed:
“I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.”
(Acts 26:10)
This stark admission set the stage for the radical transformation that took place in his life.
Paul’s Conversion and Commission from Christ
Paul then recounted his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, a moment that changed the course of his life forever:
“I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’”
(Acts 26:13-14)
Jesus’ words revealed that in persecuting Christians, Paul was actually persecuting Christ Himself. At that moment, Paul was commissioned to a new mission, one that would take him far beyond the Jewish world:
“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.”
(Acts 26:17-18)
Paul’s calling was to preach not only to Jews but to Gentiles—a radical shift for a former Pharisee. This was not an abandonment of Israel but rather the fulfillment of God’s promise that the Messiah would be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6).
Paul’s Message: The Resurrection as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Having established his background and conversion, Paul made his central theological claim:
“I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
(Acts 26:22-23)
This declaration was significant because it demonstrated that Paul’s Gospel was not a new religion but the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. The resurrection of Jesus was the ultimate proof that He was the promised Messiah, and His message was for both Jews and Gentiles.
At this point, Festus interrupted Paul, exclaiming:
“You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane.”
(Acts 26:24)
But Paul remained composed, turning his attention to Agrippa. He asked the king directly:
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
(Acts 26:27)
Agrippa’s response was skeptical but revealing:
“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
(Acts 26:28)
Paul’s reply was both gracious and convicting:
“Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
(Acts 26:29)
Even in captivity, Paul’s heart remained focused on one goal: leading others to faith in Christ.
Dispensational Significance: The Inclusion of the Gentiles
Paul’s speech before Agrippa highlights several key dispensational truths.
First, he explicitly stated that the Gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 26:23). The inclusion of Gentiles was not an afterthought but part of God’s plan all along. However, Israel’s rejection of Jesus led to the Gospel’s greater expansion to the Gentiles (Romans 11:11).
Second, Paul affirmed that the resurrection was foretold by Moses and the prophets, reinforcing that Christianity was not a new movement but the fulfillment of Israel’s hope. However, the Jewish leaders refused to accept this fulfillment, delaying the establishment of the Kingdom.
Finally, Agrippa’s refusal to believe reflected Israel’s overall resistance to the Gospel. Paul presented a clear opportunity for faith, yet Agrippa dismissed it. This foreshadowed the continued hardening of Israel until their future restoration (Romans 11:25-27).
Conclusion: A Bold Witness Before Kings
Paul’s defense before King Agrippa was more than just a legal argument—it was a proclamation of the Gospel. He boldly declared his personal testimony, tied his message to Old Testament prophecy, and emphasized the resurrection of Christ as the foundation of faith.
Despite the skepticism of Festus and Agrippa, Paul’s words demonstrated that salvation was available to all who would believe—Jew and Gentile alike. His speech stands as a model of fearless evangelism, showing that the Gospel must be preached, even to those who reject it.
One day, Israel will recognize the truth Paul proclaimed, and the promises made to the patriarchs will be fully realized. Until then, we continue to declare Christ boldly, knowing that He is the fulfillment of all prophecy.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
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