Acts 26

This appointment that Paul received from Jesus is the very same appointment that Jesus Himself received from God (see Isaiah 42:1,6-7; Acts 26:23). This was the chief work of all the apostles—to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. But this work is not just for a few special apostles; it is for every follower of Christ. Everyone who believes in Jesus is appointed to be a light for the Gentiles. Everyone who believes in Jesus is a witness for Him. Our work, in one way, is the same as His work—namely, to reconcile men with God (2 Corinthians 5:20), and bring them out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. And when men through faith in Christ turn from the power of Satan to God, they will receive forgiveness of sins (verse 18). In addition, they will receive a place among those who are sanctified; that is, they will become sanctified citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

Paul was appointed to be an apostle primarily to Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-8). Through Paul’s work, Christianity changed from a tiny Jewish sect into a religion reaching out to all people all over the world. Now not only Jews but Gentiles from every nation on earth have the chance to become citizens of the kingdom of God (see Ephesians 2:11-13,19; 3:6).

19 “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.” Every believer in Christ has been given a vision from heaven. Like Paul, let each of us remain obedient to that vision.

20 As soon as Paul received his vision from heaven he began to preach, first in Damascus (Acts 9:19-20), and later in Jerusalem (Acts 9:28). His message was simple and clear: “… repent and turn to God.” Here we see the two parts of repentance: first, hating our sin; and second, turning from our sin. But that is not all; Paul told men to prove their repentance by their deeds. That is, men must show that their repentance is real by demonstrating a changed life (see Matthew 3:8). True repentance is not words but deeds. This applies to our faith also. We are saved through faith, but true faith is always manifested by good works (see Ephesians 2:9-10; James 2:14-17 and comments). True repentance and faith will always lead to a change in our speech, our behavior, even our thoughts.

21 The Jews opposed Paul because he preached among the Gentiles, whom the Jews despised. Because Paul had shown the way of salvation to the Gentiles, the Jews were jealous and wanted to kill him. The Jews didn’t want to share the blessing of God with anyone else; as a result, they lost the blessing. Let us, as Christians, not make the same mistake!

22-23 Paul was not opposed to the Jews, nor to their Scriptures, the Old Testament (Acts 24:14). Paul taught nothing beyond what had already been written by the Old Testament prophets (Acts 3:18-21) and Moses¹¹¹ (Acts 3:22). Moses and the prophets themselves had prophesied that Christ must suffer and rise from the dead (see Luke 24:44-46; Acts 17:3). And it was also written in the Old Testament that Christ would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6). Jesus Himself said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

24 Festus couldn’t understand why an educated man like Paul would give up his freedom and even his life for the sake of a dead man called Jesus. Paul surely must be insane, Festus thought.

25-27 But Paul was not insane. All these things concerning Jesus had been clearly foretold in the Old Testament. What had happened to Jesus during His lifetime was known by thousands of people. It was clear that this Jesus was the Savior described by the Old Testament prophets. King Agrippa believed the prophets; he would know that Paul was not insane. Let Festus ask him.

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do,” said Paul (verse 27).

28 Agrippa was in a dilemma as to how to answer. He didn’t want to appear to take Paul’s side, lest Festus think he was insane too. However, because he himself was a Jew, he couldn’t deny what had been written by the prophets. Therefore, he didn’t answer Paul’s question about whether he believed the prophets. Instead, he jokingly said to Paul, “Are you trying to make me a Christian?”

29 Without joking, Paul said, in effect: “Yes.” Paul’s prayer was that not only Agrippa but everyone in that room might become a Christian just like himself—but without the chains. At that time, Paul’s hands were bound with chains.

30-32 Everyone could see that Paul had committed no crime. He could have been set free. But because he had appealed to Caesar, Paul’s case was no longer in Festus’ hands. Having appealed to Caesar, now to Caesar he must go. Jesus had told Paul that he must testify about Him in Rome (Acts 23:11). Now Jesus’ desire was about to be fulfilled.