Paul’s Bold Witness and God’s Sovereign Plan
Acts 26:24–32 (NASB95)
24While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” 25But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 26“For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. 27“King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.” 28Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” 29And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.” 30The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, 31and when they had gone aside, they began talking to one another, saying, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment.” 32And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Paul’s defense before Festus and King Agrippa concludes with a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty and Paul’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel. When Festus accuses Paul of being mad due to his great learning, Paul calmly and respectfully asserts his sanity, emphasizing that his message is grounded in truth and reason. He appeals directly to Agrippa, pointing out that the events surrounding Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection were not done in secret but were widely known. Paul uses logic, reason, and the public nature of these events to challenge Agrippa, asking if he believes the prophets, knowing that Agrippa is familiar with Jewish teachings. Paul’s boldness and clarity reveal his ultimate goal: to bring even the great and powerful, like Agrippa, to faith in Jesus. God’s hand is evident throughout, as He orchestrates these events to ensure that Paul can testify to both the small and the great, continuing the ministry of Jesus by proclaiming the fulfillment of the Scriptures through the Messiah.
Paul’s defense reminds us that God’s justice is fulfilled when the Gospel is proclaimed to all people, regardless of their status or background. As the church, we are called to boldly share the truth of Jesus, using wisdom, reason, science, and Scripture to communicate the hope of the resurrection. This passage challenges us to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He can use even difficult circumstances to create opportunities for His message to be heard. Let us remain faithful in our mission, proclaiming the Gospel with courage and clarity, and trusting that God will work through us to bring others to salvation.