This chapter is not divided into sections like the other chapters. This means that the entire chapter is centered around one main thing. What is that main thing?
King Agrippa gives Paul permission to speak for himself. Paul tells about his life, his upbringing, his Damascas road conversion and other things to let Agrippa know what has brought him to stand before him at this time. Paul did this for two possible reasons.
1. Paul might have hoped to find a sympathetic ear in Agrippa, a man who was familiar with the Jewish people.
2. Paul was a Jew and a Pharisee himself and he hoped Agrippa might see the irony of what the Jews were accused him of and wanting to put one of their own to death.
In the book of Acts, Paul’s Damascus road experience is recorded three times.
1. Acts 9:3-8
2. Acts 22:6-11
3. Acts 26:13-19
As Paul continued to talk, Festus interrupted him and accused him of being out of his mind and said his learning was driving him insane (Acts 26:24). Festus was referring to Paul’s knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures. As usual, Paul defended himself. He told Festus that Agrippa was familiar with the things, and he was speaking freely to him.
Questions
1. Why do you think Paul talked about his conversion so much?
2. Which verses indicate a shift that Agrippa was interested in hearing what Paul had to say and he was almost persuaded?
3. After hearing Paul, what was Agrippa’s conclusion?
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