Introduction
Paul appears before Festus, Agrippa and Bernice.
Paul states his case to Festus and King Agrippa. They agree that Paul could have been released if he hadn't appealed to Caesar.
Questions
1. What does Paul say he is being judged for?
v 6 and 7 Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. ...
2. What were the reactions of Festus and Agrippa to Paul’s speech?
Festus, v 24 ... “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”
Agrippa, v 28 ... "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
3. What was the verdict of Agrippa and Festus?
v 31 and 32 ... "This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Summary Points
- v 1 to 8 Paul acknowledges that Agrippa is familiar with Jewish customs. He tells him that all know that he used to be a strict Pharisee and that he looks for the fulfilment of the promise made to the Jewish fathers
- v 9 to 11 Paul explains that he initially was so strongly against the followers of Jesus that he persecuted and killed many
- v 12 to 18 He describes his conversion and the command he was given to preach
- v 19 to 23 He tells Agrippa that he obeyed Jesus' command to preach that Jesus, the Christ, died and rose from the dead, as the prophets had predicted
- v 24 to 29 After Festus accuses Paul of insanity, Paul assures him that all this is well known. After Agrippa accuses Paul of trying to make him a Christian, Paul confirms that he wants everyone to have his faith
- v 30 to 32 Agrippa and Festus agree that he is innocent and would have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar