Acts 26

Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

1 So l Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 "I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today m against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the n customs and o controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 p "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among q my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that r according to the strictest s party of our t religion I have lived as u a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in v the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 w to which x our twelve tribes hope to y attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope z I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought a incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

9 b "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of c Jesus of Nazareth. 10 d And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority e from the chief priests, but f when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And g I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them h blaspheme, and i in raging fury against them I j persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

12 "In this connection k I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me l in the Hebrew language, 1 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and m stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, n to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 o delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles - p to whom I q am sending you 18 r to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from s the power of Satan to God, that they may receive t forgiveness of sins and u a place among those who are sanctified v by faith in me.'

19 "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to w the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first x to those in Damascus, y then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also z to the Gentiles, that they should a repent and b turn to God, performing deeds c in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason d the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 e To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so f I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what g the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 h that the Christ i must suffer and that, j by being the first k to rise from the dead, l he would proclaim m light both to our people and to the Gentiles."

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, n you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind." 25 But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, o most excellent Festus, but I am speaking p true and q rational words. 26 For r the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be s a Christian?" 2 29 And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day t might become such as I am - except for u these chains."

30 Then the king rose, and v the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, w "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment." 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, x "This man could have been set y free if he had not appealed z to Caesar."

  1. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
  2. Cross References
    Acts 25:7
    When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.
    Acts 25:19
    Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
    Acts 26:7
    To which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
  3. Cross References
    Acts 6:14
    For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 18:15
    But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.
  5. Cross References
    Galatians 1:13
    For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 24:17
    Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
    Acts 28:19
    But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar - though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 22:3
    I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.
  8. Cross References
    Acts 24:5
    For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
  9. Cross References
    James 1:26 - 27
    If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
  10. Cross References
    Acts 23:6
    Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 13:32
    And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 2:33
    Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.
    Hebrews 10:36
    For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
    Hebrews 11:13
    These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
    Hebrews 11:39
    And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised.
  13. Cross References
    Matthew 19:28
    Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
    Luke 22:30
    That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
    James 1:1
    James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
    Revelation 21:12
    It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed -
    Ezra 6:17
    They offered at the dedication of this house of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
  14. Cross References
    Philippians 3:11
    That by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 26:2
    I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 17:3
    Explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.
    1 Corinthians 15:12
    Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
  17. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:13
    Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief.
    John 16:2
    They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.
    Acts 3:17
    And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
  18. Cross References
    Acts 22:8
    And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.
  19. Cross References
    Acts 8:3
    But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 26:12
    In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
    Acts 9:1 - 2
    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
    Acts 9:14
    And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.
    Acts 9:21
    And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?
    Acts 22:4 - 5
    I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women.
  21. Cross References
    Acts 22:20
    And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.
  22. Cross References
    Acts 22:19
    And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.
  23. Cross References
    Acts 13:45
    But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
  24. Cross References
    Acts 9:1
    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
  25. Cross References
    Acts 22:5
    As the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
  26. Cross References
    Acts 26:12 - 18
    In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
    Acts 9:3 - 8
    Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
    Acts 22:6 - 11
    As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 21:40
    And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
    Acts 22:2
    And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:
  28. Cross References
    Ezekiel 2:1
    And he said to me, "Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.
    Daniel 10:11
    And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
  29. Cross References
    Acts 22:14 - 15
    And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 12:11
    When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.
    1 Chronicles 16:35
    Say also: "Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.
    Jeremiah 1:8
    Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.
    Jeremiah 1:19
    They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.
    Jeremiah 15:20
    And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the Lord.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
  32. Cross References
    Romans 11:13
    Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry
    1 Timothy 2:7
    For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ( I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
  33. Cross References
    Isaiah 35:5
    Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
    Isaiah 42:7
    To open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
  34. Cross References
    Luke 22:53
    When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
    1 Corinthians 5:5
    You are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
  35. Cross References
    Acts 5:31
    God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
  36. Cross References
    Acts 20:32
    And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
  37. Cross References
    Acts 15:9
    And he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.
    2 Thessalonians 2:13
    But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
  38. Cross References
    Acts 26:13
    At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.
  39. Cross References
    Acts 9:19 - 20
    And taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
  40. Cross References
    Acts 9:26 - 29
    And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.
    Acts 22:17 - 20
    When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
  41. Cross References
    Acts 13:46
    And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.
  42. Cross References
    Acts 2:38
    And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  43. Cross References
    Acts 14:15
    Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
  44. Cross References
    Matthew 3:8
    Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
    Luke 3:8
    Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
  45. Cross References
    Acts 21:27
    When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him.
    Acts 21:30 - 31
    Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
    Acts 24:18
    While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia -
  46. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:10
    He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
    Hebrews 13:5 - 6
    Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.
  47. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:13
    Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
  48. Cross References
    Acts 10:43
    To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
    Acts 24:14
    But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.
  49. Cross References
    Luke 24:26
    Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
    Hebrews 2:10
    For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
    Acts 3:18
    But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.
  50. Cross References
    John 12:34
    So the crowd answered him, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?
  51. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:20
    But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
    1 Corinthians 15:23
    But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
    Colossians 1:18
    And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
    Revelation 1:5
    And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
  52. Cross References
    Romans 1:4
    And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
  53. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:17
    And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
  54. Cross References
    Acts 26:18
    To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
    Luke 2:32
    A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.
  55. Cross References
    Acts 12:15
    They said to her, "You are out of your mind." B...
    Acts 26:8
    Why is it thought incredible by any of you that...
    Acts 17:32
    Now when they heard of the resurrection of the ...
    2 Kings 9:11
    When Jehu came out to the servants of his maste...
    Jeremiah 29:26
    The Lord has made you priest instead of Jehoiad...
    Mark 3:21
    And when his family heard it, they went out to ...
    John 10:20
    Many of them said, "He has a demon, and is insa...
    1 Corinthians 1:23
    But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling blo...
    1 Corinthians 2:14
    The natural person does not accept the things o...
    1 Corinthians 4:10
    We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wis...
  56. Cross References
    Acts 24:2
    And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation.
  57. Cross References
    2 Peter 1:16
    For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
  58. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 5:13
    For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
  59. Cross References
    Acts 26:3
    Especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
  60. Cross References
    Acts 11:26
    And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
    1 Peter 4:16
    Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
  61. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:7
    I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
  62. Cross References
    Acts 21:33
    Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.
  63. Cross References
    Acts 23:24
    Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
  64. Cross References
    Acts 23:29
    I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
  65. Cross References
    Acts 28:18
    When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
  66. Cross References
    Acts 25:11
    If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.
    Acts 28:19
    But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar - though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
  67. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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