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Acts 26

32 verses

TL;DR

Paul delivers a passionate testimony before Agrippa, recounting his persecution of Christians, his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, and his mission to proclaim Christ to Jews and Gentiles.

Summary

Paul opens by addressing King Agrippa, asking him to listen patiently. He recounts his early life as a Pharisee and his zealous persecution of the early Christians, including imprisoning and silencing many. While traveling to Damascus, he experiences a blinding light and hears Jesus’ voice calling him to stop persecuting Him. Paul declares his new mission to preach repentance and salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, demonstrating the truth of the prophets and the resurrection of Christ. Agrippa is deeply moved and almost converts, prompting the governor and others to discuss Paul’s possible release.

Outline
  1. 1. Introduction and plea to Agrippa
  2. 2. Confession of persecution
  3. 3. Damascus vision and call to ministry
  4. 4. Paul’s testimony and its impact on Agrippa
  5. 5. Conclusion and discussion of Paul’s fate
Themes
Persecution turned to proclamationThe transformative power of divine revelationFaith and repentanceThe universality of the gospelThe authority of scripture and prophecy
Keywords
SaulPaulJesusDamascusvisionpersecutionrevelationconversionapostleprophecyfaith
People
PaulAgrippaFestusBerniceJesusChief Priests
Places
JerusalemDamascusJudeaTemplethe coast of Judaea
Things
blinding light from heavenvoice of Jesuspromise of Godresurrectionfaithprophecies
Key Verses
  • Acts 26:13: The dramatic vision on the road to Damascus
  • Acts 26:16: Jesus addresses Saul directly, establishing identity
  • Acts 26:28: Agrippa’s near-conversion demonstrates the power of Paul’s testimony
Questions
  • What does Paul’s confession reveal about the nature of true repentance?
  • How does the Damascus vision function as a pivotal turning point in early Christianity?
  • In what ways does Paul’s testimony address both Jewish and Gentile audiences?
  • What does Agrippa’s reaction suggest about the persuasive power of faith-based narratives?
  • How might Paul's experience inform contemporary discussions on transformation and advocacy?
Sentiment

mixed
Paul’s testimony is fervent and hopeful yet acknowledges the hardships and disbelief of others.