Acts 26

Paul goes about, once again, telling his story from Pharisee to Christian, as his defense. He ends with, "that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." v.23 Festus shouts out, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad." v.24

Paul assures Festus that he is not out of his mind, "but I utter words of sober truth. 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." v. 26

The king responds by admitting that he knows Paul is trying to convert him. Wow...Paul is not as concerned with his defence as he is in proclaiming The Good News to those who are listening to him. Paul said to Agrippa, "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." v. 29

After Paul's defence, both Agrippa and Festus agreed, "This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment...This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar." v. 31