Paul on Trial Because of Hope (Acts 26:1-7)
Scripture: Acts 26:1-7
Today’s Word
¹ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,³ and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.⁴ “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem.⁵ They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.⁶ And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.”(NIV)
Background
Governor Festus was struggling to handle Paul’s trial. The Jews wanted Paul dead, but they couldn’t prove any specific charges against him. When King Agrippa came to visit Festus, the governor consulted with him about this difficult case.
King Agrippa was from the Herodian dynasty and was well-versed in Jewish culture and religion. He was the grandson of Herod the Great, who had ordered the killing of infants when Jesus was born, and his uncle Herod Antipas had executed John the Baptist. Because Agrippa understood Jewish customs and religious controversies so well, Paul saw this as an excellent opportunity to defend his faith.
Paul viewed this moment not merely as a trial but as an opportunity to share the gospel. He wanted to explain to the king why he had become a Christian and what the true hope of Israel was all about.
Key Terms Made Simple
- King Agrippa: A king from the Herodian family who was well-versed in Jewish religion and culture. He ruled parts of the Jewish territory with Rome’s permission.
- Pharisees: A Jewish sect that strictly observed the Law. They believed in resurrection, angels, and spiritual beings, and valued not only the written Scripture but also oral traditions.
- God’s Promise: The promise God made to Israel’s ancestors that the Messiah (Savior) would come to save God’s people and establish God’s kingdom.
- Twelve Tribes: The twelve tribes descended from Israel’s twelve sons, representing the entire nation of Israel.
- Hope: Not just wishful thinking, but a confident expectation based on the certainty that God will fulfill what He has promised.
Key Expressions to Notice
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“You have permission to speak for yourself”
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“You are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies”
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“The strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee”
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“Because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors”
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“Earnestly serve God day and night”
Main Points of the Text
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Paul’s Wise Beginning of His Defense (verses 1-3)
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Paul’s Past – A Strict Pharisee (verses 4-5)
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The Real Reason for the Trial – Hope (verses 6-7)
Applying to My Life
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Wisdom in Understanding Your Audience
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God Uses Our Past
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Living Because of Hope
Think About It
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Why did Paul emphasize his past as a Pharisee? How did this strengthen his defense?
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What is “the hope of what God promised our ancestors”? What does this hope mean for us today?
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When we face difficulties because of our faith like Paul did, how can we turn them into opportunities to share the gospel?
Tags: #Acts #Acts26 #Paul #KingAgrippa #Festus #Defense #Hope #GodsPromise #Pharisees #Messiah #Israel #TwelveTribes #Witness #Gospel #Wisdom #Testimony #Faith #Trial #사도행전 #바울 #아그립바왕 #소망 #하나님의약속 #바리새파 #메시아 #간증 #신앙
