Thoughts on the book of Acts (184) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Acts 26:1-8

Thoughts on the book of Acts (184)
The hearing before Agrippa and the governor was not a formal hearing. Paul was given the freedom to state his viewpoint. However, as a witness for Jesus Christ, he took advantage of the opportunity to defend not himself but the gospel that preached. He spoke vividly of how God had worked in his life (cf. ).
Paul began with his life before his conversion. As a strict Pharisee, he believed God's promises in the Old Testament concerning the coming Messiah and the resurrection of the dead. He argued that it was all the more remarkable that he should be accused for this hope. Preaching Christ crucified and risen cancelled none of God's promises. They confirmed them! But if some Jews denied the possibility of God's raising Jesus, how could they believe in resurrection at all?
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: Proverbs 14:19-35