God's Ancient Promise Fulfilled: The Hope of Resurrection
The Christian message stands in continuity with Israel’s promises and rests on God’s power to raise the dead.
Acts 26:1-8 (BSB)
1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
4 Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from my earliest childhood among my own people, and also in Jerusalem.
5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.
6 And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,
7 the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
What is the big idea of Acts 26:1-8?
The Christian message stands in continuity with Israel’s promises and rests on God’s power to raise the dead.
How does Acts 26:1-8 point to Christ?
The resurrection hope proclaimed in Christ fulfills God’s ancient promises and reveals His power.
How does Acts 26:1-8 relate to the life and ministry of Jesus?
Jesus Himself argued from Israel’s Scriptures for the reality of resurrection. Paul now proclaims that the hope embedded in the fathers has been realized through the risen Christ.
Authorial Intent
To introduce Paul’s defense before Agrippa and to center the issue on the promise and hope of resurrection.
Literary Context
This passage opens Paul’s formal defense before Agrippa. Luke presents Paul as composed and deliberate, structuring his speech around covenantal promise rather than personal grievance. The focus immediately centers on resurrection hope grounded in Israel’s Scriptures.
Historical Context
Agrippa II possessed familiarity with Jewish theology and temple matters. Paul strategically addresses him as one competent to evaluate scriptural claims. The charge against Paul centers on resurrection hope, a theme deeply rooted in Jewish expectation. Roman authorities largely perceived the dispute as internal religious debate.
Chapter: Acts 26
Paul Before Agrippa: The Risen Christ Sends Light to Jews and Gentiles
Acts 26 shows that Paul’s Gentile mission flows from Israel’s resurrection hope fulfilled in the suffering and risen Messiah, who sends his witness to turn people from darkness to light, from Satan to God, and into forgiveness and sanctified inheritance by faith.