Acts 26:24-32
The gospel confronts both skepticism and partial conviction, yet remains vindicated before rulers.
24 As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”
25 But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
26 For the king knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
28 Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
29 Paul said, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds.”
30 The king rose up with the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them.
31 When they had withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”
32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
The gospel confronts both skepticism and partial conviction, yet remains vindicated before rulers.
To record the reactions of Festus and Agrippa to Paul’s defense and to clarify Paul’s appeal to Caesar.
This passage concludes Paul’s defense before Agrippa and Festus. Luke highlights the contrast between perceived madness and grounded truth. The narrative closes the Caesarean hearing cycle and transitions toward the journey to Rome.
Festus, unfamiliar with Jewish prophetic tradition, interprets Paul’s theological argument as irrational enthusiasm. Agrippa, conversant with Jewish Scriptures, responds diplomatically rather than decisively. The mention of “Christian” reflects an identifiable public label for believers. Paul’s continued appeal to Caesar means jurisdiction has already shifted beyond local authority.
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.