Acts 26 - 12.30.25
SCRIPTURE: ACTS 26:19 – 23
19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
OBSERVATION
Verses 19 – 23 are known as Paul’s “proclamation.” I see it as the icing on the cake. His testimony brings everything together on the who, what and why he is preaching the Gospel of salvation to all Jews and Gentiles.
Paul was in a tough position. His life was on the line. He was speaking before the King to prove the charges against him were not true. He gives a powerful testimony of his conversion and witness to God’s plan of salvation. He turned his current and very difficult situation into a very compelling sermon. Paul was bold under pressure. He was focused on the situation before him and brought it all back to God’s saving grace.
Besides sharing the Gospel message, he gave God praise by saying “But God has helped me to this very day.” Even through being beaten, under arrest, falsely charged, he was giving God all the glory. He also knew that God was with him, directing his words, giving him the boldness he needed in a difficult circumstance. Through his trust in God, and God being faithful, Paul was well equipped for this event.
I loved how he said “I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen.” Besides being in the presence of the King, who knew about Jewish customs, the Jewish leaders were listening. They understood the importance of his statement by quoting the prophets and Moses but sadly they didn’t believe him.
APPLICATION
I can’t imagine being in Paul’s shoes. He provides a compelling example of composure in an extreme situation. He was also bold in his presentation – not letting anything affect what he knew needed to be said. I am amazed and inspired by not only his testimony but how he:
Trusted in the Lord: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6
Was confident and bold: “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” 2 Corinthians 3:12
He had no fear: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
Gave God the Glory: “that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalm 30:12
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for Paul’s example. His speech before the King and Jewish leaders was compelling, composed, and clearly led by the Holy Spirit. Lord, fill me with the right words when I speak about you before anyone. Help me to study your word, to be better equipped, and prepared just as 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Forgive me for the times where I fell short of being an approved worker. My goal is to correctly handle the truth, and to never be ashamed. Holy Spirit, fill me with all that I need to speak and share your truth and saving grace. You are faithful and I will forever praise you for everything and in everything. In Jesus name. Amen!
- Mary Oberg
