Acts 26 Commentary
Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” This concludes the chapter. But Paul cannot be set free. He has to testify in Rome. The imperial officers must hear the gospel. Probably the emperor himself must hear about Jesus. There is an agenda that cannot be altered.
Probably some letters are written during Paul’s detention at Caesarea. We definitely know many are written during his detention in Rome. Paul spoke to the ‘kings’ of the world but he also continued to speak to the brethren through his letters. He has continued to speak to us through his letters which are now part of the holy script.
Is it difficult to see that the Holy Spirit has all the pieces together in the box? Who wins against God?
Each time we hear Paul’s testimony, we see more details. The LORD Jesus speaks all the languages. Yet, he decides to use Aramaic when he speaks to Paul during Paul’s conversion.
Aramaic is the language of Paul’s fathers. Jesus is the LORD that Paul’s fathers worshipped. Jesus is the history-long hope of Paul’s fathers.
Hear Paul’s defense. It is a sermon, a testimony. He is living the specs of his calling. Also, notice the peace and the grace in the tone of his voice. You cannot tell the man is in chains. So calm! His peace came from the Holy Spirit and not from the presence or the absence of chains.
He is persuasive. King Agrippa feels the heat of the sermon. Governor Festus is left confused and accuses Paul’s great learning for Paul’s strange ideas. The seed of the gospel is planted. His appeal is for their salvation and not for his own release. Strange indeed.
You know you are saved if and when God’s business becomes more important than your own ‘small’ discomforts. And strangely, these discomforts all disappear as we focus on Jesus. This is what we have seen in Paul. He hasn’t seen the symbols of human authority and power in Governor Festus and King Agrippa as an opportunity to beg for his release. He preachers to them. They are prisoners; he is not. In the words of Paul’s Master, “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
The two leaders conclude that Paul is innocent but Paul’s trip to Rome won’t be stopped. The gospel must be preached to other leaders in Rome.
It is worth repeating that the Book of Acts records the acts of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit – the acts of the Holy Spirit. Humans make decisions and we have inconveniences here and there but who stands in the way of God’s plan? It is always mission accomplished!
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