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There were two periods in this part of the Apostle's career, during which he was a
prisoner for two years. The first was at Cęsarea, where he was held a prisoner, with
opportunity to see his friends, for two years (Acts 24: 27). After this he was again held
in custody by Festus while he formulated a charge that could be sent with him, and then
was sent on a journey to Rome, where once again he was a prisoner for another period of
two years, receiving all that cared to visit him.
Paul's defence before Agrippa is the fullest of which we have any record. He was no
longer on trial, and he availed himself of this splendid opportunity to give a complete
testimony.
Paul Before Agrippa (Acts 26:).
A | 1-3. Agrippa's acknowledge as an expert.
B | 4-7. Paul's manner of life from his youth. A Pharisee.
C | 8. Personal appeal to Agrippa. "Incredible" (Apistos).
D | 9-15. Contrary to Jesus of Nazareth. Jerusalem. Damascus.
E | 16-18. Paul's Commission. The two commissions. |
a | Stand (Histemi).
b | Witness.
c | Both. I have . . . . . I will.
d | People and Gentiles.
e | Forgiveness. Inheritance.
D | 19-21. Obedience to heavenly vision. Damascus. Jerusalem.
E | 22, 23. Paul's Commission. The first commission re-stated. |
a | Continue (Histemi).
b | Witnessing.
c | None other things.
e | Suffer. Rise.
d | People and Gentiles.
C | 24-28. Personal appeal of Festus, and of Paul to Agrippa (Pisteuo).
B | 29. Reference to present manner of life. Except bonds.
A | 31, 32. Agrippa gives his opinion.
We will not go over the ground already covered by the Apostle in his former defences,
but deal rather with those items that he brings into prominence in this particular speech
before Agrippa.
Paul could, of course, have refused to speak before Agrippa, or, on the other hand, he
might have abused the opportunity by seeking to flatter him. In fact he did neither; his
one object was to serve the Lord. The Apostle does not begin with any personal
compliments with respect to Agrippa's character, but he does acknowledge that he was
"an expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews"--a statement that was
an undoubted fact.
Of Agrippa's father, Josephus writes: