(19) “Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: (20) but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. (21) For this cause the Jews seized me in the temple, and assayed to kill me. (22) Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come: (23) how that the Christ must suffer, and how that He first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.
(24) “And as he thus made his defense, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad. (25) But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness. (26) For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner. (27) King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. (28) And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. (29) And Paul said, I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds.”
Golden Text.—“Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day.” Acts 26:22.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) After rehearsing the circumstances of his conversion to Christianity, what did Paul tell King Agrippa concerning his own course? Verse 19. Note . (2) In what places did he first take up the work which the Lord had given him? What was the burden of his message? Verse 20. Note . (3) Because of this work what did the Jews do when they found Paul in the temple? What did they attempt to do? Verse 21. (4) From whom had Paul obtained help? What did this enable him to do? To whom did he testify? What did he testify? Verse 22. Note . (5) What did he declare regarding Christ? What would be the result to the world from His resurrection from the dead? Verse 23. (6) At this stage of Paul’s defense what did Festus say? In what manner? To what did he attribute Paul’s “madness”? Verse 24. (7) How did Paul reply to this charge? What did he declare in regard to his words? Verse 25. Note . (8) What did Paul say concerning the king’s knowledge in the matter? What did he say about the publicity of the resurrection of Christ? Verse 26. (9) What question did Paul then ask of King Agrippa? When Agrippa did not answer, what did Paul declare? Verse 27. (10) What did Agrippa say in reply to this? Verse 28. Note . (11) What ardent wish did Paul then express in reply to Agrippa’s remark? Verse 29.
