Acts 26:24-32 – Agrippa deflects Paul’s appeal

As Paul made his conclusion, Festus interjected loudly, making his conclusion about the apostle. He said to him, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” Not familiar with Hebrew Scriptures, what Paul said might not have made much sense to Festus. Hence this outburst! However, he could tell that Paul was a man of great learning. Perhaps that was the reason why he was so puzzled. He could not comprehend why a person of such great learning, like Paul, would want be so tenacious about a theological position that would alienate him from his fellowmen, the Jews. His conclusion was that Paul’s great learning had left him bereft of any intelligence.

But Paul quickly retorted. He insisted that he was not mad and that what he had said was sober truth. By that, Paul meant that he was being sensible and reasonable. He was level-headed and in full possession of his thinking faculty. Since he was making his presentation before Agrippa, Paul quickly turned to appeal to him. He was aware that Agrippa had knowledge about Christianity which was a growing movement. Therefore he dared to boldly present his case before him. He then quickly asked him a pointed question, “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets?” Paul did not wait for him to respond. He answered on his behalf, saying, “I know you do.” Paul knew that Agrippa was well acquainted with the Old Testament Scriptures but would not accept that they were referring to Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Paul’s question to Agrippa must have left him very uncomfortable. He could neither say yes nor no. For if he had said no, it would make him unpopular among the Jews. If he had answered in the affirmative, he would have to give reasons why he would not accept the teaching of the prophets that pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. In order to avoid that dilemma, he told Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” Was he persuaded by Paul? It’s anyone’s guess! But Paul cleverly made an evangelistic appeal. He told Agrippa, regardless of the duration, whether in a short or long time, his aim was to persuade everyone to become a Christian like him, but minus the chains. At this point it could be that Agrippa was afraid to continue to hear. So he stood up, signaling the end of the proceeding. Bernice and Festus also followed suit and they left the room.
 

When they had gone aside, Agrippa made his conclusion. He told Festus that the charges against Paul were baseless. Paul did not do anything that warranted imprisonment, much less a death sentence. Agrippa further concluded that had Paul not appealed to Caesar, he would have been set free.

Was Agrippa caught off guard by Paul? He knew where Paul was leading him but he didn’t want to go there. In responding the way he did, he deflected Paul’s advance. Was that a wise decision?  The crazy man was not Paul as Festus had suggested, it was Agrippa. He came so near yet so far. He now had to spend all eternity living with the madness of his response. For us, are we living as Paul had desired? To be like him, being in Christ but minus the chains. Yes, we must determine to live a life in Christ that’s unshackled by physical or spiritual chains. A life that’s full of love, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. For such things mark the people of the Kingdom of God.