Acts Chapter 26

Acts 26 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 32 Bible verses from Acts and discover their timeless wisdom.

ShareTweetShare
Verse card
Ask AI about this chapter
Size

Select text within one numbered verse, then choose Compare Versions.

1. Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: 2. “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, 3. especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently. 4. Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from the earliest days of my youth, among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion. 6. And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, 7. the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews. 8. Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? 9. So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10. And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. 11. I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12. In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13. About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. 14. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15. ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16. ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. 17. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18. to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ 19. So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 20. First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. 21. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22. But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: 23. that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24. At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” 25. But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. 26. For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?” 29. “Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.” 30. Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. 31. On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” 32. And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Jump to a verse

32 verses

Today's verse of the day

When you want one passage to carry out of this chapter, read the daily Bible verse with its reflection and prayer.

Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 32 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 32 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 32 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 32 Bible verses from Acts, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 32 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

Related Guides from the Hub

View all

Related Topics to Explore

View all

Popular Chapters