Acts 26:1-11

Paul humbly addressed Agrippa Acts 26:1-11: Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak for himself. As Paul began his defense he stretched forth his hand. This action was designed to gain their attention. He felt happy to answer the charges made against him by the Jews before King Agrippa. The charges involved profaning the temple, contempt for the Jews, their customs and the Law, blasphemy, and sedition. Paul was innocent of all charges.

The Jews had known Paul since childhood and they knew his manner of life. If they were willing to do so those Jews could verify that Paul had live in a strict manner as a Pharisee. He wanted it known that he was on trial because of God's promise of salvation based on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. He asked why anyone would doubt that God had raised the dead to life again. Early on, Paul was opposed to Jesus Himself, to His religion, to His Gospel, and especially to His people. Paul put many Christians in jail and even voted for them to be killed. He punished Christians in their meeting places. He tried to make them renounce the Christ. He was so angry against Christians that he pursued them to foreign cities.