Agrippa Not Quite Persuaded

24 As he was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You’re out of your mind,(A) Paul! Too much study is driving you mad.”

25 But Paul replied, “I’m not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment.(B) 26 For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak boldly to him. For I am convinced that none of these things has escaped his notice, since this was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.”

28 Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?” [a]

29 “I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty,[b] not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains.”(C)

30 The king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them got up, 31 and when they had left they talked with each other and said, “This man is not doing anything to deserve death or imprisonment.”(D)

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”(E)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 26:28 Or so quickly
  2. 26:29 Or whether a short time or long

24 While [a]Paul was stating these things in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! [b]Your great (A)learning is [c]driving you insane.” 25 But Paul *said, “I am not insane, (B)most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with [d]truthful and rational words. 26 For the king [e](C)knows about these matters, and I also speak to him with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a [f]corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa replied to Paul, “[g]In a short time you are going to persuade me to [h]make a (D)Christian of myself.” 29 And Paul said, “I would [i]wish to God that even [j]in a short or long time not only you, but also all who hear me this day would become such as I myself am, except for these (E)chains.”

30 (F)The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, 31 and when they had gone out, they began talking to one another, saying, “(G)This man is not doing anything deserving death or [k]imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been (H)set free if he had not (I)appealed to Caesar.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Acts 26:24 Lit he
  2. Acts 26:24 Lit The many letters; i.e., education
  3. Acts 26:24 Lit turning you to madness
  4. Acts 26:25 Lit words of truth and rationality
  5. Acts 26:26 Or understands
  6. Acts 26:26 I.e., a hidden or secret place
  7. Acts 26:28 Or With a little
  8. Acts 26:28 Or act as a Christian
  9. Acts 26:29 Or pray to
  10. Acts 26:29 Or with a little or with much
  11. Acts 26:31 Lit bonds