Acts 26

Telling the Story That Changes Everything

As we step into Acts 26 together, we find ourselves drawn into one of Paul’s most compelling moments. This isn’t just another chapter in Acts—it’s a deeply human scene where Paul shares his story before King Agrippa. And in it, we see not only a powerful defense of the gospel, but also a challenge to us: How are we telling our story?

Paul’s Strategy: Lead With the Gospel, Not Self-Preservation

Paul’s situation is precarious. He wants to go to Rome, but things could easily go sideways—he could be handed over to the Jewish leaders who want him silenced. Yet when Agrippa gives him the floor, Paul doesn’t plead for his life or argue legal technicalities. Instead, he shares his testimony.

What’s striking is that Paul doesn’t start with fear or desperation. He starts with hope. He respects Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish tradition and builds a bridge. He walks him through his Jewish upbringing, his passion for the law, and then that moment that changed everything—his encounter with Jesus.

Paul recognizes his moment isn't about freedom from chains; it's about pointing people to Jesus. That’s a bold choice, and it’s one we’re invited to make too.

The Power of a Personal Testimony

Paul’s story isn’t elaborate for the sake of storytelling. It’s clear and direct: "I was blind, but now I see. I was lost, but Jesus found me." He tells Agrippa that Jesus appeared to him and gave him a mission—to open eyes, turn people from darkness to light, and offer forgiveness and new life.

We’ve all got a story like that. Maybe it’s not as dramatic as Paul’s, but it’s real. And the question we need to ask ourselves is this: Are we sharing it? Around dinner tables, in casual conversations, in moments when people ask why we live the way we do—these are all opportunities to tell the story of how Jesus met us.

Stories change hearts. We’ve seen it in commercials that tug at our emotions, and we see it even more deeply when people share how Jesus transformed their lives. That’s why we tell our story—not to impress, but to invite others into the grace we've received.

From Testimony to Decision

At the climax of Paul's testimony, Festus interrupts—calls him crazy. But Paul doesn’t flinch. He turns to Agrippa and says, "Do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Paul isn’t just defending himself anymore—he’s pressing for a decision.

Agrippa feels it. “Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” he asks. Paul’s reply? “Short time or long—I pray that not only you but all who are listening may become what I am, except for these chains.”

That’s the heart of it. Paul’s not arguing to win; he’s witnessing to bring life. He’s living what we’re all called to do: testify to the resurrection of Jesus and invite others into that hope.

So, What About Us?

We’re reminded in this chapter that God places us in moments—not by accident, but on purpose. Whether it’s a big moment in front of a crowd or a quiet one in a grocery store aisle, we’re invited to be faithful. To speak the name of Jesus. To share how He rescued us. To let the Holy Spirit do His thing.

Let’s carry the gospel not just in our heads, but in our stories. Let's be like Paul—bold, gracious, focused on Jesus. Because in the end, it’s all about the resurrection. It’s all about the decision. And it’s all about inviting others into the life we’ve found. Jesus really died. He really rose. And that changes everything.