What can we learn from Paul's approach in Acts 26:28 for evangelism? Setting the scene Acts 26 records Paul’s defense before King Agrippa and Governor Festus. After recounting his conversion and proclaiming the resurrection of Christ, Paul’s earnest words provoke Agrippa’s famous response: “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?’” (Acts 26:28). Agrippa’s remark reveals how persuasive and focused Paul’s presentation was. From Paul’s approach we glean several guiding principles for evangelism. Paul’s evangelistic priorities • Respectful address – Paul honors authority (Acts 26:2–3), modeling 1 Peter 2:17. • Clear testimony – he recounts his own encounter with Christ (vv. 12-18), underscoring Revelation 12:11. • Scriptural reasoning – Paul ties his story to Moses and the Prophets (v. 22), reflecting Luke 24:27. • Gospel centerpiece – he highlights Christ’s death and resurrection (v. 23), echoing 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. • Personal appeal – “I wish…that all who hear me…might become as I am” (v. 29), embodying 2 Corinthians 5:20. Key lessons for our evangelism today 1. Speak with respect • Treat listeners, even skeptics, as image-bearers. • Respect opens doors that hostility slams shut. 2. Share personal transformation • Testimony makes doctrine tangible. • People may debate theology yet find lived change compelling. 3. Ground everything in Scripture • God’s Word carries divine authority (Isaiah 55:11). • Scripture supplies the framework that turns experience into gospel truth. 4. Keep Christ’s resurrection central • The risen Lord is the defining issue (Romans 10:9). • Without it, moral advice replaces saving news. 5. Aim for decision • Paul presses toward conversion; Agrippa feels it. • Loving urgency is not coercion but faithfulness (Acts 17:30). 6. Maintain calm confidence • Paul speaks “boldly” yet courteously under threat (v. 26). • Confidence in God, not circumstances, steadies the witness (Psalm 56:11). 7. Leave results to God • Agrippa remains unmoved, yet Paul’s responsibility is fulfilled. • Conversion is Spirit-wrought (John 16:8), freeing us from manipulation. Related Scriptures that echo Paul’s method • 1 Peter 3:15 – be ready to give a defense “with gentleness and respect.” • Colossians 4:5-6 – act wisely toward outsiders; speech seasoned with salt. • Acts 17:22-31 – respectful cultural bridge-building in Athens. • Acts 22:1-21 – testimony before the Jerusalem crowd. • 2 Timothy 2:24-26 – the Lord’s servant must be kind, able to teach, patient. Putting it into practice • Pray for boldness and love before speaking. • Listen well; address real questions, not straw men. • Weave your story into the larger biblical story of redemption. • Present Christ crucified and risen as the only hope for sinners. • Invite a clear response, trusting God with the outcome. |
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