Why does Paul question King Agrippa's belief in Acts 26:27? Historical Setting of Acts 26 Herod Agrippa II—son of Agrippa I, great-grandson of Herod the Great—was Rome’s client-king over northern Palestine (AD 53-93). Luke records that Festus, the new Roman procurator, convened an audience hall in Caesarea where Agrippa and his sister Bernice heard Paul’s defense (Acts 25:23-27; 26:1-3). Agrippa, unlike Festus, was ethnically Jewish, educated in Scripture, and held custodial rights over the Jerusalem temple’s vestments and high-priestly appointments. This background made him, in Paul’s mind, “expert in all the customs and controversies of the Jews” (Acts 26:3). Text of the Challenge “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do” (Acts 26:27). Paul shifts abruptly from judicial testimony to personal interrogation, pressing Agrippa to take a public stance concerning the Hebrew prophets who foretold Messiah’s death and resurrection (cf. Isaiah 53; Psalm 16:10; Hosea 6:2). Purpose of Paul’s Question 1. Verification of Shared Authority Paul’s ultimate authority is Scripture. By appealing to “the prophets,” he anchors his gospel in texts Agrippa acknowledged as divinely given, forcing the king to weigh prophetic fulfillment in Jesus. 2. Transition from Defense to Evangelism Classical rhetoric reserves a peroration for the speaker’s greatest appeal. Having established the facts of Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 26:22-23), Paul seizes the moment to invite decision, echoing earlier confrontations (Acts 24:25). 3. Exposing Moral Responsibility Greater light brings greater accountability (cf. Luke 12:47-48). Agrippa’s privileged knowledge placed him under particular obligation to believe. Paul’s pointed “I know you do” removes any pretext of ignorance. Agrippa’s Familiarity With the Prophets Josephus (Ant. 20.7.1) notes Agrippa’s thorough instruction in Jewish law. Coins minted under his reign bear Torah symbols—further confirming respect for Jewish tradition. Archaeological finds at Caesarea and Banias (Paneas) similarly attest to his role as patron of synagogues, underscoring Paul’s confidence that Agrippa knew the prophetic corpus. Rhetorical Technique • Direct Question: Forces self-examination before a public audience. • Affirmation of Belief: “I know you do” anticipates assent, making any denial seem dishonest. • Minimal Premise: Belief in the prophets logically obliges belief in their fulfillment in Christ. This method parallels first-century Jewish dispute style (cf. Matthew 22:41-46). Theological Implication: Light Rejected If Agrippa admits belief yet refuses Christ, he exemplifies John 12:48—“The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” Paul’s question highlights the peril of intellectual assent without saving faith. Connection to Messianic Prophecies Paul had just cited Moses and the prophets foretelling a suffering-risen Messiah who would “proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:23). Key texts likely in view: • Isaiah 53:5-11—atoning suffering. • Psalm 16:10—Holy One not abandoned to decay; fulfilled in resurrection (Acts 13:34-37). • Isaiah 49:6—light to the nations—explaining Gentile mission. Dead Sea Scroll copies of these passages (e.g., 1QIsaᵃ) confirm their pre-Christian dating, reinforcing Paul’s argument. Modern Application 1. Shared Foundations: When dialoguing with those holding some reverence for Scripture, move quickly from evidential groundwork to personal response, as Paul did. 2. Accountability: Knowledge of biblical revelation demands decision; neutrality is illusion. 3. Evangelistic Boldness: Paul models respectful yet fearless proclamation even before high authorities. Conclusion Paul questions Agrippa’s belief to confront him with the logical and moral necessity of embracing Jesus as the prophesied, risen Messiah. By appealing to Scripture Agrippa already recognized, Paul exposes the king’s responsibility, transitions from legal defense to gospel invitation, and exemplifies evangelistic strategy rooted in prophetic fulfillment and the authority of God’s word. |
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