Acts 26: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 26 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

King Agrippa allows Paul to make his defense concerning the accusations by the Jews (vv. 1-3). Paul explains that his life as a Pharisee was known to all Jews and that he now stands accused for the hope of the promise made to their ancestors (vv.

Key verse

“Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen,”
Acts 26:22 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 26:1–3 Paul's Defense Begins
Acts 26:4–11 Paul's Former Life
Acts 26:12–18 The Damascus Encounter
Acts 26:19–23 Proclaiming the Gospel
Acts 26:24–27 Festus Interrupts
Acts 26:28–29 Agrippa's Response
Acts 26:30–32 Conclusion of the Trial

Discussion questions

In v8, what argument does Paul make about the resurrection of the dead?
What does Paul claim was his initial attitude toward Jesus in vv. 9-10?
Paul's statement in v19 about being 'not disobedient' to the heavenly vision: what tension does this create regarding his past?
In v28, Agrippa's response implies a conflict: what is he truly considering in relation to faith?
When have you felt compelled to share your beliefs like Paul does in v20?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 26: Colossians 1, Acts 9, Ephesians 1.

Before next time: read Acts 27.