Acts 26 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for March 8 - March 14, 2007
(Read Acts 26 Online)

Reflections on Acts 26 by Matt Chesner, Coach

One of the keystones of the American justice system is trial by a jury of your peers. There are many reasons for this, but the most fundamental is that it is hard for someone from a different geographical area or culture to understand the situations that you function in from day to day. A non-judicial example might be how those living in Florida can't understand what it is like for those living in Buffalo who get 2 or more feet of snow many times a year.

In Acts Chapter 26, Paul uses the opportunity of having King Agrippa visiting to give his defense in front of someone who is familiar with his culture and the region in which he lives. Paul himself says to King Agrippa "you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies." Paul also says “I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice.” referring to King Agrippa.

When we are facing challenges and persecution, we should look to those who can understand where we are coming from. We can't expect those coming from entirely different backgrounds (like non-Christians) to understand the references we make when forming our arguments.

Questions to Consider
- When have you caught yourself using "church slang" when talking to a non-believer?
- What experiences do you have that can be useful in reaching out to others?
- Is it a good thing or a bad thing that Christians share an experience that is different from the outside world?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 26
b. The Defense by Paul (26:1-23)
1) Introduction (26:1-3)
2) The Jewish Hope of Resurrection (26:4-8)
3) Paul’s Persecution of Christians (26:9-11)
4) Paul’s Conversion (26:12-18)
5) Paul’s Commission to the Gentiles (26:19-20)
6) Paul’s Arrest in Jerusalem (26:21)
7) Concluding Appeal (26:22-23)
c. Interchange between Festus, Paul and Agrippa (26:24-29)
d. Paul’s Innocence and the Irony of his Appeal to Caesar (26:30-32)