The heart of Paul on trial
Throughout his trial, Paul’s mission never wavers. He stands before the pomp of Agrippa and the power of Rome not as a man desperate for freedom but as a servant desperate for souls.
Last Sunday, we stood with Jesus before Pilate in John 18, a showdown of truth and power that sets the stage for every moment of courage that follows. This week, we’re transported to another courtroom in Acts 26, where the apostle Paul stands trial. But Paul’s trial isn’t just about defending his actions. It’s a living illustration of what it means to be utterly consumed by the gospel.
Paul’s situation isn’t glamorous. He’s been imprisoned for two years, shuttled from one Roman official to another, all for the crime of preaching Christ. His story unfolds like a mix of courtroom drama and a missionary journey, with Paul refusing to let his circumstances dictate his mission. He’s not there to argue his innocence or negotiate his freedom. Paul’s singular goal is to preach Christ crucified and risen. Even when he could be angling for release, Paul takes every chance to point to Jesus. If we’re looking for an example of a mind set on things above, Paul’s our man.
Paul’s heartbeat is Christ. He’s a man compelled, as he said in 1 Corinthians 9:16, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
And yet, Paul didn’t shy away from his story either. In Acts 26, standing before King Agrippa, Paul recounts his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where the risen Christ stopped him cold. Paul was once a Pharisee of Pharisees, boasting a resume of religious zeal that could put us all to shame. In Philippians 3, however, he writes that all his credentials are trash compared to knowing Christ. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Php 1:21).
You might think it ironic that we talk so much about Paul when he only wanted to talk about Christ. But Paul himself says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Co 11:1). His life serves as an example of the gospel’s power, and if his story encourages us to look to Jesus, then it’s worth telling again and again.
Throughout his trial, Paul’s mission never wavers. He stands before the pomp of Agrippa and the power of Rome not as a man desperate for freedom but as a servant desperate for souls. And when Agrippa tries to dismiss him by saying, “In a short time, would you persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul responds with a line for the ages: “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains” (Acts 26:28, 29).
Paul’s wish was simple—that everyone would find the freedom he found in Christ, even if he had to endure chains to deliver the message. Remember, like Paul, our circumstances may bind us, but they can never bind the gospel.
Summary of main points
- Paul stands trial in Acts 26, not for his defense but to proclaim Christ.
- He recounts his conversion story, highlighting the grace that transformed him from persecutor to preacher.
- Paul focuses on the gospel, even in chains, setting an example of unwavering commitment to Christ.
- His wish is that all would experience the freedom and joy of knowing Christ, far surpassing any earthly circumstance.
Recommended reading
Paul: A Biography by N. T. Wright
Wright captures the drama and stakes of Paul’s life, including his trials and imprisonment, without compromising on the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative.
The Message of Acts by John Stott
Stott provides rich insights into Acts, giving special attention to Paul’s missionary journeys and trials.