In Acts 25, Festus laid out the charges as he knew them and his assertion that Paul had done nothing wrong but explained his dilemma in what to write to Caesar (verses 24-27). Fittingly, Agrippa took charge of the proceedings and said to Paul, “Thou are permitted to speak for thyself.” 

As an eyewitness Luke writes, “Then Paul stretched forth the hand and answered for himself.” Can’t you see him? In grace the chained hand reached out, gestured, and the brilliant mind led by the Spirit gave him the words.

In Acts 26:2, we see his absolute delight to stand before the King. He had a tremendous opportunity to share Christ! He recognized Agrippa “to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews” and without fear asked that he hear him “patiently.”

Paul said concerning his early life and career in Jerusalem, “know all the Jews.” At one time he was their favorite son, the fair-haired boy of Israel. He said, “which knew me from the beginning.” If any of them would truthfully testify they would say he was of, “the straightest or strictest sect” and lived as a “Pharisee.”

What happened? Why did they, who once revered him, now want him dead? He said (Acts 26:6) he was being, “judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers.” He was being accused by the Jews, not the Romans. Would we have the courage of Paul? I ask the Lord to give me courage to stand for truth!