Paul was arrested and held by Governor Felix at Caesarea for crimes he did not commit. He remained in custody when Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. After coming to Caesarea, Festus sat on the judgment seat over Paul. "The Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove" (Acts 25:7 NKJV). How did Paul answer? He said, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all" (Acts 25:8). Concluding his remarks, Paul said to Festus, "I appeal to Caesar" (Acts 25:11). Festus granted Paul's request to go before Augustus Caesar for his decision.
While being kept in custody till Festus could send him to Caesar, King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus (Acts 25:13). While they were at Caesarea, Festus laid Paul's case before King Agrippa (Acts 25:14-21). After hearing his case, Agrippa expressed his desire to hear him for himself (Acts 25:22). The next day, Agrippa and Bernice entered the auditorium to hear the proceedings (Acts 25:23-27).
In a proficient and respectful manner, Paul made his defense before King Agrippa (Acts 26:1-23). He began by addressing Agrippa, expressing his happiness for being permitted to answer the charges for himself (vv. 1-3). Unlike the irreligious Festus, Agrippa was knowledgeable in the customs and questions of the Jews. Paul followed his introduction by recounting his history as a Pharisee and how he was being judged for believing in the resurrection which they also believed (vv. 4-8). He also gave a brief account of his history as a persecutor of Christians (vv. 9-11). He told how his life was changed when he met the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (vv. 12-18) and was called to be "a minister and a witness" of the things he had seen and would see (v. 16). "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision" (v. 19). Paul taught the people to "repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance" (v. 20). Paul said, "For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me" (v. 21). Appealing to the hearts and minds of all those assembled in the auditorium, Paul preached the death and resurrection of Christ (vv. 22-23).
During his defense, Festus interrupted Paul (Acts 26:24-26). He did so by calling Paul "mad" (v. 24). However, Paul refuted Festus' baseless accusation. "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason" (v. 25). To support his defense, Paul called for Agrippa to confirm his testimony (v. 26). It is noteworthy that Agrippa, despite Festus' outburst, did not leave but continued to listen to Paul's defense.
Paul called for a response from Agrippa (Acts 26:27-29). "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?" Paul boldly exclaimed, "I know that you do believe" (v. 27). Speaking for the first time during the proceedings, Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (v. 28). Paul passionately invited Agrippa and all his audience to become Christians even as he had done (v. 29; Acts 9:6; 22:16).
Many in auditorium, small and great, heard the gospel. Was Agrippa ever fully persuaded to become a Christian? What about all the others who heard Paul that day? What about Bernice (Acts 25:23)? What about the commanders and the prominent men of the city (Acts 25:23)? What about Festus (Acts 26:32)? To be almost persuaded is to be altogether lost! As the old hymn by Philip P. Bliss reads: "Almost" cannot avail; "Almost" is but to fail; Sad, sad, that bitter wail - "Almost - but lost!" What about you? Will you become a Christian today?