Acts 26 records Paul’s defense before King Agrippa, in which he retells his conversion on the road to Damascus and explains why he now preaches Jesus. These questions help a small group, a Sunday class, or a personal reader move through the chapter verse by verse, with leader’s notes after each question so you do not need a separate commentary.
Acts 26 at a Glance
Paul begins by thanking Agrippa for the chance to speak and describes his upbringing as a strict Pharisee who once persecuted believers in Jerusalem and beyond. He then recounts the blinding light on the road to Damascus, the voice of Jesus, and the commission to open the eyes of Jews and Gentiles.
The second half shows Paul’s obedience to that vision, his preaching of repentance, and his insistence that the prophets and Moses foretold a suffering and risen Christ. The chapter closes with Festus calling him mad, Agrippa’s near-admission, and the court’s verdict that Paul could have been freed.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers interpretation. Ask participants to find the answer in the text itself, and invite them to read the relevant verses aloud before responding. Keep the discussion to what the chapter says.
Acts 26:16
But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you…
(WEB)
This verse contains Jesus’s direct commission to Paul, giving the group the heart of his calling. Reading it aloud early in the session helps everyone hear the appointment that frames the whole defense.
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
(WEB)
Here the purpose of Paul’s mission is stated in full, from darkness to light and from Satan to God. Reading it aloud gives the group language to discuss conversion and forgiveness together.
Acts 26:20
But declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
(WEB)
This verse summarizes Paul’s preaching of repentance and the works that follow it. Hearing it spoken helps the group see that faith is expressed in changed lives, not only in words.
Acts 26:22-23
22 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, 23 how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles.”
(WEB)
Paul claims that his message is what Moses and the prophets foretold. Reading this range aloud prompts discussion about how the Scriptures point to Christ’s suffering and resurrection.
Acts 26:28-29
28 Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?” 29 Paul said, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds.”
(WEB)
The exchange between Agrippa and Paul is one of the most memorable moments in the chapter. Reading it aloud lets the group feel the tension of the moment and Paul’s sincere desire for his hearers.
Memory Verse for Acts 26
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you for the testimony of Paul, who met you on the road to Damascus and did not turn away from your call. Open our eyes as you opened his, and turn us from darkness to your light. Give us courage to speak plainly about what you have done, and steadiness when others misjudge us. Help us obey you in the costly and ordinary decisions of this week. Forgive what we have hidden, and make us witnesses who long for others to know your grace. Amen.
