MPV Commentary

day and night, hope to come--The apostle uses language that represents his nation as one unified body, scattered but still offering worship to God in all its dispersion. This hope is rooted in a promise made long ago to their fathers, sustained by the expectation of Jesus' return.

For which hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews--The apostle notes that he is charged with sedition, but this charge is not even mentioned in his speech. The real issue is his faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

Why should it be thought a thing incredible ... that God should raise the dead?--The apostle asks why people find it unbelievable that God can raise the dead. He leaves this question to be answered by his audience, and then moves on to share his personal history.

But rise, &c.--Here the apostle summarizes various visions he received from Jesus, highlighting the grandeur of his commission as a minister of the gospel.

a minister ... both of these things which thou hast seen--The apostle puts himself on equal footing with those who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word.

and of those in which I will appear to thee--He refers to visions he would receive later, such as Acts 18:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.

Delivering thee from the people--the Jews.--The apostle was hated by the Jews, but Jesus assured him of deliverance from their hands.

and from the Gentiles--He was also in danger from the Gentiles, yet he trusted in Jesus' promises of protection.

unto whom now I send thee--Jesus gave him authority to carry out this mission.

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light--The apostle's goal is for people to be enlightened and turned away from Satan's power.

and from the power of Satan--Being "turned from darkness" means being freed from Satan's control.

that they may receive forgiveness ... and inheritance among the sanctified by faith that is in me--Faith in Jesus brings forgiveness and ultimately leads to a place among those who are set apart for God.

Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision--The apostle's tone becomes more elevated as he recounts his experiences with Jesus.

showed ... to them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem--He began by sharing his message with Jews in Damascus and Jerusalem, where his former hatred of Christ was well-known.

repent and return to God, and do works meet for repentance--The apostle describes conversion and its proper fruits, likely influenced by John the Baptist's teaching.

having obtained help from God, I continue unto this day, witnessing, &c.--The apostle attributes his preservation to God's help, and continues to witness to Jesus' message.

That Christ should suffer, &c.--In response to the question of whether the Messiah would suffer and rise again, he affirms that this is what the prophets and Moses said would happen.

Festus said with a loud voice--Festus was surprised and bewildered by Paul's words.

Paul, thou art beside thyself, much learning doth make thee mad--Festus thought Paul was out of his mind due to his extensive knowledge and references to Jewish scriptures.

I am not mad, most noble Festus, but, &c.--Paul calmly responds to the charge, refuting it with dignity.

the king knoweth, &c.--The apostle notes that Agrippa knows the prophets and their teachings.

believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest--The apostle is confident in Agrippa's knowledge of the prophets and their fulfillment in Jesus.

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian--Agrippa seems to be on the verge of becoming a follower of Jesus, but Paul knows he still needs more persuasion.

I would to God, &c.--Paul expresses his desire for Agrippa to become a believer, not just almost, but completely.

not only ... almost ... but altogether--Paul's words convey his magnanimity and willingness to help Agrippa become a true follower of Jesus.

except these bonds--The apostle holds up his chained hands as he speaks.

when he had thus spoken, the king rose--Agrippa was not easily swayed by Paul's words.

This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed to Cæsar--Paul's appeal to Caesar meant that he could not be released.