The Bible Study Podcast, episode 162.

Today, the Bible Study podcast continues the study of Acts with chapter 26.

Welcome to the Bible Study podcast.

I'm your host, Chris Christensen.

We last left Paul, still making defense of his faith and of what he had done or had not done in Jerusalem. And we left before he

was about to appear before Agrippa, both Agrippa and the new governor, the governor Festus,

who had asked Agrippa to come in and help him

with this because unlike Felix who had been in the province for a long time, Festus really

didn't know anything about who this Jesus was, what this faith was that Paul was talking about.

All of this is new to him. And so he asks King Agrippa to come in, and this is Paul's

defense before Agrippa. Then Agrippa said to Paul, you have permission to speak for yourself.

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense. King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate

to stand before you today as I make my defense against

all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all

the Jewish customs and controversies.

Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child from the beginning of my life in my own country and also in Jerusalem.

They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.

And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that

I am on trial today. This is the promise our 12 tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they

earnestly serve God day and night. O King, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing

me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that

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