How to Seize Every Opportunity. (Acts 25:13-26:32)

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Welcome to this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast! Today, we explore Acts 25:13–26:32 in a study titled "How to Seize Every Opportunity." 

Have you ever missed an opportunity and wished you hadn’t? In this passage, Paul, King Agrippa, and Governor Festus all encounter unique opportunities — but respond to them in different ways. We'll walk through the story and discover how God calls us to recognize and act on opportunities in our own lives, especially those that bring glory to His name. Thank you for joining us on this journey through Scripture.

Episode Notes

How to Seize Every Opportunity

Scripture Focus: Acts 25:13–26:32

• Main Theme: This episode examines how Paul seizes a chance to share his testimony and the gospel in front of powerful leaders. His defense offers a practical guide on how we can articulate our faith stories effectively.
• Key Characters:
  • Paul: The bold apostle sharing his testimony for the fifth time in Acts.
  • Festus: The Roman governor seeking clarity on Paul's charges.
  • King Agrippa: A ruler well-versed in Jewish customs, curious to hear Paul’s story firsthand.
• Important Lessons:
  1. Seek wise counsel:
  2. Gather all the facts: 
  3. Share your testimony clearly: 
• Core Gospel Message:
  • From spiritual blindness to sight.
  • From darkness to light.
  • From the power of Satan to God.
  • From guilt to forgiveness.

Reflection: What spiritual opportunities is God placing in front of you today? Will you seize them like Paul, or let them slip by?

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Chapters

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• 19:44 (Cont.) How to Seize Every Opportunity. (Acts 25:13-26:32)

Transcript

How to Seize Every Opportunity. (Acts 25:13-26:32)

 
Transcript:

Have you ever had the opportunity to do something and then later wish you had.

Maybe you missed a real bargain.

Why do we sometime fail to miss an opportunity. But I am more interested in when we miss a spiritual opportunity….

Today I would like us to look at a rather lengthy passage of scripture it begins here in Acts 26 and goes all the way through to the end of chapter 27.

In the passage we are looking at today Paul gives a speech. Today due to the length of the passage rather than read it all at once I’m going to work through it as I go along rather in the style of my first ever podcast I did way back in 2009, which I called, The Big Chunk Bible Study.

So, let’s begin in verse 13.

13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.

16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome.

[Now pay attention what I am about to read are the two most important verses when it comes to understanding the whole of todays passage.

Vs 26 & 27]

26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

(Acts 25: 13-27)

What I just read can be divided into two sections. The first part, through to verse 21, covers Festus explaining Paul’s situation to King Agrippa. Then, from verse 22 through 27, we see Agrippa’s involvement, though Festus does most of the talking.

Today, I want to walk you through three people’s perspectives in this story: Festus, Agrippa, and finally Paul. We’ll examine the opportunities each had and how they responded to them.

Before I do that, let me set the scene again. Paul had gone to Jerusalem, where he was arrested after a riot broke out. To protect him, he was moved secretly out of the city and eventually ended up imprisoned in Caesarea. Felix, the governor at the time, kept Paul locked up for two years, many say hoping for a bribe that never came. When Festus took over as governor, he inherited this unresolved case.

Festus examined Paul and found nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. However, he faced a political dilemma. Some Jews were pressuring him to send Paul back to Jerusalem, but Festus understood that Roman law required an accused person to meet his accusers face to face before any verdict could be delivered.

Paul had appealed to Caesar, and Festus was required to send him to Rome. But there was a problem—Festus didn’t know what charges to write in his letter to Caesar!

In verse 13, we find Festus seeking Agrippa’s help. Agrippa, was a king familiar with Jewish customs, who might offer insight.

Festus recognized his need for counsel. This is the sensible action of a reasonable man—seizing an opportunity to get advice when faced with uncertainty. And this brings us to an important lesson for us all: Wise people seek guidance when confronted with problems they don’t fully understand.

Maybe it’s asking a trusted friend or spouse for advice. In my own life, I have relied on fellow pastors. Sometimes we meet casually over coffee, and someone will share a challenge we’re facing. This kind of pastoral support and even collaboration, seeking help from those with experience, when seen in a Christian context reflects both wisdom and humility.

Festus demonstrated this kind of wisdom by consulting Agrippa.

They gather in great pomp it says, imagine the scene: Festus and Agrippa, dressed in their royal regalia. Agrippa would be robed in the deep purple of royalty, with a gleaming gold crown resting on his head.

Festus, as governor, would don the scarlet cloak reserved for state occasions. Around them, soldiers stood at attention — commanders of the Roman cohort stationed in Caesarea, imposing legionnaires would have formed the ceremonial guard. The most prominent leaders of the Jewish community, invited by Festus, filled the assembly. Into this grand display of power and status, a solitary figure entered: Paul, the tentmaker from Tarsus, bound in chains.

And yet, from the moment Paul opened his mouth, it was not the rulers or the soldiers but Paul himself who commanded the room.

In verse 22, Agrippa tells Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” He wasn’t convinced by Festus’ account alone and wanted to investigate the matter firsthand. So, they brought Paul in and Agrippa seized the opportunity to learn more — a wise move.

This raises a question for us: How often do we take the time to gather more information before forming judgments? How many misunderstandings and poor decisions could we avoid if we simply sought out the whole truth?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if it leads to better understanding. Agrippa did this when he asked to hear Paul directly.

What we see in verses 13 through 27 is essentially a series of conversations. Festus seeks advice from Agrippa, and Agrippa seeks firsthand information from Paul. These are not formal trials; they are inquiries driven by a desire for clarity. This sets the stage for the long speech in the next Chapter 26, where Paul will deliver yet another defense.

By this point, Paul has already defended himself four times: 

1.   Before the people in Jerusalem.

2.   Before the Sanhedrin.

3.   Before Felix.

4.   And now in front of Festus. 

His speech before Agrippa now marks his fifth defense. Luke’s detailed recording of these events underscores their importance to the overall narrative of Acts. This is what he says

1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So, Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “The Jewish people 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. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

9 “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests there I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so, I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe in the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

(Acts 26: 1-32)

So, Paul begins his address by acknowledging Agrippa’s expertise in Jewish customs and law. Unlike Festus, who was a Roman, Agrippa had a deep understanding of Jewish matters. Paul is eager to explain himself, saying he feels fortunate to stand before him because he is well qualified to deal with this matter.

Paul’s defense takes the form of a personal testimony, which can be divided into three parts:

1.   His life before encountering Christ.

2.   His dramatic conversion experience.

3.   The transformation and mission that followed his conversion.

This structure — before, how, and after — is a powerful framework for sharing your own faith story. When giving your own testimony, why not just, follow Paul’s example: 

Describe your life before Christ, recount how you encountered Him, and share the changes He has made in your life since then. It’s a straightforward yet convincing approach that invites others to see the power of God at work in the life of an ordinary person.

Paul begins his defense in verse 4 by recounting his early life: "His life from his youth, which was spent from the beginning among the Jews at Jerusalem. He begins by stating, “I was a Pharisee.”

Paul is establishing his credibility as someone deeply rooted in Jewish traditions, living as a Pharisee, a sect known for its strict adherence to the law.

In verse 6, he declares, "I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers." 

Paul's argument is simple: he stands accused because of the very hope held by his accusers. He frames his belief in resurrection as consistent with Jewish tradition, pointing out that God’s promises to Abraham and the patriarchs necessitated resurrection for their ultimate fulfillment.

Paul then asks pointedly, "Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?" He’s directing his listeners to consider the plausibility of resurrection in light of God's power.

He then shifts to describe his actions before his conversion: he was not just a Pharisee; he was a fierce persecutor of Christians. He recounts his passionate efforts to oppose "the name of Jesus of Nazareth," punishing believers, forcing them to blaspheme, and even pursuing them to foreign cities.

Paul's continued description of his conversion begins with his journey to Damascus, where he encountered a light brighter than the sun at noon. This brightness signifies divine glory. He heard a voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" The voice identified itself as Jesus. Paul's experience was unique, but the underlying truth applies to all of us: an encounter with Christ changes everything.

Jesus' commission to Paul is profound: "Rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you." This commission outlines Paul's mission to open eyes, turn people from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to the power of God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith.

This is the heart of the gospel:

·        Spiritual blindness gives way to sight.

·        Darkness is overcome by light.

·        Bondage to Satan is replaced with freedom in God.

·        Guilt is exchanged for forgiveness.

·        Spiritual poverty is transformed into an inheritance of eternal life.

Paul concludes by affirming his obedience: "I did not disobey this heavenly vision." He says I have proclaimed this message everywhere — first in Damascus, then Jerusalem, Judea, and to the Gentiles — calling people to repent, turn to God, and produce works that demonstrate true repentance.

Repentance, Paul shows, is a change of mind — an internal shift — that results in outward actions. It is the root, and the fruit of it our good works Not the other way around. This distinction is crucial. 

Paul’s defense here serves as a useful example of how we can also share our testimony:

·        Be honest about your past.

·        Be clear about how you met Christ.

·        Describe the transformation in your life since then.

This approach allows the focus to remain on the work of Christ, glorifying God rather than embellishing personal experiences.

In this final section, Paul continues his defense and testimony showing remarkable poise and determination to use every opportunity to preach the gospel—even at great personal cost. 

Paul acknowledges that he could have stayed silent after appealing to Caesar. Instead, he embraces the chance to speak, viewing it as another moment to share his testimony and the message of Christ.

Beginning in Verse 24 we see Festus’s response.

Festus accuses Paul of being mentally unbalanced because of his intense study and belief in the scriptures, particularly the resurrection of the dead.

This accusation of being "crazy" for believing in biblical truths is not unique to Paul. Many Christians today face similar skepticism or ridicule for their faith. Belief in miracles or the resurrection may seem absurd to those without a foundational belief in God.

Paul’s response is just to continue to calmly defends himself, affirming that he speaks "words of truth and reason." 

Paul then turns to King Agrippa, directly challenging him:

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”

This is a strategic and bold move. Paul appeals to Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish scriptures, aiming to help him join the dots and connect prophecy to the fulfillment in Christ. He understands Agrippa’s background and seeks common ground.

Agrippa’s response is famous.

Agrippa replies, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."

Was this sarcasm, hesitation, or genuine conviction? Many lean toward sincerity, seeing Agrippa as a man intellectually stirred but not willing to take the final step of faith.

How often do people come close to accepting Christ but just stop short? Fear, pride, or love of the world can hold them back. This verse reminds us of the tragedy of coming almost to faith but never making commitment.

Paul responds passionately:

"I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains."

Despite his imprisonment, Paul’s heart remains focused on the salvation of others. His physical chains are nothing compared to the spiritual freedom he has in Christ, and he longs for everyone to experience that same freedom—without the literal chains he wears.

Paul responses here speak to the power of a personal testimony: 

Paul’s defense was not a legal argument but a heartfelt recounting of his life, conversion, and mission. For me this reinforces the importance of sharing personal stories of faith.

Agrippa’s near conversion serves as a warning. Almost believing is not enough; salvation requires full trust in Christ.

The scene closes with Festus, Agrippa, and the others departing, acknowledging that Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment. Yet, because of his appeal to Caesar, Paul remains bound. 

His journey will continue to Rome, but his witness before kings, governors, and soldiers remains a testament to his unwavering mission to proclaim Christ at every turn. This episode encourages believers to be faithful witnesses, seize every opportunity, and never underestimate the power of a simple testimony.

Festus and Agrippa were intelligent, sensible, and rational men. They knew how to seek advice and gather information, yet when faced with the gospel, they missed their moment of decision.

Almost persuaded, isn’t enough. Agrippa’s hesitation highlights a tragic truth: Reason and knowledge without commitment lead to spiritual failure.

Many people live responsible, rational lives but miss the most critical decision of all—faith in Christ. Sensibility alone does not guarantee salvation. It requires commitment and action.

Unlike Festus and Agrippa, Paul is fully committed to his mission. His life is defined by one central focus—preaching the gospel at every opportunity, regardless of personal cost.

Paul’s unwavering commitment stems from his deep conviction about the truth of the gospel and his responsibility to share it. He doesn’t just wait for opportunities; he actively seizes them.

If we are committed to sharing Christ, we should also recognize and take advantage of the spiritual opportunities God places before us. The key is readiness, combined with a heart prepared to speak.

Luke’s meticulous record of Paul’s trials emphasizes a repeated point: Paul was innocent of any crime. This defense of Paul’s legality was likely important for Theophilus, to whom the book of Acts is addressed. Because in presenting the Christian faith in the way he does here Luke demonstrates that Christianity was not a political threat but a movement grounded in truth.

I believe Paul’s testimony, documented here serves both a legal and spiritual purpose, showcasing how a believer can stand firm in faith even under intense pressure.

So, let me close by sharing what I believe are the practical steps it teaches we can apply when sharing our testimony

1.   Be Ready: Pray for God to open doors for spiritual conversations.

2.   Be Committed: Have a mindset like Paul’s, where sharing the gospel is a priority.

3.   Be Prepared: Your testimony is a powerful tool. Keep it simple:

What your life was like before Christ.

How you came to know Christ.

What your life is like now.

Personal Testimony is Unassailable: People may argue with your theology or beliefs, but they cannot deny your personal experience with Christ.

Paul’s example today reminds us that life presents pivotal spiritual moments. Will we be like Agrippa—almost persuaded but not committed—or like Paul, boldly proclaiming the gospel, regardless of the cost?

You have one life to live for Christ and share His truth. When that moment comes, will you capture it or let it slip? The choice is always yours.