Acts 26:24-32 | Agrippa Parries Paul's Challenge

“The only place of pride we have is that we were obedient in that moment.” - Pastor Chris Reed

What do you do when obedience to God makes you look unreasonable, or even crazy, to the world around you?

In Acts 26, we find the apostle Paul standing before powerful leaders, continuing his defense not by softening the message, but by boldly proclaiming the truth of the gospel. Festus interrupts him mid-speech with a sharp accusation: “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy.” From a worldly perspective, it makes sense. Paul speaks of resurrection, divine visions, and a radically transformed life- all while standing in chains.

Yet Paul doesn’t retreat. He doesn’t apologize. He calmly responds that what he’s saying is “the sober truth.”

One of the central tensions in Acts 26 is the contrast between God’s ways and human reasoning. The gospel doesn’t align neatly with what feels natural or logical. Forgiving enemies, surrendering control, practicing Sabbath, generosity, or self-denial—these ideas often run counter to our instincts.

The world tends to trust what can be seen, measured, or proven through immediate results. God often calls His people to trust before they can see the outcome. That’s why faith can look foolish. It requires believing that God’s ways lead to life, even when they interrupt what feels easiest or most efficient.

Paul understands this tension deeply. He knows the message of Jesus is a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others- but that doesn’t make it untrue.

Paul doesn’t present blind belief. He points to testimony, eyewitness accounts, and personal experience. He reminds King Agrippa that these events were not “done in a corner.” The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were public, witnessed realities.

Faith, as Acts 26 reveals, is not the absence of reason- it’s trust built on credible testimony. Every person places faith somewhere: in experts, systems, experiences, or stories. The question isn’t whether we have faith, but where we place it.

“We don’t know if one person came to know the gospel, but if one person did, Paul’s mission was worth it.”  - Pastor Stacey Crawford

When Paul directly asks King Agrippa if he believes the prophets, Agrippa deflects with a half-joking response: “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”

Agrippa is trapped. Agreeing with Paul could damage his political standing. Rejecting the prophets would alienate the Jewish people he ruled. So instead of deciding, he avoids commitment altogether.

It’s a familiar moment. Many people feel the pull of truth but hesitate to respond because belief carries cost. Planting Seeds, Not Producing Results.

One of the most freeing lessons in Acts 26 is Paul’s understanding of his role. He doesn’t see himself as responsible for results- only obedience. His mission is to bear witness, plant seeds, and trust God with what grows.

That perspective changes everything.

When people reject the message, it doesn’t mean failure. When belief doesn’t happen immediately, it doesn’t mean obedience was wasted. God works across time, through many voices, moments, and experiences. Our role is faithfulness in the moment we’re given.

Paul captures this heart perfectly when he says:
 “Whether quickly or not, 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.”

Acts 26 reminds us that success in God’s kingdom isn’t measured by visible outcomes. It’s measured by faithfulness. Speaking when God prompts. Acting when obedience feels costly. Trusting when results aren’t immediate.

If God has called you to take a step- say a word, show grace, speak truth, or live differently- that step is enough.

God doesn’t ask you to be the hero of the story. He asks you to be obedient.
And He will handle the rest.

As a church family, this calling is lived out together at The Tree Church in both Lancaster and Logan, Ohio. Whether gathering for Bible study, worship, or everyday conversations, we believe God uses ordinary faithfulness in ordinary places to do eternal work. From Lancaster to Logan, our prayer is the same as Paul’s- that people would come to know Jesus, whether quickly or over time, as God works through obedience, testimony, and love.