Address Before Agrippa
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experiences and visions, of revelations and ancient prophecies, and of
a Jewish prophet who had been rejected and crucified, yet who had
risen from the dead and ascended to Heaven; and who only could
forgive sins and lighten the darkness of Jews and Gentiles. The last
remark was too much for Festus to credit. He suddenly cried out in an
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excited manner: “Paul, thou art beside thyself! much learning doth
make thee mad.”
The apostle replied calmly and courteously: “I am not mad, most
noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For
the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely;
for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him,
for this thing was not done in a corner.” Then, turning to Agrippa, he
addressed him directly: “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I
know that thou believest.”
The Jewish king had been instructed in the law and the prophets,
and he had learned from credible witnesses some of the facts of which
Paul had spoken. Hence, the arguments which were so new and strange
to Festus, were clear and convincing to Agrippa. And he could but be
affected by that burning zeal which neither stripes nor imprisonment
could quench. For a time he forgot the dignity of his position, lost
sight of his surroundings, and, conscious only of the truths which
he had heard, seeing only the humble prisoner standing as God’s
ambassador, he answered involuntarily, “Almost thou persuadest me
to be a Christian.”
With solemn earnestness, the apostle made answer: “I would to
God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both
almost and altogether such as I am,” adding, as he raised his fettered
hands, “except these bonds.” All who heard him were convinced that
Paul was no common prisoner. One who could speak as he had spoken,
and present the arguments that he had presented, who was so filled
with the exaltation of an inspiring faith, so enriched by the grace of
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Christ, so calm in the consciousness of peace with God and man;
one who could wish that all those princely and distinguished people
might have the same hope and confidence and faith that sustained him,
but who, without the least desire for revenge, could pray that they
might be spared the conflicts, sorrows, and afflictions which he had
experienced,—such a man could not be an impostor.