Podcast Summary: Back to the Bible Podcast

Episode 134: Acts 25:13–26:32
Host: Larsen B. Plyler
Date: December 21, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Larsen B. Plyler leads a deep, verse-by-verse study of the latter half of Acts 25 and the entirety of Acts 26. The episode explores the series of legal proceedings faced by the Apostle Paul, culminating in his powerful defense before King Agrippa II and the Roman governor Festus in Caesarea. The discussion emphasizes Paul’s bold testimony about his conversion, his hope in the resurrection, and his unwavering commitment to proclaiming Christ despite persecution. The host also discusses the broader narrative significance and the fulfillment of God’s promises in these events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paul’s Imprisonment and Legal Limbo (00:00–09:25)

• Backdrop: Paul remains imprisoned in Caesarea, transitioning from the custody of governor Felix to his successor Festus.
• Festus and Religious Charges: Jewish leaders press charges stemming from religious disputes, mainly about “a certain Jesus, a dead man whom Paul asserted to be alive.” (07:30)
• Roman Justice vs. Jewish Religious Concerns: Festus, confused by the spiritual and theological dimensions, is at a loss for plausible charges to send with Paul’s appeal to Caesar.
  • “I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death. And since he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him. Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord.” (09:52)
• King Agrippa II’s Involvement: Agrippa and his sister Bernice visit; Festus seeks Agrippa’s expertise in Jewish matters to clarify Paul’s charges.

2. Historical and Political Context (09:26–14:45)

• Identification of the Herods: Plyler clarifies lineage—Herod Agrippa II is the son of the Herod who executed James and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12) and the grandson of Herod the Great.
• Bernice’s Notoriety: Notes historical rumors about Agrippa and Bernice’s relationship, hinting at the complex political and personal backdrop.

3. The Grand Hearing: Paul Before Festus & Agrippa (14:46–18:23)

• Setting: A grand assembly, with “great pomp,” Roman officials, city leaders, and Jewish authorities gather to hear Paul.
  • Memorable Atmosphere: “On the next day, when Agrippa came together with Berenice amid great pomp and entered the hall accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city … Paul was brought in.” (15:54)
• Festus’s Dilemma: Emphasizes how awkward it would be to send a prisoner to Caesar with no clear charge: “It seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner not to indicate also the charges against him.” (16:28)
• Agrippa’s Interest: He agrees: “I also would like to hear the man myself.” (13:54)

4. Paul’s Fullest Defense: A Testimony of Transformation (18:24–28:22)

• Paul’s Introduction and Appeal: Expresses gratitude for an audience with Agrippa, “especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews.” (18:42)
• Paul’s Jewish Roots and Hope: Recaps his strict Pharisaic upbringing, emphasizing he’s on trial for “the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers … the resurrection.”
• Central Question: “Why is it considered unbelievable among all of you if God does raise the dead?” (21:30)
• Persecution Zeal: Candidly recounts his fervent efforts to suppress Christians: “I tried to force them to blaspheme … I kept pursuing them, even to foreign cities.” (22:50)
• Key Quote: “Paul’s focus is going to be on the reality of Jesus and how that had transformed Paul and his work.” (24:50)
• Point of Defense: The episode highlights how Paul’s speech isn’t about technical charges but the truth of Christ’s resurrection and the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.

5. Paul’s Conversion Experience (28:23–33:10)

• The Damascus Encounter: Describes the blinding vision and the voice of Jesus:
  • “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goad … I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (29:25)
• Jesus’ Commission: Tasked “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God…” (30:00)
• Repentance and Mission: Paul emphasizes the call to repentance, action, and the hope of inheritance among those sanctified by faith.
  • “He began to tell the people in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and ultimately the Gentiles that they needed to repent. They needed to have that change of heart.” (31:04)
• Scriptural Fulfillment: Paul claims continuity, not divergence: “stating nothing but what the prophets and Moses said was going to take place—that the Christ was to suffer, and … would proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” (32:10)

6. The Response: Ridicule and Reflection (33:11–38:52)

• Festus’s Interruption: Festus shouts, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Great learning is driving you out of your mind.” (33:20)
  • Paul calmly responds: “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.” (33:31)
• Paul’s Apologetic Maneuver: Directs his challenge to Agrippa—“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” (34:16)
• Agrippa’s Famous Reply: Depending on translation: “In such a short time, are you persuading me to become a Christian?” (34:28)
  • Discussion on the different translations and interpretations of Agrippa’s reply.
• Paul’s Heartfelt Wish: “I would pray to God that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains.” (34:48)

7. Conclusion: Verdict and God’s Purpose (38:53–end of content)

• Judgment: Agrippa, Festus, and the assembly agree Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
  • “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (39:26)
• Irony and Providence: While not acquitted on the spot, Paul’s appeal achieves safe passage to Rome, fulfilling his hope to preach there:
  • “This appeal is going to get Paul safely out of that hostile territory and is going to make it possible for him to reach his long desired destination of Rome and proclaim the good news of King Jesus there.” (40:35)
• Ongoing Mission: The narrative shifts toward how God uses unexpected circumstances to fulfill broader gospel purposes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Festus’s Summary:
  “They had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, a dead man whom Paul asserted to be alive.” (07:30)

• Paul’s Theological Appeal:
  “Why is it considered unbelievable among all of you if God does raise the dead?” (21:30)

• Paul on His Transformation:
  “I tried to force them to blaspheme … I kept pursuing them, even to foreign cities.” (22:50)

• Paul’s Testimony on the Road to Damascus:
  “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goad … I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (29:25)

• Festus’s Rebuke:
  “Paul, you are out of your mind! Great learning is driving you out of your mind.” (33:20)

• Paul’s Sober Response:
  “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.” (33:31)

• Agrippa’s Response:
  “In such a short time, are you persuading me to become a Christian?” (34:28)

• Paul’s Vision for His Listeners:
  “I would pray to God that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains.” (34:48)

• Final Observations:
  “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (39:26)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [07:30] – Festus summarizes the main charge: dispute about Jesus’ resurrection.
• [13:54] – Agrippa expresses his desire to hear Paul.
• [15:54] – The grand assembly where Paul is brought before Agrippa.
• [18:42] – Paul thanks Agrippa for hearing his defense.
• [21:30] – Paul’s pivotal resurrection question.
• [22:50] – Paul’s account of persecuting Christians.
• [29:25] – Paul recalls Jesus’ words on the road to Damascus.
• [31:04] – Paul’s charge to repentance and new allegiance.
• [32:10] – Paul asserts the fulfillment of Moses and the prophets in Christ.
• [33:20] – Festus interrupts, accusing Paul of madness.
• [34:28] – Agrippa’s “almost persuaded” reply.
• [34:48] – Paul’s wish for all present to follow Christ, except for his chains.
• [39:26] – Agrippa and Festus agree Paul is innocent but bound for Rome.

Tone and Style

• Larsen B. Plyler maintains a calm, expository, and respectful tone, carefully explaining context and scripture.
• He emphasizes faithfulness to scripture and encourages listener engagement and open investigation (“If you find us to not be going back to the Bible for the things that we say, then we hope that you will reach out to us…”).

Summary Takeaway

This episode unpacks the crucial moment where Paul, on trial yet unbowed, delivers a forceful and articulate defense of the Gospel before the highest regional authorities. Paul seizes the occasion not just to defend himself, but to invite even his judges to faith in Christ. The story highlights both the political complexities of early Christianity and Paul’s unwavering commitment to truth—an account delivered with clarity and depth that encourages listeners to examine these scriptures “Back to the Bible.”