Acts 26:27 – “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is standing before King Agrippa, a Roman-appointed ruler over Judea who was familiar with Jewish customs and Scriptures. In this moment, Paul boldly challenges Agrippa: “Do you believe the prophets?”

Paul is referring to the Old Testament prophets, who foretold the coming of the Messiah. He knows that Agrippa, as a Jewish ruler, is aware of these writings. Paul is making a clear and direct point:

1. If Agrippa believes in the prophets, then he must also believe that Jesus is the Messiah. The prophets spoke of a suffering Savior (Isaiah 53), and Jesus fulfilled those prophecies.
2. Paul is pressing Agrippa to make a decision. He does not let him sit on the fence—either Agrippa believes the prophets, or he does not.

This verse shows Paul’s confidence and courage. Even though he is a prisoner on trial, he boldly calls a king to faith in Christ. Paul is not trying to win an argument—he is trying to win a soul.

Historical Context

Paul is speaking before King Agrippa II, who ruled parts of Israel under Roman authority. Agrippa’s family had a long history of opposing Christ:

• His great-grandfather (Herod the Great) tried to kill baby Jesus (Matthew 2:16).
• His grandfather (Herod Antipas) ordered the beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29).
• His father (Herod Agrippa I) had James, the apostle, executed and had Peter arrested (Acts 12:1-4).

Despite his family’s opposition to Jesus, Agrippa himself was well-versed in Jewish law and prophecy. Paul knew this and directly asked if he believed the prophets, implying that if he did, then he should recognize Jesus as their fulfillment.

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and was now defending himself before Roman officials and Jewish leaders. Instead of focusing on clearing his name, Paul seized the moment to preach the gospel—even to a king.

Theological Implications

1. The Old Testament prophets point to Jesus. Paul is showing that Christianity is not a new religion but the fulfillment of God’s promises (Luke 24:27).
2. Faith requires a personal decision. Paul directly asks Agrippa about his belief, showing that faith is not just about knowledge—it requires a response (Romans 10:9).
3. Christians must be bold in sharing the gospel. Paul was not afraid to challenge a powerful ruler, showing that the truth should be shared with all people (2 Timothy 1:7).

Paul’s question reminds us that knowing about God is not enough—faith requires action.

Literary Analysis

This verse is a turning point in Paul’s speech. He moves from explaining the gospel to calling for a response.

• “King Agrippa” – Paul addresses him personally, making this a direct and respectful challenge.
• “Do you believe the prophets?” – This is a strategic question because if Agrippa says “yes,” he will have to consider Jesus as the Messiah.
• “I know you do.” – Paul does not allow Agrippa to avoid the issue. He confidently presses him to make a decision.

This verse follows the pattern of biblical confrontation with truth—when God’s messengers call people to respond to what they know in their hearts to be true.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.)
• Isaiah 53:3-5 – The suffering servant prophecy, pointing to Jesus.
• Deuteronomy 18:15 – Moses prophesied that God would raise up a prophet like him—fulfilled in Jesus.
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Faith requires a response.)

These verses show that belief in the prophets naturally leads to belief in Jesus.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faith is not just about knowledge—it requires a decision. Agrippa knew the Scriptures, but Paul pressed him to respond. Today, many people know about Jesus but have not chosen to follow Him.
2. We must be bold in sharing the gospel. Paul did not hesitate to share the truth, even with a powerful ruler. We should not let fear keep us from speaking about Jesus.
3. The Bible is one unified story. Paul’s argument shows that the Old Testament and New Testament are connected—Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Paul’s question challenges us today: Do we truly believe the Word of God? If so, how does that belief shape our lives?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He revealed His plan through the prophets long before Jesus came.

• God has always been calling people to Himself. The prophets spoke of the coming Messiah for generations, proving that God has always had a plan to save us.
• God gives people a chance to believe. Even though Agrippa came from a family that opposed Jesus, God still gave him the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.
• God’s truth is clear and accessible. Paul confidently tells Agrippa that the message is obvious—God has made His truth known to all who are willing to see it.

This verse shows that God does not hide the truth—He invites us to believe and follow Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s challenge to Agrippa is rooted in the truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy:

1. Jesus is the promised Messiah. The prophets spoke of a Savior, and Jesus fulfilled every prophecy (Matthew 5:17).
2. Jesus calls for a response. Just as Paul challenged Agrippa, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15).
3. Jesus is the only way to salvation. Agrippa was given a chance to believe—just as Jesus gives everyone the opportunity to follow Him (John 14:6).

This verse reminds us that Jesus is the centerpiece of God’s plan, and everyone must decide how they will respond to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul directly challenged King Agrippa’s faith?
2. What does this verse teach us about boldness in sharing the gospel?
3. Do you believe the Old Testament prophets? How does their message strengthen your faith in Jesus?
4. Agrippa knew the truth but refused to believe—what keeps people from responding to Jesus today?
5. If Paul could share the gospel with a king, who in your life needs to hear about Jesus?

This verse reminds us that knowing about God is not enough—we must make a personal decision to follow Christ. Like Paul, we should be bold in sharing the gospel and calling others to respond to the truth.