ACC ~ Acts 26 v24 - 32

OVERVIEW:

Once again we have the device of the interrupted speech and then the contrasting reactions of Festus, who seems frightened by these words that speak of matters he has never considered, and Agrippa, who is avoiding their consequences by a clever deflection. The passage ends with the Roman authorities agreeing on Paul’s innocence. Bede reads the accusation that Paul is mad in light of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:13, and thus he sees in Agrippa’s words an unintended affirmation of the truth of Paul’s testimony. Chrysostom, again fearing that Paul’s words might become a bad example to his audience, is quick to comment on the significance of Paul’s apparent disparagement of his chains that make him so resemble Christ.

26:24 | Paul, You Are Mad

TRUE MADNESS. BEDE: [Festus] reckoned it insanity that a man in chains, put in the position of defending himself, would deliver a discourse not about the false charges with which he was assailed from without but rather about private knowledge that he interiorly gloried in; and that he would review all the wonders of the revelation by which he had been changed from a persecutor into an apostle; moreover that in the style and vigor of public address he would discuss the resurrection of the dead revealed by our Redeemer’s will. Truly, however, just as it was foolish madness for the prodigal son to forsake his father and feed the pigs, so also it was “spiritual, that is, true madness, of which the apostle spoke [when he said], ‘For if we were out of our mind, it was for God; if we are sane, it is for you.’” And, in agreement with this the psalmist sang, “Happy the one whose hope is the name of the Lord and who has no regard for vanities and false insanities.” COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 26.24.

26:27 | Do You Believe the Prophets?

I KNOW THAT YOU DO BELIEVE. BEDE: He did not say this in flattery, as some think, but he made a true statement. Agrippa, inasmuch as he was imbued with the ritual and laws of the Jews, believed that the prophets spoke the truth; but, as one lacking faith, he did not know to whom this truth pertained, that is, the Lord Christ. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 26.27.

26:29 | Except for These Chains

PAUL DEPRECATES THE GLORY OF HIS BONDS FOR THEIR SAKE. CHRYSOSTOM: Notice how his speech is devoid of flattery. “I pray,” [Paul] says, “that this day all might become such as I am—except for these chains.” This man, who glories in his bonds, who displays them as if they were a gold chain, deprecates them for these men. For they were still too weak, and he had spoken rather in condescension. For what is better than those chains, which often appear in his epistles, as in “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ,” and, “On this account I am bound with this chain,” “but the word of God is not bound,” and, “Even to the point of being chained like a criminal.” Not only chains, but even “like a criminal.” The punishment is twofold. For if he were so chained for some good, the matter would carry some consolation. As it is, [Paul] is chained “like a criminal,” and for terrible purposes too. But he takes none of this into consideration. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 52.

CHAINS ARE A GLORY. CHRYSOSTOM: It was not out of distress or fear that Paul acted thus but from an abundance of wisdom and spiritual understanding. He was addressing a Gentile, an unbeliever who knew nothing of us. Naturally he was unwilling to introduce him by way of disagreeable things. He acted in the present instance in accordance with his own words, “To those outside the law I became as one outside the law.” This is what he meant: “If the Gentile hears of chains and tribulations, he will immediately take flight. He does not know the power of chains. Let him first become a believer, let him taste of the word preached, and then he will, of his own accord even, run toward these chains.” HOMILIES CONCERNING THE STATUES 16.9.

LEAD PEOPLE TO THE CROSS SLOWLY. CHRYSOSTOM: Indeed, up to this time they have heard false reports of our doctrine and are hostile to the cross. If I should then add chains as well, their hatred becomes greater. This is why I removed these, so as to make that more acceptable. For they consider it disgraceful to be chained, because they have not yet tasted the glory that is with us. We must therefore condescend. For once they learn of the true life, they will also know the beauty of this iron and the distinction that comes from these chains. … In the meantime, one must be content that the listeners are not ashamed of the cross. For this reason he proceeds methodically, like a guide who is introducing someone to a palace: he does not force him, before he has seen the vestibules and while he is still standing outside, to survey what is within; for unless he enters and observes everything closely, it will not appear marvelous to him. HOMILIES ON 1 CORINTHIANS 33.7.

26:32 | If He Had Not Appealed

RECKONED AMONG THE TRANSGRESSORS. CHRYSOSTOM: Look, once again they pass a sentence in his favor. After saying “you are mad,” they release him not only from the death sentence but also from his chains. Indeed, they would have released him altogether had [Paul] not appealed to Caesar. But this happens providentially, likewise his departure in chains. “Even to the point of being chained like a criminal.” For if his Lord “was counted with the lawless ones,” all the more so ought he (Paul) to be. But just as the Lord had nothing in common with the character of those men, neither did Paul. For the wonder is then apparent: although he was mixed up with these men, in no way was he harmed by them. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 53.