Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”
So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? Acts 26:1-8
Paul was preaching to Agrippa and to the Jewish leaders. He knew everyone would be leaning in to hear what he had to say. The Roman leaders seemed to be curious while the Jewish leaders were waiting for Paul to slip up.
Even so, the Holy Spirit was working in and through Paul, as well as in the lives of those Paul was preaching to. Were they close to salvation in Christ? Who knows the hearts of men and women except for God? Paul was there for a reason, and the Holy Spirit was with Paul.
Standing in line at the store, sitting in rush hour traffic, talking to your boss about work performance, and playing with your children and grandchildren are all very common scenarios we find ourselves in throughout any given day. The Holy Spirit is with you as you go about your day. We know that on an intellectual level, but sometimes we need to acknowledge it on a personal level.
Paul knew this. That’s why he was confident that God would give him the precise words to say to two very different sets of people. That’s also why he knew he was in God’s will despite his circumstances.