The apostolic defense in the presence of Festus and Agrippa. I. THE BEARING OF THE MAN . Dignity, gentleness, courtesy—a true Christian gentleman. II. THE APPEAL TO FACTS . The incontrovertible evidence. "Once I was a persecutor; now I am a disciple." III. THE PROCLAMATION OF A DIVINE MISSION . Showing that there was reason in his firmness and confidence; he was divinely sent and would be divinely cared for. IV. THE CHALLENGE TO TRY ... read more
That I am to make my defense before thee this day for because I shall answer for myself this day before thee, A.V.; by for of, A.V. read more
Thou art expert for I know thee to be expert, A.V. and T.R. Expert ; γνώστην , here only in the New Testament, but found in the LXX . applied to God, ὁ τῶν κρυπτῶν γνώστης : and 1 Samuel 28:3 and 2 Kings 21:6 , as the rendering of ינִעְדֹּיִ , a wizard. It is seldom found in classical Greek. According to the R.T., which is that generally adopted (Meyer, Kuinoel, Wordsworth , Alford, etc.), the accusative γνώστην ὄντα σέ is put, by a not uncommon construction,... read more
The conditions of hearing to profit. "Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently." The occasion of these words of the apostle may be justly viewed all round as a model occasion of public speaking for the preacher, and of listening for the hearer. A certain amount of result, and of very powerful result, was gained, though confessedly not all that could have been wished. It is not the less to be noticed that just that, however, was gained which may be supposed obtainable by the faithful... read more
Then Paul stretched forth the hand - See the notes on Acts 21:40. This was the usual posture of orators or public speakers. The ancient statues are commonly made in this way, with the right hand extended. The dress of the ancients favored this. The long and loose robe, or outer garment, was fastened usually with a hook or clasp on the right shoulder, and thus left the arm at full liberty.And answered for himself - It cannot be supposed that Paul expected that his defense would be attended with... read more
I think myself happy - I esteem it a favor and a privilege to be permitted to make my defense before one acquainted with Jewish customs and opinions. His defense, on former occasions, had been before Roman magistrates, who had little acquaintance with the opinions and customs of the Jews; who were not disposed to listen to the discussion of the points of difference between him and them, and who looked upon all their controversies with contempt. See Acts 24:25. They were, therefore, little... read more
To be expert - To be skilled or well acquainted.In all customs - Rites, institutions, laws, etc. Everything pertaining to the Mosaic ritual, etc.And questions - Subjects of debate, and of various opinions. The inquiries which had existed between the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, etc. Paul could say this of Agrippa without falsehood or flattery. Agrippa was a Jew; he had passed much of his time in the kingdom over which he presided; and though he had spent the early part of his life chiefly at... read more
Acts 26:1-3. Then Agrippa said unto Paul Agrippa was the most honourable person in the assembly, having the title of king bestowed upon him, though otherwise not superior to Festus, as only having the power of other governors under the emperor. But as Festus had opened the cause, and Agrippa, though not here superior, yet, was senior to Festus, therefore, as the mouth of the court, he intimates to Paul that liberty was given him to speak for himself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand ... read more
Paul again declared innocent (25:13-26:32)Among those who came to Caesarea to pay their respects to the new governor was Herod Agrippa II. This man was the son of Herod Agrippa I (the governor mentioned in 12:1-4,20-23) and the brother of Bernice and Drusilla (13; cf. 24:24; see ‘The New Testament World’). He was Rome’s appointed ruler over certain areas in the far north of Palestine, but he had no power in the region governed by Festus. He was, however, an expert on Jewish affairs (see... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:1-32
Paul before Festus and Agrippa. His address may be divided as follows:— I. THE REMARKABLE STORY OF HIS LIFE . ( Acts 26:1-18 .) 1. His life in Judaism. He had been brought up, as all knew, in the strictest sect of his religion, a Pharisee. Paul's example, it has been remarked, lends no countenance to the fallacy that dissolute students make the best preachers. He had been conscientious from the first, a friend of virtue, and a servant of the Law. He had not... read more