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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 26:29

I would to God, etc. - Ευξαιμην αν τῳ Θεῳ, και εν ολιγῳ και εν πολλῳ - So fully am I persuaded of the infinite excellence of Christianity, and so truly happy am I in possession of it, that I most ardently wish that not only thou, but this whole council, were not only almost, but altogether, such as I am, these Chains excepted. Thus, while his heart glows with affection for their best interests, he wishes that they might enjoy all his blessings, if possible, without being obliged to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 26:32

Then said Agrippa, etc. - The king himself, who had participated in the strongest emotions on the occasion, feels himself prompted to wish the apostle's immediate liberation; but this was now rendered impracticable, because he had appealed to Caesar; the appeal was no doubt registered, and the business must now proceed to a full hearing. Bp. Pearce conjectures, with great probability, that Agrippa, on his return to Rome, represented Paul's case so favourably to the emperor, or his ministers... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 26:28

Verse 28− 28.And Agrippa said unto Paul. The apostle prevailed thus far at least, that he wrung out of king Agrippa a confession, though it were not voluntary, as those use to yield who can no longer resist the truth, or, at least, to show some token of assent. Agrippa’s meaning is, that he will not willingly become a Christian; yea, that he will not be one at all; and yet that he is not able to gainsay, but that he is drawn after a sort against his will. Whereby it appeareth how great the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 26:31

Verse 31− 31.They spake together. In that Paul is acquitted by the judgment of them all, it turned to the great renown of the gospel. And when Festus agreeth to the rest he condemneth himself, seeing he had brought Paul into such straits through his unjust dealing, by bringing him in danger of his life under color of changing the place. And though it seemeth that the appeal did hinder − (631) the holy man, yet because this was the only way to escape death, he is content, and doth not seek to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:1-32

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:24-28

The Christian's desire. The point of deepest interest in this scene is Paul's reply to Agrippa. There the nobility of the apostle is conspicuously present. But it is worth while to glance, first, at— I. THE BLINDNESS OF SIN . ( Acts 26:24 .) It makes mistakes of the greatest magnitude; it looks at the wisdom of God and mistakes it for madness. So it judged incarnate wisdom ( John 10:30 ). So we are to expect it will judge us; for "the things of the Spirit of God are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:24-32

A threefold illustration of the irrepressible energy of the truth. This paragraph has its value, and that a great value, in the grouping of its contents. And the three members that make the group are worthy each of individual consideration as well. But here we notice only certain great though general facts. I. THE ENERGY OF TRUTH . It will not let Festus remain silent in the court. Immediately afterwards it shows that Agrippa cannot persuade himself to hold his peace before... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:28

And for then, A.V.; with but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian for almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian, A.V. With but little persuasion ( ἐν ὀλίγῳ κ . τ . λ .). This saying of Agrippa's is obscure and variously explained. The A.V., following Chrysostom, Beza, Luther, etc., takes ἐν ὀλίγῳ to mean "within a little" or" almost," like the Hebrew טעַמְךִּ , which is very suitable to the context. The corresponding ἐν πόλλῳ , or, as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:28

The great decision. "Then Agrippa said unto Paul," etc. Times when the attitude and bearing of one person wonderfully set forth the majesty of truth. Jesus before Pontius Pilate. Luther at Worms. Paul at Caesarea. Agrippa face to face with the sincerity he despised; Festus with a religion altogether different from that of Rome. The assembly of courtiers and soldiers and abandoned people in the presence of spiritual reality. The reversal of the appearances Paul really trying the offenders... read more

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