Acts 26:31

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 26:24-32

We have reason to think that Paul had a great deal more to say in defence of the gospel he preached, and for the honour of it, and to recommend it to the good opinion of this noble audience; he had just fallen upon that which was the life of the cause?the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and here he is in his element; now he warms more than before, his mouth is opened towards them, his heart is enlarged. Lead him but to this subject, and let him have leave to go on, and he will never... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 26:24-31

26:24-31 As Paul was making his defence, Festus cried out, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning has turned you to madness." But Paul said, "I am not mad, Festus, your Excellency, but I am uttering words of truth and sense. The king has knowledge of these things and it is to him that I boldly talk; for I do not think that any of these things are escaping him; for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Agrippa said, "You surely think that you are... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 26:31

And when they were gone aside ,.... Into some apartment adjoining to the judgment hall: they talked between themselves ; that the common people might not hear their debates, and the result of them, and what were their sentiments concerning Paul and his case: saying, this man doth nothing worthy of death , or of bonds; according to the Roman laws; for as yet there were no laws among the Romans against the Christians as such, or against their professing and preaching Christ. 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 26:24-32

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 26:30-32

Secret acquittals. These closing verses of a chapter thrilling with interest suggest the subject of the various acquittals that men both good and bad obtain. The range of value belonging to acquittals received by men from men is vast indeed. They stand in strange contrast to the one acquittal or one condemnation which awaits each and every man in his turn, on the threshold of the hereafter. The present passage, however, will confine attention to one class of acquittals rather than invite... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:31

Had withdrawn for were gone aside, A.V.; spake one to another for talked between themselves, A.V. Had withdrawn ; viz. from the public hall, the ἀκροατήριον of Acts 25:23 , into the private room, "the withdrawing-room" adjoining it. There they freely talked over the trial, and all agreed that the prisoner had done nothing to deserve either death or imprisonment. Paul had made a favorable impression upon both Jews and Romans. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 26:31

This man doeth nothing worthy of death - This was the conclusion to which they had come after hearing all that the Jews had to allege against him. It was the result of the whole investigation; and we have, therefore, the concurring testimony of Claudius Lysias Acts 23:29, of Felix Acts 24:0, of Festus Acts 25:26-27, and of Agrippa, as to the innocence of Paul. More honorable and satisfactory testimony of his innocence he could not have desired. It was a full acquittal from all the charges... read more

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