Acts 26:1

¶ Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Then {G1161} Agrippa {G67} said {G5346} unto {G4314} Paul {G3972}, Thou {G4671} art permitted {G2010} to speak {G3004} for {G5228} thyself {G4572}. Then {G5119} Paul {G3972} stretched forth {G1614} the hand {G5495}, and answered for himself {G626}:

Agrippa said to Sha’ul, “You have permission to speak on your own behalf.” Then Sha’ul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence:

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Commentary

Acts 26:1 marks the beginning of one of the Apostle Paul's most significant and detailed defenses of his faith, delivered before powerful Roman and Jewish leaders. This verse sets the stage for Paul's compelling testimony, highlighting the formal permission granted to him and his immediate readiness to speak.

Context

This verse finds Paul imprisoned in Caesarea, a Roman provincial capital, under the governorship of Porcius Festus. Having already appealed to Caesar in Acts 25:11, Paul's case was heading to Rome. However, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice were visiting Festus, and Agrippa, being knowledgeable in Jewish customs and laws, expressed a desire to hear Paul for himself. This hearing was not a formal trial but a royal inquiry, providing Paul an unexpected and high-profile platform. Paul had faced numerous trials and defenses before, such as his appearance before Governor Felix in Acts 24, each time using the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Opportunity for Witness: Despite being a prisoner, Paul is granted a public forum to articulate his defense and, more importantly, to share the message of Christ. This underscores God's providence in opening doors for the Gospel, even in challenging circumstances.
  • Paul's Readiness and Courage: Paul's immediate action—stretching forth his hand and answering for himself—demonstrates his unwavering courage and preparedness to defend his faith and calling. He seized the moment without hesitation.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The entire scenario, from Paul's arrest to his appearance before King Agrippa, serves God's larger purpose of spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles and to kings, as foretold in Acts 9:15.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stretched forth the hand" (Greek: ekpeitas ten cheira) is a common gesture in ancient oratory, signifying the beginning of a formal speech or discourse. It indicates Paul's readiness to address the assembly with authority and clarity, not as a cowering prisoner but as a confident messenger.

Practical Application

Acts 26:1 encourages believers to be ready to articulate their faith when given the opportunity, regardless of the audience or circumstances. Paul's example teaches us to view challenges or even accusations as potential platforms for sharing the truth of the Gospel. It reminds us of the importance of being always ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us, with gentleness and respect. Paul's subsequent speech, beginning in Acts 26:2, serves as a model for how to combine personal testimony with theological defense.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Proverbs 1:24

    Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

  • Acts 26:2

    I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

  • John 7:51

    Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

  • Romans 10:21

    But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

  • Proverbs 18:17

    ¶ [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

  • Proverbs 18:13

    ¶ He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.
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