Acts 26:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:1 sets the stage for one of the Apostle Paul's most significant and detailed defenses of his faith and ministry, delivered before King Agrippa II, Bernice, Governor Festus, and other prominent figures in Caesarea. This pivotal verse captures the formal permission granted to Paul by Agrippa to speak on his own behalf, immediately followed by Paul's decisive and confident gesture of stretching forth his hand, signaling his readiness to present his compelling testimony and the message of the Gospel. It underscores the divine orchestration of circumstances, providing Paul with an unexpected and high-profile platform to proclaim Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the events of [Acts 25](/acts/25 "Acts 25 - Paul's Appeal to Caesar"), where Paul, imprisoned in Caesarea, appealed to Caesar to avoid being sent back to Jerusalem for trial by the Jews. Governor Festus, newly appointed, found himself perplexed by Paul's case, as there were no clear charges of Roman lawbreaking. When King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice visited Festus, the governor seized the opportunity to present Paul's complex case to Agrippa, who was well-versed in Jewish customs and laws. Agrippa's curiosity, expressed in [Acts 25:22](/acts/25-22 "Acts 25:22 - Agrippa's Desire to Hear Paul"), directly leads to this formal hearing, which is not a legal trial but an inquiry designed to help Festus formulate a report for Caesar. Thus, Acts 26:1 initiates Paul's longest and most comprehensive defense recorded in Acts, building upon previous defenses like those before Felix in [Acts 24](/acts/24 "Acts 24 - Paul Before Felix").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Caesarea Maritima, the Roman provincial capital of Judea, a city built by Herod the Great and serving as a major port and administrative center. King Agrippa II was the last of the Herodian dynasty, ruling over territories north of Galilee. He and his sister Bernice were influential figures with significant knowledge of Jewish affairs, customs, and the various sects within Judaism, including the Nazarenes (Christians). The Roman legal system, under which Paul was held, allowed for a defendant to speak on their own behalf, especially when a formal accusation had been made. The gesture of "stretching forth the hand" was a common and recognized practice in Greco-Roman oratory, signifying the commencement of a formal speech or defense, indicating the speaker's intention to address the assembly with authority and clarity, commanding attention. This was a public, formal setting, with dignitaries and military commanders present, lending significant weight to Paul's impending address.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 26:1 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Opportunity for Witness**. Despite being a prisoner, Paul is repeatedly granted platforms to proclaim the Gospel, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in opening doors for the spread of His word, even through adversity. This aligns with the commission given to Paul in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to Gentiles and Kings") to bear Christ's name "before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." Secondly, Paul's immediate and confident response exemplifies **Courage and Readiness in Witness**. His unhesitating action of stretching forth his hand signals his preparedness and boldness to defend his faith, not as a cowering prisoner but as a confident messenger of truth. This readiness is a recurring motif in Paul's ministry, reflecting his conviction in the power of the Gospel. Finally, the entire narrative arc leading to this moment underscores **God's Sovereignty in Advancing His Kingdom**, showing how even legal entanglements and imprisonment serve as means to fulfill the divine mandate of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, reaching the highest echelons of power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **permitted (Greek, _epitrépō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to turn over" or "transfer," signifies the granting of allowance, leave, or license. Here, it denotes Agrippa's formal authorization for Paul to speak, highlighting that Paul's opportunity was not seized but bestowed by the ruling authority. It underscores the legality and official nature of the hearing.
* **speak (Greek, _légō'_):** While other Greek words might imply a more casual utterance, _légō_ often refers to systematic or set discourse. In this context, it suggests that Paul was permitted to present a coherent, structured defense or argument, rather than a mere interjection. This implies the expectation of a formal address.
* **answered for himself (Greek, _apologéomai'_):** This term, from which we derive "apology" in the sense of a defense, means to give an account or legal plea of oneself, to exculpate oneself, or to make a defense. It precisely describes Paul's purpose: to present a reasoned justification for his actions and beliefs, directly addressing the accusations against him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Agrippa said unto Paul,"**: This clause establishes the speaker and the recipient of the permission. The "Then" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a continuative particle, linking this moment directly to the preceding narrative where Agrippa expressed his desire to hear Paul. Agrippa, as the highest-ranking authority present with knowledge of Jewish affairs, takes the lead in initiating the proceedings.
* **"Thou art permitted to speak for thyself."**: This is Agrippa's direct authorization. The passive voice "art permitted" (G2010, _epitrépō_) emphasizes that the authority to speak is granted by Agrippa, not assumed by Paul. The phrase "for thyself" (G5228, _hypér_ + G4572, _seautoû_) clarifies that Paul is to present his own defense, not to have someone else speak on his behalf, indicating a fair hearing.
* **"Then Paul stretched forth the hand,"**: This describes Paul's immediate physical response to the permission. The "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) indicates a direct and prompt sequence of events. The gesture of "stretching forth the hand" (G1614, _ekteínō_ + G5495, _cheír_) is a classic oratorical stance in the ancient world, signaling readiness to speak, commanding attention, and preparing to deliver a formal address. It conveys Paul's confidence and composure.
* **"and answered for himself:"**: This final clause states Paul's action following his gesture, confirming his immediate acceptance of the opportunity. The phrase "answered for himself" (G626, _apologéomai_) reiterates the purpose of his speech: to present his defense. The colon indicates that the ensuing verses will contain the content of this defense, which is Paul's detailed testimony and explanation of his faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** to swiftly transition from Agrippa's permission to Paul's immediate action, creating a sense of dramatic momentum. The **Contrast** between Paul's status as a prisoner and his confident, authoritative posture as he prepares to speak highlights the divine empowerment at work. The **Symbolism** of "stretching forth the hand" is a powerful visual cue, universally understood in ancient rhetoric as a signal for the commencement of a formal, significant address, elevating the moment beyond a mere conversation into a public declaration. This gesture also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the audience for the profound and extensive defense that Paul is about to deliver, a defense that will span the remainder of the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:1 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over circumstances, transforming what might appear to be a legal predicament into a strategic evangelistic opportunity. Paul's readiness to speak, even before a king, reflects a deep conviction in his calling and the truth of the Gospel. This moment is not merely a defense of Paul's actions but a defense of the Christian faith itself, demonstrating how God uses the challenges faced by His servants to advance His kingdom purposes. It underscores that witness is not confined to ideal settings but can flourish even in hostile or judicial environments, fulfilling Christ's promise that His followers would testify before rulers ([Matthew 10:18](/matthew/10-18 "Matthew 10:18 - You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake")).

* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - The Holy Spirit Will Speak Through You")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Ready to Give a Defense")
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 26:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider our own readiness to articulate our faith. Paul, a prisoner facing serious accusations, did not cower but seized the opportunity to speak boldly for Christ. This teaches us that every circumstance, even adversity or public scrutiny, can be a divinely appointed platform for witness. We are called to cultivate a deep understanding of our faith, not just for personal assurance but for the purpose of sharing it effectively with others, regardless of their status or our comfort level. Paul's composure and immediate response serve as a powerful reminder to be prepared, not just intellectually, but spiritually, relying on the Holy Spirit to empower our words. Our lives, like Paul's, should be a consistent testimony, so that when the opportunity arises, we are ready to "answer for ourselves" concerning the hope that is within us, always with grace and respect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently feel "permitted" or called to speak about my faith, and how am I responding to those opportunities?**
* **What aspects of my faith or testimony do I need to better understand or prepare to articulate clearly to others?**
* **How can I cultivate the same courage and readiness that Paul demonstrated, even in challenging or intimidating circumstances?**
* **Are there "Agrippas" in my life—people in positions of influence or authority—to whom God might be providing an opportunity for me to share the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul given such a prominent platform to speak, despite being a prisoner?**

Answer: Paul's opportunity to speak before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus was a confluence of divine providence and human curiosity. Festus, new to his governorship in Judea, was perplexed by Paul's case, which involved Jewish religious disputes rather than clear Roman legal transgressions. He sought Agrippa's expertise, as Agrippa was knowledgeable in Jewish customs and law. Agrippa, in turn, expressed a desire to hear Paul for himself ([Acts 25:22](/acts/25-22 "Acts 25:22 - Agrippa's Desire to Hear Paul")). This was not a formal trial but a royal inquiry, providing Festus with information to send to Caesar. God sovereignly used this political and judicial situation to fulfill His earlier prophecy that Paul would bear Christ's name "before Gentiles and kings" ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to Gentiles and Kings")), turning Paul's imprisonment into a strategic platform for Gospel proclamation to the highest levels of society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:1, while focused on Paul's defense, profoundly points to Christ in its underlying themes. Paul's readiness to "answer for himself" before Agrippa mirrors the ultimate "defense" offered by Christ Himself before Pilate and the Jewish authorities, though Jesus's silence in certain moments was itself a powerful testimony ([Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")). Paul's entire mission, and thus his defense, was centered on the resurrected Christ, the very core of the Gospel message he proclaimed. His testimony was not about his own righteousness but about the transformative power of encountering the risen Lord on the Damascus road ([Acts 26:12-18](/acts/26-12-18 "Acts 26:12-18 - Paul's Conversion Account")). Just as Christ courageously bore witness to the truth, even unto death, Paul, empowered by the Spirit of Christ, fearlessly proclaimed the same truth, demonstrating that the Christian life is a continuous witness to the Lordship of Jesus. The opportunity granted to Paul by Agrippa ultimately served to magnify Christ's name before kings, fulfilling the Great Commission's mandate to make disciples of all nations, beginning with the powerful and influential, just as Christ commanded His followers to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.