Acts 26:22

KJV

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

KJV (with Strong's)

Having {G5177} therefore {G3767} obtained {G5177} help {G1947} of {G3844} God {G2316}, I continue {G2476} unto {G891} this {G5026} day {G2250}, witnessing {G3140} both {G5037} to small {G3398} and {G2532} great {G3173}, saying {G3004} none other things {G3762} than {G1622} those which {G3739}{G5037} the prophets {G4396} and {G2532} Moses {G3475} did say {G2980} should {G3195} come {G1096}:

Complete Jewish Bible

However, I have had God’s help; so to this day, I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing but what both the prophets and Moshe said would happen —

Berean Standard Bible

But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen:

American Standard Version

Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 26:22, the Apostle Paul stands before King Agrippa II and Festus, boldly asserting that his enduring ministry and unwavering testimony are a direct result of divine assistance. He declares that his message, proclaimed to all people regardless of their social standing, is not a new or foreign doctrine, but rather the faithful exposition of truths long foretold by Moses and the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures, specifically concerning the Messiah's suffering, resurrection, and the proclamation of light to both Jews and Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 26:22 is situated within Paul's third and most extensive defense speech recorded in the book of Acts, delivered before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus in Caesarea. This defense, spanning [Acts 26:1-32](/acts/26-1-32 "Paul's Defense Before Agrippa"), follows Paul's initial arrest in Jerusalem ([Acts 21](/acts/21 "Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem")) and subsequent appearances before the Sanhedrin ([Acts 22:30-23:11](/acts/22-30-23-11 "Paul Before the Sanhedrin")) and Felix ([Acts 24](/acts/24 "Paul Before Felix")). Paul uses this high-profile platform not merely to defend himself against baseless accusations from the Jews, but to powerfully present his personal conversion story and the core tenets of the Gospel. His statement in [Acts 26:22](/acts/26-22 "Paul's Enduring Witness") serves as a pivot, moving from his personal testimony to the theological foundation of his message, emphasizing its continuity with Old Testament prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's trial takes place in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman provincial capital of Judea. King Agrippa II was the last of the Herodian dynasty, a Jewish king appointed by Rome, and well-versed in Jewish law and customs, making him a particularly fitting audience for Paul's defense. Festus, the Roman governor, was less familiar with Jewish matters. Paul's appeal to "Moses and the prophets" was a strategic move, as these were the foundational texts for any Jew, including Agrippa. Paul was essentially arguing that his Christian message was the logical and divinely intended culmination of the very Scriptures they revered, rather than a subversive sect. The concept of "witnessing both to small and great" reflects the hierarchical Roman society, where social status was paramount, yet Paul's mission transcended such distinctions, reflecting the universal nature of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Paul's ministry and the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Sustenance**, demonstrating that Paul's ability to endure persecution and continue his mission was not by human strength but by God's direct intervention, providing the necessary strength and means to continue his mission, a theme echoed throughout Acts as God empowers His witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Secondly, it underscores the **Universal Scope of the Gospel**, as Paul proclaims the message indiscriminately to "small and great," reflecting the Great Commission's call to reach all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")). Thirdly, and most significantly for his Jewish audience, Paul emphasizes the **Continuity of Salvation History**, asserting that the Gospel of Christ is not a new religion but the fulfillment of the ancient promises found in the Law and the Prophets ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). This theme was crucial for establishing the legitimacy of Christianity within a Jewish framework.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **help (Greek, _epikouría_):** This word signifies "assistance" or "succor," often implying timely aid in a moment of need. Paul's use here emphasizes that his ability to persevere through trials and opposition was not self-generated but a direct, active intervention of God, providing the necessary strength and means to continue his mission. It speaks to divine enablement in the face of human weakness.
* **continue (Greek, _hístēmi_):** While the primary meaning is "to stand," in this context, it conveys endurance, persistence, or remaining steadfast. Paul is not merely surviving but actively "standing" firm in his testimony and ministry "unto this day," despite immense pressure and suffering. It suggests a divinely sustained stability and unwavering commitment.
* **saying (Greek, _légō_):** This word implies a systematic or set discourse, distinguishing it from casual talk. Paul is not speaking idly but delivering a deliberate, structured message. This underscores the intentionality and theological coherence of his preaching, which he insists is entirely consistent with the Old Testament prophecies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Having therefore obtained help of God":** Paul immediately attributes his continued existence and ministry to divine intervention. This is not a boast in his own resilience but a profound acknowledgment of God's sustaining grace and power, which enabled him to endure countless persecutions, imprisonments, and trials. His ability to stand before Agrippa is a testament to God's faithfulness.
* **"I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great":** This clause highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission despite ongoing opposition. The phrase "unto this day" emphasizes the continuity of his divinely empowered ministry. His witness is universal, reaching across all social strata, from the lowest to the highest, demonstrating the Gospel's indiscriminate reach and Paul's obedience to the Great Commission.
* **"saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come":** This is the theological lynchpin of Paul's defense. He asserts that his message about Jesus Christ is not a new or foreign doctrine but the very fulfillment of what was foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures. "The prophets and Moses" is a common Jewish idiom referring to the entire Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets), indicating that the Gospel is deeply rooted in and consistent with God's ancient revelation. This was a crucial point for his Jewish audience, validating Christianity as the culmination of their own sacred texts.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's statement in Acts 26:22 employs several effective literary devices. **Understatement** is evident in "none other things," which subtly emphasizes the profound continuity between Old Testament prophecy and the Gospel, suggesting that his message is so perfectly aligned that it contains "nothing else" but what was already promised. The phrase "small and great" is an example of **merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a whole, signifying "everyone" or "all people," regardless of social status. This highlights the **universality** of the Gospel message. Furthermore, Paul's entire speech, including this verse, functions as a powerful **apologia** (defense), transforming a legal defense into an evangelical proclamation, demonstrating his commitment to the truth of the Gospel even under duress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:22 profoundly articulates the divine enablement of ministry and the continuity of God's redemptive plan across the Old and New Testaments. Paul's unwavering testimony, sustained by God's help, underscores the truth that Christian service is not accomplished by human strength but by divine grace. His insistence that his message aligns perfectly with "Moses and the prophets" is a foundational theological claim, demonstrating that Jesus Christ is the culmination of God's promises throughout salvation history. This continuity is vital for understanding the coherence of Scripture and the fulfillment of God's covenantal faithfulness.

* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Paul's Strength in Christ")
* [Luke 24:44-47](/luke/24-44-47 "Jesus Explains the Scriptures and the Necessity of Repentance")
* [Romans 1:1-3](/romans/1-1-3 "Paul's Introduction: The Gospel Promised in the Scriptures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in Acts 26:22 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. His testimony reminds us that our ability to persevere in faith, witness to others, and navigate life's challenges is not dependent on our own strength or eloquence, but on the unfailing "help of God." When we feel overwhelmed, inadequate, or face opposition, we can draw confidence from Paul's experience, knowing that the same divine assistance that sustained him is available to us. This verse also challenges us to be bold in our witness, sharing the Gospel indiscriminately with "small and great," understanding that every individual, regardless of their background or position, needs to hear the life-transforming message of Christ. Finally, Paul's grounding of his message in "the prophets and Moses" calls us to deeply root our faith and proclamation in the entirety of God's Word, recognizing the beautiful continuity and fulfillment of His redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation. Our message is not new or invented, but an echo of eternal truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you most need to "obtain help of God" to continue?**
* **How does Paul's example of witnessing "both to small and great" challenge your own approach to sharing your faith?**
* **How can a deeper understanding of the Old Testament prophecies strengthen your conviction about the truth of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "obtained help of God"?**

Answer: When Paul states he has "obtained help of God," he is acknowledging that his very ability to survive, endure persecution, and continue his ministry up to that present moment is not due to his own resilience or human effort, but to direct divine intervention and sustenance. It emphasizes God's active role in empowering and preserving His servants, providing the necessary strength and resources in times of intense opposition and weakness. This concept is foundational to Paul's understanding of his apostolic calling, as seen in passages like [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "Paul's Weakness and God's Strength").

**Why does Paul emphasize that he is saying "none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come"?**

Answer: Paul's emphasis here is crucial for his Jewish audience, particularly King Agrippa, who was knowledgeable in Jewish law and customs. By stating that his message aligns perfectly with "the prophets and Moses" (a common Jewish idiom for the entire Old Testament), Paul is asserting that Christianity is not a new, foreign, or rebellious religion. Instead, he argues that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the legitimate and divinely ordained fulfillment of the ancient prophecies and promises found within their own sacred Scriptures. This was a powerful apologetic strategy to demonstrate the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the messianic claims of Jesus, as foreshadowed in texts like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "The Suffering Servant") and [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "The Messiah's Resurrection Foretold").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:22 profoundly underscores the Christ-centered nature of Paul's entire ministry and the Gospel itself. When Paul declares that his message is "none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come," he is explicitly pointing to the Old Testament's prophetic witness to Jesus Christ. The Law and the Prophets, far from being disconnected from the New Testament, serve as the foundational testimony to the coming Messiah. Paul's preaching, therefore, was not innovative in its content but revelatory in its fulfillment. He proclaimed that the suffering Messiah, foretold in passages like [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "The Suffering of the Servant"), and the resurrected King, anticipated in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Prophecy of Resurrection"), had indeed arrived in Jesus of Nazareth. Furthermore, the prophecy that the Messiah would be "a light to the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Christ as a Light to the Gentiles")) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's universal salvation, which Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, was uniquely called to proclaim to "small and great" alike. Thus, Paul's enduring witness, empowered by God, was always centered on the one in whom all Old Testament prophecies converge: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and the Light of the World ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of the World")).

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 24:14

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

John 5:46

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Acts 10:43

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

1 Samuel 7:12

Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;