Acts 26:22

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:

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}:

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 —

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:

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;

Context

This verse is part of Paul's powerful defense before King Agrippa II and Festus in Caesarea. Paul, a prisoner, seizes the opportunity to share his personal testimony and the core message of the Gospel. He is not merely defending himself against accusations from the Jews but is witnessing to the highest authorities. His statement in Acts 26:22 encapsulates his unwavering faith and the divine assistance he has received, despite facing numerous trials, imprisonments, and opposition, as detailed throughout the latter chapters of Acts.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sustenance: Paul begins by acknowledging that his very ability to continue his ministry and endure persecution is a direct result of God's help. The phrase "obtained help of God" emphasizes that his strength and perseverance were not his own, but a divine intervention, enabling him to stand firm and speak boldly even in the face of powerful rulers. This highlights God's faithfulness in sustaining His servants through immense challenges, echoing the sentiment of Philippians 4:13.
  • Universal Witness: Paul declares that he is "witnessing both to small and great." This signifies the indiscriminate nature of the Gospel message. It is for everyone, regardless of social status, wealth, or influence. Paul's commitment to sharing the truth with all people, from common citizens to kings, underscores the universal call to repentance and faith in Christ.
  • Continuity with Old Testament Prophecy: A cornerstone of Paul's defense and preaching was the assertion that his message was not a new religion, but the fulfillment of what was already promised in the Jewish Scriptures. By saying he taught "none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come," Paul directly links Christ's life, death, and resurrection to the Old Testament prophecies. This was crucial for his Jewish audience, demonstrating that Christianity was the natural progression and culmination of their own sacred texts, particularly concerning the Messiah's suffering and His role as a light to the Gentiles.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "obtained help" is boētheia (βοήθεια), which means aid, help, or succor, often implying timely assistance in a moment of need. It underscores the idea that God's help was a direct, active intervention that enabled Paul to persevere. The phrase "the prophets and Moses" (οἱ προφῆται καὶ Μωϋσῆς) is a common Jewish idiom referring to the entire body of the Old Testament Law (Torah) and the Prophetic books, emphasizing the comprehensive scriptural basis for Paul's preaching.

Practical Application

Acts 26:22 offers powerful lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that our ability to endure trials and fulfill God's calling comes from His divine help, not our own strength. When we face difficulties, we can trust that God will provide the necessary grace and power to sustain us. Secondly, it encourages us to be bold and indiscriminate in our witness, sharing the Gospel with everyone, regardless of their background or position. Finally, Paul's reliance on Scripture teaches us the importance of grounding our faith and message in the unchanging truth of God's Word, understanding that the Gospel is a fulfillment of His eternal plan.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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