Acts 26:26

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

For {G1063} the king {G935} knoweth {G1987} of {G4012} these {G5130} things, before {G4314} whom {G3739} also {G2532} I speak {G2980} freely {G3955}: for {G1063} I am persuaded {G3982} that {G3756} none {G5100}{G3762} of these things {G5130} are hidden {G2990} from him {G846}; for {G1063} this thing {G5124} was {G2076} not {G3756} done {G4238} in {G1722} a corner {G1137}.

For the king understands these matters, so to him I express myself freely, because I am sure that none of these things have been hidden from him. After all, they didn’t happen in some back alley.

For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.

For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner.

In Acts 26:26, the Apostle Paul is presenting his defense before King Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and other dignitaries in Caesarea. This verse highlights Paul's profound confidence and the undeniable public nature of the events surrounding Jesus Christ and the early Christian movement. Paul asserts that King Agrippa, being familiar with Jewish customs and prophecies, would be aware of the very things Paul was speaking about.

Context of Acts 26:26

Paul was on trial, accused by Jewish leaders. His appeal to Caesar led to this hearing before Agrippa, who had a reputation for being knowledgeable about Jewish affairs. Paul seized this opportunity, not merely to defend himself, but to boldly proclaim the Gospel, centering his argument on his dramatic conversion experience (as detailed in Acts 9 and reiterated in Acts 22) and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He speaks with an open heart, believing that Agrippa is not ignorant of these matters, which were significant public events, not secretive occurrences.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Public Nature of the Gospel: Paul's declaration that "this thing was not done in a corner" emphasizes that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, along with the subsequent spread of Christianity, were not clandestine activities. They occurred in the public eye, affecting many, and were widely known. This serves as a powerful argument for the truth and verifiable nature of the Christian message.
  • Boldness in Proclamation: Despite being a prisoner, Paul speaks with remarkable freedom and courage before powerful rulers. His willingness to speak "freely" underscores his conviction in the truth of his message and his calling to share it, regardless of personal cost. This echoes the boldness seen in the early apostles (Acts 4:31).
  • Appeal to Knowledge and Reason: Paul appeals to Agrippa's existing knowledge and intelligence, suggesting that Agrippa's background would make him uniquely qualified to understand the prophetic fulfillment found in Jesus. This approach seeks to engage the king's mind, not just his emotions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "not done in a corner" (Greek: ou gar en en gonia pepragmenon touto) is an idiomatic expression. It signifies that the events Paul refers to were not obscure, private, or hidden. Instead, they were public, observable, and widely discussed, akin to something happening in broad daylight rather than in secret or in a hidden place. This highlights the transparency and verifiable nature of the foundation of Christian faith.

Practical Application

Acts 26:26 reminds believers that the core tenets of Christianity are rooted in historical events that were publicly witnessed. Our faith is not based on secret rituals or esoteric knowledge, but on verifiable truths. This verse encourages us to share the Gospel with confidence, knowing that its foundation is solid and open to scrutiny. Just as Paul appealed to Agrippa's knowledge, we can appeal to the common experience and understanding of truth in our own time, presenting the message of Christ clearly and without reservation, knowing that the ultimate truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a secret, but a transformative reality for all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

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 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:

  • Acts 26:3

    Especially [because I know] thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

  • Acts 2:1

    ¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

  • Acts 2:12

    And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

  • Acts 5:18

    And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

  • Acts 5:42

    And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

  • Matthew 27:29

    And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put [it] upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

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