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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 26:24–32. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have reason to think that Paul had a great deal more to say in defence of the gospel he preached, and for the honour of it, and to recommend it to the good opinion of this noble audience; he had just fallen upon that which was the life of the cause - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and here he is in his element; now he warms more than before, his mouth is opened towards them, his heart is enlarged. Lead him but to this subject, and let him have leave to go on, and he will never know when to conclude; for the power of Christ's death, and the fellowship of his sufferings, are with him inexhaustible subjects. It was a thousand pities then that he should be interrupted, as he is here, and that, being permitted to speak for himself (Act 26:1), he should not be permitted to say all he designed. But it was a hardship often put upon him, and is a disappointment to us too, who read his discourse with so much pleasure. But there is no remedy, the court thinks it is time to proceed to give in their judgment upon his case.
I.Festus, the Roman governor, is of opinion that the poor man is crazed, and that Bedlam is the fittest place for him.
he is convinced that he is no criminal, no bad man, that should be punished, but he takes him to be a lunatic, a distracted man, that should be pitied, but at the same time should not be heeded, nor a word he says regarded; and thus he thinks he has found out an expedient to excuse himself both from condemning Paul as a prisoner and from believing him as a preacher; for, if he be not compos mentis - in his senses, he is not to be either condemned or credited. Now here observe,
1.What it was that Festus said of him (Act 26:24): He said with a loud voice, did not whisper it to those that sat next him; if so, it had been the more excusable, but (without consulting Agrippa, to whose judgment he had seemed to pay profound deference, Act 25:26), said aloud, that he might oblige Paul to break off his discourse, and might divert the auditors from attending to it "Paul, thou art beside thyself, thou talkest like a madman, like one with a heated brain, that knowest not what thou sayest;" yet he does not suppose that a guilty conscience had disturbed his reason, nor that his sufferings, and the rage of his enemies against him, had given any shock to it; but he puts the most candid construction that could be upon his delirium: Much learning hath made thee mad, thou hast cracked thy brains with studying. This he speaks, not so much in anger, as in scorn and contempt. He did not understand what Paul said; it was above his capacity, it was all a riddle to him, and therefore he imputes it all to a heated imagination. Si non vis intelligi, debes negligi - if thou art not willing to be understood, thou oughtest to be neglected.
(1.)He owns Paul to be a scholar, and a man of learning, because he could so readily refer to what Moses and the prophets wrote, books that he was a stranger to; and even this is turned to his reproach. The apostles, who were fishermen, were despised because they had no learning; Paul, who was a university-man, and bred a Pharisee, is despised as having too much learning, more than did him good. Thus the enemies of Christ's ministers will always have something or other to upbraid them with.
(2.)He reproaches him as a madman. The prophets of the Old Testament were thus stigmatized, to prejudice people against them by putting them into an ill-name: Wherefore came this mad fellow unto thee? said the captains of the prophet, Kg2 9:11; Hos 9:7. John Baptist and Christ were represented as having a devil, as being crazed. It is probable that Paul now spoke with more life and earnestness than he did in the beginning of his discourse, and used more gestures that were expressive of his zeal, and therefore Festus put this invidious character upon him, which perhaps never a one in the company but himself thought of. It is not so harmless a suggestion as some make it to say concerning those that are zealous in religion above others that they are crazed.
2.How Paul cleared himself from this invidious imputation, which whether he had ever lain under before is not certain; it should seem, it had been said of him by the false apostles, for he ways (Co2 5:13), If we be beside ourselves, as they say we are, it is to God; but he was never charged with this before the Roman governor, and therefore he must say something to this.
(1.)He denies the charge, with due respect indeed to the governor, but with justice to himself, protesting that there was neither ground nor colour for it (Act 26:25): "I am not mad, most noble Festus, nor ever was, nor any thing like it; the use of my reason, thanks be to God, has been all my days continued to me, and at this time I do not ramble, but speak the words of truth and soberness, and know what I say." Observe, Though Festus gave Paul this base and contemptuous usage, not becoming a gentlemen, much less a judge, yet Paul is so far from resenting it, and being provoked by it, that he gives him all possible respect, compliments him with his title of honour, most noble Festus, to teach us not to render railing for railing, nor one invidious character for another, but to speak civilly to those who speak slightly of us. It becomes us, upon all occasions, to speak the words of truth and soberness, and then we may despise the unjust censures of men.
(2.)He appeals to Agrippa concerning what he spoke (Act 26:26): For the king knows of these things, concerning Christ, and his death and resurrection, and the prophecies of the Old Testament, which had their accomplishment therein. He therefore spoke freely before him, who knew these were no fancies, but matters of fact, knew something of them, and therefore would be willing to know more: For I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; no, not that which he had related concerning his own conversion, and the commission he had received to preach the gospel. Agrippa could not but have heard of it, having been so long conversant among the Jews. This thing was not done in a corner; all the country rang of it; and any of the Jews present might have witnessed for him that they had heard it many a time from others, and therefore it was unreasonable to censure him as a distracted man for relating it, much more for speaking of the death and resurrection of Christ, which was so universally spoken of. Peter tells Cornelius and his friends (Act 10:37), That word you know which was published throughout all Judea concerning Christ; and therefore Agrippa could not be ignorant of it, and it was a shame for Festus that he was so.
II.Agrippa is so far from thinking him a madman that he thinks he never heard a man argue more strongly, nor talk more to the purpose.
1.Paul applies himself closely to Agrippa's conscience. Some think Festus was displeased at Paul because he kept his eye upon Agrippa, and directed his discourse to him all along, and that therefore he gave him that interruption, Act 26:24. But, if that was the thing that affronted him, Paul regards it not: he will speak to those who understand him, and whom he is likely to fasten something upon, and therefore still addresses Agrippa; and, because he had mentioned Moses and the prophets as confirming the gospel he preached, he refers Agrippa to them (Act 26:27): "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? Dost thou receive the scriptures of the Old Testament as a divine revelation, and admit them as foretelling good things to come?" He does not stay for an answer, but, in compliment to Agrippa, takes it for granted: I know that thou believest; for every one knew that Agrippa professed the Jews' religion, as his fathers had done, and therefore both knew the writings of the prophets and gave credit to them. Note, It is good dealing with those who have acquaintance with the scriptures and believe them; for such one has some hold of.
2.Agrippa owns there was a great deal of reason in what Paul said (Act 26:28): Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Some understand this as spoken ironically, and read it thus, Wouldst thou in so little a time persuade me to be a Christian? But, taking it so, it is an acknowledgement that Paul spoke very much to the purpose, and that, whatever others thought of it, to his mind there came a convincing power along with what he said: "Paul, thou art too hasty, thou canst not think to make a convert of me all of a sudden." Others take it as spoken seriously, and as a confession that he was in a manner, or within a little, convinced that Christ was the Messiah; for he could not but own, and had many a time thought so within himself, that the prophecies of the Old Testament had had their accomplishment in him; and now that it is urged thus solemnly upon him he is ready to yield to the conviction, he begins to sound a parley, and to think of rendering. He is as near being persuaded to believe in Christ as Felix, when he trembled, was to leave his sins: he sees a great deal of reason for Christianity; the proofs of it, he owns, are strong, and such as he cannot answer; the objections against it trifling, and such as he cannot for shame insist upon; so that if it were not for his obligations to the ceremonial law, and his respect to the religion of his fathers and of his country, or his regard to his dignity as a king and to his secular interests, he would turn Christian immediately. Note, Many are almost persuaded to be religious who are not quite persuaded; they are under strong convictions of their duty, and of the excellency of the ways of God, but yet are overruled by some external inducements, and do not pursue their convictions.
3.Paul, not being allowed time to pursue his argument, concludes with a compliment, or rather a pious wish that all his hearers were Christians, and this wish turned into a prayer: euxaimēn an tō Theō - I pray to God for it (Act 26:29); it was his heart's desire and prayer to God for them all that they might be saved, Rom 10:1. That not only thou but all that hear me this day (for he has the same kind design upon them all) were both almost, and altogether, such as I am, except these bonds. Hereby,
(1.)He professes his resolution to cleave to his religion, as that which he was entirely satisfied in, and determined to live and die by. In wishing that they were all as he was, he does in effect declare against ever being as they were, whether Jews or Gentiles, how much soever it might be to his worldly advantage. He adheres to the instruction God gave to the prophet (Jer 15:19), Let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them.
(2.)He intimates his satisfaction not only in the truth, but in the benefit and advantage of Christianity; he had so much comfort in it for the present, and was so sure it would end in his eternal happiness, that he could not wish better to the best friend he had in the world than to wish him such a one as he was, a faithful zealous disciple of Jesus Christ. Let my enemy be as the wicked, says Job, Job 27:7. Let my friend be as the Christian, says Paul.
(3.)He intimates his trouble and concern that Agrippa went no further than being almost such a one as he was, almost a Christian, and not altogether one; for he wishes that he and the rest of them might be not only almost (what good would that do?) but altogether such as he was, sincere thorough-paced Christians.
(4.)He intimates that it was the concern, and would be the unspeakable happiness, of every one of them to become true Christians - that there is grace enough in Christ for all, be they ever so many - enough for each, be they ever so craving.
(5.)He intimates the hearty good-will he bore to them all; he wishes them,
[1.]As well as he wished his own soul, that they might be as happy in Christ as he was.
[2.]Better than he now was as to his outward condition, for he excepts these bonds; he wishes they might all be comforted Christians as he was, but not persecuted Christians as he was - that they might taste as much as he did of the advantages that attended religion, but not so much of its crosses. They had made light of his imprisonment, and were in no concern for him. Felix detained him in bonds to gratify the Jews. Now this would have tempted many a one to wish them all in his bonds, that they might know what it was to be confined as he was, and then they would know the better how to pity him; but he was so far from this that, when he wished them in bonds to Christ, he desired they might never be in bonds for Christ. Nothing could be said more tenderly nor with a better grace.
III.They all agree that Paul is an innocent man, and is wronged in his prosecution.
1.The court broke up with some precipitation (Act 26:30): When he had spoken that obliging word (Act 26:29), which moved them all, the king was afraid, if he were permitted to go on, he would say something yet more moving, which might work upon some of them to appear more in his favour than was convenient, and perhaps might prevail with them to turn Christians. The king himself found his own heart begin to yield, and durst not trust himself to hear more, but, like Felix, dismissed Paul for this time. They ought in justice to have asked the prisoner whether he had any more to say for himself; but they thought he had said enough, and therefore the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and those that sat with them, concluding the case was plain, and with this they contented themselves, when Paul had more to say which would have made it plainer.
2.They all concurred in an opinion of Paul's innocency, Act 26:31. The court withdrew to consult of the matter, to know one another's minds upon it, and they talked among themselves, all to the same purport, that this man does nothing worthy of bonds - he is not a dangerous man, whom it is prudent to confine. After this, Nero made a law for the putting of those to death who professed the Christian religion, but as yet there was no law of that kind among the Romans, and therefore no transgression; and this judgment of theirs is a testimony against that wicked law which Nero made not long after this, that Paul, the most active zealous Christian that ever was, was adjudged, even by those that were no friends to his way, to have done nothing worthy of death, or of bonds. Thus was he made manifest in the conscience of those who yet would not receive his doctrine; and the clamours of the hot-headed Jews, who cried out, Away with him, it is not fit he should live, were shamed by the moderate counsels of this court.
3.Agrippa gave his judgment that he might have been set at liberty, if he had not himself appealed to Caesar (Act 26:32), but by that appeal he had put a bar in his own door. Some think that by the Roman law this was true, that, when a prisoner had appealed to the supreme court, the inferior courts could no more discharge him than they could condemn him; and we suppose the law was so, if the prosecutors joined issue upon the appeal, and consented to it. But it does not appear that in Paul's case the prosecutors did so; he was forced to do it, to screen himself from their fury, when he saw the governor did not take the care he ought to have done for his protection. And therefore others think that Agrippa and Festus, being unwilling to disoblige the Jews by setting him at liberty, made this serve for an excuse of their continuing him in custody, when they themselves knew they might have justified the discharging of him. Agrippa, who was but almost persuaded to be a Christian, proves no better than if he had not been at all persuaded. And now I cannot tell,
(1.)Whether Paul repented of his having appealed to Caesar, and wished he had not done it, blaming himself for it as a rash thing, now he saw that was the only thing that hindered his discharge. He had reason perhaps to reflect upon it with regret, and to charge himself with imprudence and impatience in it, and some distrust of the divine protection. He had better have appealed to God than to Caesar. It confirms what Solomon says (Ecc 6:12), Who knows what is good for man in this life? What we think is for our welfare often proves to be a trap; such short-sighted creatures are we, and so ill-advised in leaning, as we do, to our own understanding. Or,
(2.)Whether, notwithstanding this, he was satisfied in what he had done, and was easy in his reflections upon it. His appealing to Caesar was lawful, and what became a Roman citizen, and would help to make his cause considerable; and forasmuch as when he did it it appeared to him, as the case then stood, to be for the best, though afterwards it appeared otherwise, he did not vex himself with any self-reproach in the matter, but believed there was a providence in it, and it would issue well at last. And besides, he was told in a vision that he must bear witness to Christ at Rome, Act 23:11. And it is all one to him whether he goes thither a prisoner or at his liberty; he knows the counsel of the Lord shall stand, and says, Let it stand. The will of the Lord be done.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
See how again also they pass sentence in his favor, and after having said, "Thou art beside thyself," they acquit him, as undeserving not only of death, but also of bonds, and indeed would have released him entirely, if he had not appealed to Caesar. But this was done providentially, that he should also depart with bonds. "Unto bonds," he says, "as an evil doer." For if his Lord "was reckoned among the transgressors," much more he: but as the Lord did not share with them in their character, so neither did Paul. For in this is seen the marvellous thing, the being mixed up with such, and yet receiving no harm from them.
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Summary
Acts 26:31 captures the private deliberation of King Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and their entourage following Paul's compelling defense, culminating in their unanimous conclusion that Paul was innocent of any crime warranting death or imprisonment. This verdict, though not leading to his immediate release due to his appeal to Caesar, served as a significant official vindication of Paul's character and mission, highlighting the absence of any legitimate legal grounds for the accusations brought against him by his Jewish opponents.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows Paul's profound and Spirit-empowered defense before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus, as recorded in Acts 26:1-29. Paul had recounted his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and his subsequent commission to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. His testimony was so powerful that it moved Agrippa to exclaim, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28). The entire hearing was convened by Festus to clarify the charges against Paul, as he was obligated to send a clear report to Caesar after Paul had appealed his case to Rome, as mentioned in Acts 25:12. The private discussion in Acts 26:31 is the direct outcome of this legal and spiritual encounter, demonstrating the impact of Paul's witness on the highest Roman authorities in the region.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is Caesarea Maritima, the Roman administrative capital of Judea, where Paul had been imprisoned for two years under Felix and now Festus (Acts 24:27). Roman legal procedure allowed for such private consultations among judges or officials to reach a consensus, especially in complex cases or those involving political sensitivities. King Agrippa II, a Jewish client king, and Bernice, his sister, were well-versed in Jewish customs and the nuances of the Jewish law, making their judgment particularly significant in evaluating the Jewish accusations against Paul. Governor Festus, as the Roman procurator, was primarily concerned with maintaining Roman order and ensuring due process. The Jewish leaders' persistent accusations of sedition and profaning the temple (Acts 24:5-6) were serious under Roman law, potentially warranting capital punishment, making the officials' declaration of Paul's innocence a profound statement.
Key Themes
Acts 26:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Paul's innocence and divine vindication. Despite relentless persecution and false accusations from Jewish leaders, Roman authorities consistently found no legitimate legal basis for condemning Paul, echoing earlier assessments by Festus in Acts 25:25 and even Pilate's repeated declarations concerning Jesus's innocence (Luke 23:4). Secondly, it highlights God's providential hand in protecting His servant and advancing His kingdom purposes. This declaration of innocence, though not leading to immediate freedom, was a crucial step in God's plan to bring Paul to Rome to testify before Caesar, fulfilling the Lord's promise to Paul in Acts 23:11). Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the power of the Gospel testimony to impact even hardened or politically motivated hearts, demonstrating that truth, when spoken boldly and clearly, can resonate and lead to unexpected outcomes, even if not immediate conversion.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)." This term signifies a legal judgment of merit or desert. In this context, it means Paul's actions did not "deserve" or "merit" the severe punishments of death or imprisonment under Roman law. It's a declaration of legal non-culpability.
Referring to "death (literally or figuratively)." Here, it specifically denotes capital punishment, the ultimate penalty under Roman law for crimes like treason or sedition, which Paul was falsely accused of.
Meaning "a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability." In this context, it refers to imprisonment or chains, signifying the deprivation of liberty as a legal punishment. The officials concluded Paul's actions did not merit even continued incarceration.
Verse Breakdown
"And when they were gone aside"
This phrase indicates a private withdrawal of the officials (Agrippa, Festus, Bernice, and their advisors) from the public hearing. This was a standard legal practice, allowing for candid discussion and the formation of a consensus without the pressure of the accused or the public. It underscores the seriousness and formality of their deliberation.
"they talked between themselves, saying"
This reveals the nature of their private discussion. They were not merely observing but actively conversing and evaluating Paul's case. The subsequent statement is the collective conclusion reached through this deliberation, highlighting a unanimous agreement among these diverse and powerful figures.
"This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds"
This is the pivotal declaration, the unanimous verdict. It's a clear and unequivocal legal judgment. "This man" (Paul) is declared innocent of any crime that would warrant capital punishment ("death") or continued imprisonment ("bonds"). This statement legally vindicates Paul, confirming that the charges against him were unfounded from a Roman legal perspective.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Irony is prominent, as Paul, a prisoner accused of serious crimes, is declared innocent by the very authorities holding him captive. This highlights the unjust nature of his imprisonment and the baselessness of his accusers' claims. There is also a strong element of Vindication, as the highest secular powers confirm Paul's blamelessness, affirming the righteousness of his conduct and the truth of his Gospel message. Furthermore, the scene serves as Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at God's larger plan for Paul. Although declared innocent, Paul remains a prisoner due to his appeal to Caesar, setting the stage for his journey to Rome, which is central to the book's narrative arc and the spread of the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 26:31 serves as a powerful testament to divine providence and the enduring truth of the Gospel. The unanimous declaration of Paul's innocence by Roman authorities, despite the intense pressure from his Jewish accusers, underscores God's sovereign hand in protecting His servant and validating his mission. This legal vindication, though not immediately leading to Paul's freedom, was crucial for his journey to Rome, transforming his imprisonment into an opportunity for further witness. It illustrates that even secular powers can be moved by truth and used by God to advance His kingdom purposes, demonstrating that no human opposition can ultimately thwart God's will. The consistent finding of Paul's innocence across multiple Roman officials (Festus, Agrippa, and even earlier, Gallio in Acts 18:12-17) reinforces the legitimacy of his apostolic ministry and the non-seditious nature of Christianity.
Reflection and Application
Acts 26:31 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a world often hostile to the Gospel. Paul's experience reminds us that even when facing unjust accusations, misunderstanding, or legal challenges, God remains sovereign and can use unexpected means to protect His people and advance His purposes. Our integrity and faithful witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can resonate even with those in positions of authority, sometimes leading to vindication or opportunities for the Gospel to be heard in new spheres. This verse calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or contrary to our desires for immediate freedom or resolution. It teaches us that God's ultimate goal is not necessarily our comfort, but the spread of His truth, and He can transform our trials into platforms for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Paul still imprisoned if he was declared innocent?
Paul remained imprisoned because he had already exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case directly to Caesar in Rome, as recorded in Acts 25:11-12. Once an appeal to Caesar was made, it superseded any local verdict or desire to release the prisoner. Even though Agrippa and Festus found him innocent of any crime worthy of death or bonds, they could not simply release him without Caesar's review of the appeal. Their conclusion in Acts 26:31 was crucial for the report they would send to Caesar, stating that Paul was not guilty of any capital offense, which would likely influence Caesar's final judgment.
What was King Agrippa's specific role in this judgment?
King Agrippa II, along with Bernice, was invited by Governor Festus to hear Paul's case because Festus was unsure how to frame the charges for Caesar, given the complex Jewish legal and religious accusations against Paul (Acts 25:26-27). As a Jewish client king, Agrippa had a deep understanding of Jewish customs, laws, and the various sects (like the Pharisees, which Paul had been a part of). His expertise was invaluable in assessing the true nature of the charges brought by Paul's Jewish accusers. His agreement with Festus's assessment of Paul's innocence provided a strong, informed endorsement of the verdict, adding significant weight to the report sent to Rome.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 26:31, while directly about Paul's legal vindication, profoundly points to Christ in its theological implications. Paul's unjust suffering and subsequent declaration of innocence by secular authorities foreshadow the ultimate vindication of Jesus Christ. Though innocent of any sin, Jesus was condemned to death by both Jewish and Roman authorities, a stark contrast to Paul's outcome here. Yet, through His resurrection, God powerfully vindicated Jesus, declaring Him Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Paul's "bonds" for the sake of the Gospel parallel Christ's suffering, which ultimately led to the world's redemption. Furthermore, just as Paul's innocence was declared, believers in Christ are declared righteous, not by their own merit, but by faith in the One who bore the penalty for their unworthiness (Romans 3:23-24). Our freedom from the "bonds" of sin and the "death" it brings is found solely in the finished work of Christ, who truly "doeth nothing worthy of death" but gives life to all who believe (John 10:10 and Romans 6:23). Paul's journey to Rome, though in chains, was part of God's plan to spread the Gospel, just as Christ's journey to the cross, though seemingly a defeat, was God's ultimate victory for humanity.