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Acts 26

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

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:

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.

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

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:

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

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.

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

What does Acts 26:2 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 26:2 comes from the New Testament of the Bible and it is part of Apostle Paul's defense before King Agrippa II.

Paul expresses to Agrippa his satisfaction at having the opportunity to speak for himself concerning the accusations made by the Jewish leaders.

This declaration of happiness is not because the situation was pleasant (Paul was a prisoner), but rather he was pleased to be able to present his case before someone he believed might understand his point of view.

Paul anticipates a fair hearing and is eager to explain the reasons behind his actions and beliefs.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 26 takes place during the latter part of Paul's life, after his third missionary journey, when Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem.

The Jewish authorities charged him with blasphemy and inciting the crowd.

Paul was transferred to Caesarea, where he appeared in court before Roman governors Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa II.

King Agrippa, along with his sister Bernice, was well acquainted with Jewish customs and law, making him a significant audience for Paul’s defense.

This setting is crucial as it shows Paul, a Jewish man turned Christian missionary, being judged by both Roman and Jewish authorities.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse demonstrates Paul's unwavering commitment to his faith and his sense of divine mission to spread the Christian message.

He sees this opportunity not merely as a legal defense, but as a chance to witness about Jesus Christ.

For Christian theology, it underscores the importance of proclaiming one's faith even in the face of adversity and in seemingly unfavorable circumstances.

Additionally, this situation illustrates God's sovereignty and providence in providing Paul the opportunity to testify before influential leaders.

Practical Applications

In a practical application, this verse can inspire individuals to approach challenges and adverse conditions with a positive attitude, seeing them as opportunities to demonstrate integrity and faith.

It is an encouragement to advocate for truth and justice even when circumstances seem daunting.

Moreover, it can be applied to the importance of readiness in speaking up for one's beliefs and values when given the opportunity.

Cross-References

Philippians 1:12-14 - "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;"
2 Timothy 4:16-17 - "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;"

1 Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

Language Study

In the Greek text, the phrase "I think myself happy" is translated from the Greek "μακαρίζομαι" (makarizomai), which implies considering oneself blessed or fortunate. This is significant as it reflects Paul's internal attitude towards his circumstances.

The word "answer" originates from the Greek "ἀπολογέομαι" (apologeomai), meaning 'to give a defense', which is where the English word 'apology' comes from, although in this context it does not mean saying sorry but rather providing a reasoned argument or explanation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient cultures, an individual's defense before a king or ruler was not just a matter of legal proceedings but often a test of wisdom and rhetoric.

Comparatively, in Greek myth, figures like Apology (Socrates's defense speech) and other classical works highlight the importance of such defenses.

Religiously, Judaism emphasized the integrity of the law and the prophets, where Paul’s defense would have to navigate between the Jewish understanding of the messianic prophecy and the new Christian interpretation.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives don't strictly apply to this verse.

However, modern psychology might interpret Paul's positive outlook in adverse circumstances as an example of cognitive reframing, where a person chooses to look at a situation in a more positive light to cope with stress or conflict.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 26:2 point out Paul's use of politeness and rhetoric in addressing King Agrippa.

Many scholars see Paul's statement as a skilled means to engage his listener.

John Calvin's commentary praises Paul's joy in suffering for the cause of Christ and notes the apostle's respectfulness despite the injustices he faced.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes Paul's joy in being able to testify to his faith and notes that he spoke with a good conscience.

Contemporary scholarly work continues to note the importance of Paul's defense as a key part of his witness to the gospel.

Acts 26

Acts 26

What does Acts 26:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 26:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?