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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 26:23 mean?

Explanation

Acts 26:23 encapsulates a cornerstone of Christian theology: the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This verse is part of a speech delivered by the Apostle Paul before King Agrippa, where Paul defends his ministry and explains the hope of the gospel.

Paul states that Christ's suffering was necessary, and His resurrection is pivotal as He is the first to rise from the dead, indicating His role as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Moreover, Paul emphasizes that the message of Jesus is not only for the Jewish people but also for the Gentiles, meaning all nations.

The word "should" reflects divine intention and fulfillment of prophecy.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 26:23 occurs during Paul's imprisonment and his defense before King Agrippa II.

He had been arrested for preaching about Jesus and causing unrest among the Jews, who largely rejected Jesus as the Messiah.

In this chapter, Paul is allowed to speak freely about his conversion and mission.

This defense takes place in Caesarea around A.D. 59-60.

Paul quotes Old Testament prophecies to validate his message, asserting that what he preaches is the fulfillment of promises God made to the Jewish people.

Theological Insights

From an evangelical perspective, this verse underscores the fulfillment of messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament, like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 16:10, which spoke of the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah.

The Catholic tradition may emphasize the universal call of the gospel, as shown by the mention of Gentiles, supporting the Catholic doctrine of the Church's mission to all peoples.

In Reformed theology, the idea that Christ's resurrection is the first implies the doctrine of election and resurrection of the elect.

In contrast, scholars who adopt a more skeptical, historical-critical approach might question the historicity of the resurrection and suggest that Paul's assertions are a theological construct rather than a report of historical fact.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to share the gospel with all peoples without discrimination, adhering to the belief in Jesus as the risen Lord and Savior.

It might inspire compassion and outreach towards those who are suffering, as it ties the message of hope directly to Christ's suffering.

In the larger sense, Acts 26:23 can be used to frame one's understanding of life after death, resurrection, and eternal hope.

Cross-References

Isaiah 53:3-5: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief...

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities..."

1 Corinthians 15:20: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Language Study

In the Greek text, key words to analyze include:

"παθεῖν" (pathein), meaning "to suffer," which indicates the sufferings of Christ as necessary and purposeful.
"ἀναστῆναι" (anastēnai), meaning "to rise," highlighting the resurrection.
"πρῶτος" (prōtos), translated as "first," which may imply precedence and primacy in resurrection.
"φῶς" (phōs), meaning "light," symbolizing revelation and understanding brought to both Jews and Gentiles.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be compared with resurrection narratives in other ancient cultures, such as the Egyptian myth of Osiris or the Greek myth of Persephone, both of which involve deities overcoming death.

However, in Christian interpretation, Jesus' resurrection is unique as it is a historical event with a salvific purpose for humanity rather than a cyclical or purely symbolic tale.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not typically address theological concepts like resurrection.

However, this verse may intersect with discussions on near-death experiences or the nature of consciousness after death, fields that explore the boundaries of life, death, and what lies beyond from a scientific standpoint.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various perspectives on this verse.

Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the deliverance of the gospel message to the Gentiles.

John Gill highlights the importance of understanding Christ's resurrection as a guarantee of the resurrection of the saints.

Modern commentaries, such as The New International Commentary on the New Testament, might focus on the verse's place within Luke's narrative in Acts, serving as a theological climax to Paul's defense before Agrippa and an encapsulation of Luke's broader themes of suffering and divine redemption.

Acts 26

Acts 26

What does Acts 26:23 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 26:23 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?