Acts 26:3

Translations

Modern

…especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

Traditional

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.

Literal

…you being especially acquainted with all the customs and also controversies of the Jews. Therefore I implore you to hear me patiently.

Latin

…maxime te sciente omnia, et quæ apud Judæos sunt consuetudines et quæstiones: propter quod obsecro patienter me audias.

Original

Greek

English

…especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

Notes

Acts 26:1–23

In his careful defense before King Agrippa, Paul argued that his message agreed fully with the Jewish faith. He began by respectfully recognizing Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish matters (26:2–3). He then described his early life, his training in Judaism, and his membership in the Pharisees (a Jewish group known for strict obedience to the law; 26:4–5).

Paul explained that the charges against him were only because he believed that God had fulfilled the Jewish hope of the resurrection (God raising the dead to life; 26:6–8).

He then told how he had once strongly opposed Christians (26:9–11), but changed after seeing a vision from Jesus on the road to Damascus (26:12–18; see 9:1–18).

Paul said that his preaching simply obeyed this message from God (26:19–20). Although some Jews opposed him violently (26:21), God protected him. He continued to teach a message that his fellow Jews should have accepted (22–23). This defense shows an example for Christians who are put on trial for their faith (see 9:15; Luke 21:12–15).

Theme notes and profiles

Herod Agrippa II Jewish Leaders Paul (Saul)

Events

Paul goes before Agrippac. AD 56

Related verses

Acts 6:14
For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”
Acts 26:26
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.
1 Corinthians 13:2
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Acts 21:21
But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs.
Acts 25:19–20
They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Acts 28:17
After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.
Acts 25:26
I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write.
Deuteronomy 17:18
When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.
Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
Acts 24:4
But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.
Acts 26:7
…the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.

Parallels

Acts 9:1–19 Acts 22:1–21

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Herod, Herodian Family Paul the Apostle Procurator Titus Caesar

Topics

Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Defense of Paul Flattery by Herod Agrippa Ii Patience: They Who are in Authority, should Exercise Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul

Acts 26:3

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Related verses?

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