Acts 26:6

Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa · Acts 26:1–23
Read Acts 26

Translations

Modern
And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,
Traditional
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Literal
And now I stand, being judged for the hope of the promise having been made by God to our fathers,
Latin
Et nunc, in spe quæ ad patres nostros repromissionis facta est a Deo, sto judicio subjectus:

Original

Greek
English
And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,

Notes

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

Parallels

Acts 9:1–19 Acts 22:1–21

Glossary

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

Topics

Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Decision: The Disciples Defense of Paul Hope in God's Promises Jesus, the Christ: Other Scriptures Relating to his Messiahship Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Resurrection: General Scriptures Concerning The Promises of God: Made to The Fathers