Acts 26:1
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
5 of 18
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
9 of 18
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
λέγειν
to speak
G3004
λέγειν
to speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
12 of 18
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
14 of 18
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἀπελογεῖτο
and answered for himself
G626
ἀπελογεῖτο
and answered for himself
Strong's:
G626
Word #:
15 of 18
to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)
Cross References
Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Acts 26:2I 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:Proverbs 1:24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;John 7:51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
Historical Context
Paul stands before Herod Agrippa II (AD 27-92/93), great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his sister Bernice (around AD 59-60). Festus, the Roman procurator, arranged this hearing to formulate charges for Caesar. Agrippa held no jurisdiction but possessed expertise in Jewish law—making him the ideal audience for Paul's testimony about Pharisaic resurrection hope and Christ's fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- When given opportunity to defend yourself, do you use it merely for self-justification, or like Paul, to bear witness to Christ?
- How does Paul's rhetorical eloquence demonstrate that the gospel doesn't despise cultural excellence but redeems and employs it for God's glory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself (ἐπιτρέπεταί σοι)—The verb epitrepō means 'to allow, give permission,' a formal legal term granting Paul the floor. King Agrippa II, ruling tetrarch and expert in Jewish customs (v. 3), presides as judge. Then Paul stretched forth the hand (ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα)—the classical rhetorical gesture (chironomia) of an orator beginning his defense, signaling both respect and confidence.
Answered for himself (ἀπελογεῖτο)—apologeomai, from which we get 'apologetics,' means to make a formal legal defense. This is Paul's third and final defense speech in Acts (22:1-21, 24:10-21, 26:2-29), his most polished oration. Before kings and governors, Christ's promise is fulfilled: 'I will give you a mouth and wisdom' (Luke 21:15). Paul's defense becomes gospel proclamation—the prisoner evangelizes his judge.