Acts 26:2
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:
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
touching
G4012
Περὶ
touching
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὧν
whereof
G3739
ὧν
whereof
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγκαλοῦμαι
I am accused
G1458
ἐγκαλοῦμαι
I am accused
Strong's:
G1458
Word #:
4 of 16
to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
5 of 16
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἥγημαι
I think
G2233
ἥγημαι
I think
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
9 of 16
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
G1683
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
10 of 16
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
μέλλων
because I shall
G3195
μέλλων
because I shall
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
12 of 16
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
ἀπολογεῖσθαι
answer for myself
G626
ἀπολογεῖσθαι
answer for myself
Strong's:
G626
Word #:
13 of 16
to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)
Historical Context
Agrippa II (AD 27-93) was great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12). Educated in Rome, he held nominal authority over temple affairs and appointed high priests, making him particularly competent to evaluate charges of Jewish law violations. This defense occurred circa AD 59-60 in Caesarea.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's courtroom demeanor model gracious yet uncompromising witness before hostile authorities?
- What does Paul's gladness to defend his faith teach about viewing persecution as divine opportunity rather than mere misfortune?
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Analysis & Commentary
I think myself happy, king Agrippa (Greek: ἐμαυτὸν μακάριον ἡγοῦμαι, emauton makarion hēgoumai)—Paul employs the classical rhetorical strategy of captatio benevolentiae (capturing goodwill), yet with genuine sincerity. The word makarion means "blessed" or "fortunate," the same word Jesus used in the Beatitudes. Paul's gladness stems not from flattery but from providence: Agrippa's Jewish education and familiarity with Messianic prophecy made him uniquely qualified to judge Paul's case.
I shall answer for myself (Greek: ἀπολογεῖσθαι, apologeisthai)—the root of our word "apologetics." Paul stands in the tradition of biblical witnesses who defended faith before rulers (Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, Peter before the Sanhedrin). Touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews—the irony is profound: a Jew accused by Jews, a Pharisee persecuted by Pharisees, standing before a half-Jewish king to defend the hope of Israel (Acts 26:6-7). His trial fulfills Jesus's prophecy that disciples would testify "before governors and kings" (Matthew 10:18).