Acts 26:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
μάλιστα
Especially
G3122
μάλιστα
Especially
Strong's:
G3122
Word #:
1 of 18
(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
which are among
G2596
κατὰ
which are among
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζητημάτων
questions
G2213
ζητημάτων
questions
Strong's:
G2213
Word #:
12 of 18
a search (properly concretely), i.e., (in words) a debate
Historical Context
Acts 26 records Paul's defense before Agrippa II (ruled AD 53-100), great-grandson of Herod the Great. As a Herodian ruler appointed by Rome with authority over temple affairs, Agrippa was uniquely qualified to evaluate Paul's claims about fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecy. Festus (Roman procurator) arranged this hearing hoping Agrippa could help formulate charges for Paul's appeal to Caesar.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's strategic approach to Agrippa (expert-to-expert) model contextualized gospel witness to different audiences?
- What does Paul's request for patient hearing teach about how we should present the gospel to skeptics—with confidence in truth but humility in manner?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews—Paul addresses King Agrippa II, who as ruler of territories in northern Palestine and supervisor of the Jerusalem temple, possessed exceptional knowledge of Jewish law and theology. The Greek gnostes (γνώστην) means "knower" or "expert," indicating Agrippa was not merely familiar but deeply versed in Jewish matters.
Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently (δέομαι μακροθύμως ἀκοῦσαί μου)—The word makrothymos (μακροθύμως, "patiently") literally means "long-suffering" or "long-tempered," a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Paul requests the same patient endurance God shows toward sinners. This is Paul's most sophisticated defense, tailored to a Jewish expert who could appreciate the messianic implications of his testimony.