Preface: This entire chapter is devoted to a trial/hearing presided over by King Agrippa (who rules over a different region altogether). This chapter concentrates on Paul’s testimony; the testimony of his detractors (if they were heard) is not recorded (it would not have been new information anyway).

It is not clear whether this trial is completely legal, as, we will find out in the end, all of the judges judge Paul innocent, and yet cannot/do not free him.

Bible Summary: Paul said, "I opposed the name of Jesus. He appeared to me and made me a witness." Agrippa said, "This man could have been freed."

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 26 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 26 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

{Aug., AD 61. Paul before Agrippa.}

Outline of Chapter 26:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1a-b          King Agrippa Gives Paul the Floor

         vv.     1c–5          Paul Testifies as to His History as a Pharisee

         vv.     6–8           Paul Asks How His Fundamental Beliefs Violate Jewish Theology

         vv.     9–11         Paul Himself Persecuted Christians

         vv.    12–18         Paul Encounters the Lord on His Way to Damascus

         vv.    19–23         Paul’s Subsequent Testimony of Jesus and His Persecutions

         vv.     24           The Outburst of Festus

         vv.    25–29         Paul Keeps His Cool and Specifically Appeals to Agrippa

         vv.    30–32         Agrippa, Festus, Bernice and Others Confer After the Trial

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 26 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

Doctrines Alluded to

Chapters of the Bible Alluded To or Appropriately Exegeted with this Chapter

Dictionary of Terms

         Introduction         Introduction to Acts 26

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 26 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 26 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 26

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 26

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 26

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 26

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 26

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 26 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 26 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 25–28)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

         v.       1              A brief review of Acts 25:23–27

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         v.      18              Three Versions of Paul’s Conversion (from Precept Austin)

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 26 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 26

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 26

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 26:1–3

         Addendum          Footnote on Acts 26:1 (from the Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 26:4–8

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 26:9–11

         Addendum          Positional Truth [“in Christ”] (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 26:12–18

         Addendum          Footnote to Acts 26:16 (Wilbur Pickering)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 26:19–23

         Addendum          The Geographical Will of God

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 26:24–29

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary of Acts 26:30–32

         Addendum 

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         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 26

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 26

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 26

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 26

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An Introduction to Acts 26

I ntroduction: Acts 26 presents the ongoing saga of Paul, out of God’s geographical will, but open and willing to move forward in God’s plan. You will recall from previous chapters that God used other believers to appeal to Paul to not go to Jerusalem. However, Paul, for emotional reasons, was going to Jerusalem. This was a big mistake, and Paul’s ministry to the gentiles is put on hold for 3 or 4 years while all of this is sorted out. However, in the previous chapter, when being given the option of returning to Jerusalem from Caesarea, Paul instead said, “I appeal to Cæsar.” Which meant, having been given the choice between going to Jerusalem or Rome, Paul chose Rome (that is the right choice). See Acts 25 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD).

All of this chapter is focused upon a trial or hearing overseen by King Agrippa, which trial could be easily divided into two phases: (1) the trial itself and (2) the aftermath. Since Paul’s testimony could be easily divided into several sections, I did that in the chapter outline.

The fact that we would have this hearing is detailed at the end of Acts 25. Acts 26 begins with the trial itself, and Agrippa tells Paul to speak. Although Paul’s detractors were probably given a chance to state their case, this was not recorded here. Likely, there was nothing new said by them.

Paul, in his testimony before Agrippa, recalls his early days as proud pharisee and later as a persecutor of Christians. He speaks of his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, and how that was a turning point in his life.

Then Paul speaks of his life, post-salvation, and how he had testified to his faith in Damascus and later in Jerusalem. He speaks of Messiah suffering and then being raised from the dead, just as Jesus had done.

Suddenly, in the midst of the trial, Festus calls out, “Paul, you are crazy.”

Paul disagrees, and then turns his testimony back to Agrippa, even suggesting to Agrippa that he might believe in Jesus.

At this point, Agrippa and those with him stand and they go off to discuss the testimony (testimonies?) that they have heard. They agree that Paul has done nothing deserving of death or imprisonment; but Agrippa tells Festus, “Because he appealed to Cæsar, that is where you must send him.”

In v. 28, Herod Agrippa makes the fascinating statement, “In such a short time, Paul, you have almost convinced me to become a Christian.” Commentators for centuries have discussed the nuances of his remark. God the Holy Spirit placed this remark in the book of Acts; and it is the intent of the Holy Spirit that we understand why this remark was recorded. Interestingly enough, we will understand that, without necessarily understanding the nuances of Agrippa’s remark (was he being serious, was he pulling Paul’s leg, was he giving a political non-response?).

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King Agrippa Gives Paul the Floor

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now Agrippa face to face with the Paul was declaring, “It is permitted to you on behalf of yourself to speak.”

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Then Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to speak for yourself."

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Then Agrippa said to Paul: Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And Agripus {Agrippa} said unto Paulus {Paul}, “You are permitted to speak for the sake of your soul.”

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And Agrippa said to Paul: Thou art permitted to speak in thy own behalf.

Original Aramaic NT              And Agrippa said to Paulus, "You are permitted to speak for yourself."

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And Agrippa said to Paul, You may put your cause before us.

Bible in Worldwide English     Then Agrippa said to Paul, You may speak for yourself.

Easy English                          Paul speaks to Agrippa

King Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You may now say what you think about this problem.’

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Agrippa said to Paul, "You may now speak to defend yourself."

God’s Word™                         Agrippa said to Paul, "You're free to speak for yourself."

Good News Bible (TEV)         Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak on your own behalf."

J. B. Phillips                           Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have our permission to speak for yourself.”

The Message                         “I Couldn’t Just Walk Away”

Agrippa spoke directly to Paul: “Go ahead—tell us about yourself.”

NIRV                                      Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now present your case.”

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 26

PAUL MAKES HIS CASE TO KING AGRIPPA

PAUL: “I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A PHARISEE”

King Agrippa told Paul, “You can go ahead and tell us what you have to say for yourself.”

Contemporary English V.       Agrippa told Paul, "You may now speak for yourself."

Goodspeed New Testament  Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are at liberty to speak in your own defense."

The Living Bible                     Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Go ahead. Tell us your story.”

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.”

The Passion Translation        King Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now state your case.”

Plain English Version             Paul talked to the big bosses

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “All right, you can talk to us now and tell us your story.”

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Then Agrippa said to Paul, "We will now allow you to speak on your own behalf."

Williams’ New Testament      Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak in defense of yourself."

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          So at that, Agrippa said to Paul:

‘You may now speak on your own behalf.’

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            Agrippa was declaring to Paul, "Permission is given to you to be talking concerning yourself."

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Then Agrippa said to Paul, It is granted to you to speak for yourself.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       Then Agrippa said to Paul, Thou art free to give an account of thyself.

NT for Everyone                     Paul before Agrippa

Agrippa addressed Paul.

“You are permitted,” he said, “to speak for yourself.”

20^th Century New Testament Turning to Paul, Agrippa said: "You are at liberty to speak for yourself."

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Paul's Defence Before Agrippa.

Agrippa then said to Paul: "Permission is granted you to speak for yourself.".

Free Bible Version                 Agrippa then said to Paul, are free to speak on your own behalf.”

International Standard V        Paul Presents His Case to Agrippa

Then Agrippa told Paul, You have permission to speak for yourself.

Riverside New Testament      AGRIPPA said to Paul, "You are at liberty to speak for yourself."

The Spoken English NT         Paul Gives his Defense in Front of Agrippa
Agrippa then said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

Weymouth New Testament    Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak about yourself."

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Paul’s speech before King Agrippa

• Agrippa said to Paul: “You may speak in your own defense.”

An extensive note on v. 1 is placed in the Addendum.

New American Bible (2011)   King Agrippa Hears Paul.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now speak on your own behalf.”

New Jerusalem Bible             Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You have leave to speak on your own behalf.'

Revised English Bible–1989   Agrippa said to Paul: “You have our permission to give an account of yourself.”

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Hebraic Roots Bible               And Agrippa said to Paul, It is allowed for you yourself to speak.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Agrippa said to Paul, "You are now permitted to defend yourself."

The Scriptures 2009              And Agrippa said to Sha’ul, “You are allowed to speak for yourself.”

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Agrippa but to the paul said is allowed [for] you about yourself to say...

Alpha & Omega Bible            AGRIPPA SAID TO PAULOS (Paul), YOU ARE PERMITTED TO SPEAK FOR YOURSELF.

Awful Scroll Bible                   And Agrippa was exposing-to-light with respects to Paul, "It is being given-turn-upon you to speak out in behalf of yourself."

Concordant Literal Version    Now Agrippa averred to Paul, "It is permitted to you to speak concerning yourself.

exeGeses companion Bible   PAULOS PLEADS TO AGRIPPA

So Agrippa says to Paulos,

You are allowed to word for yourself.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And Agrippa said to Rav Sha'ul, "It is permitted for you to speak concerning yourself."

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. And ||Agrippa|| |unto Paul| said—

It is permitted thee |on thine own behalf| to be speaking.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Expanded Bible              Paul Defends Himself

Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now speak for yourself.”

Jonathan Mitchell NT             So Agrippa affirms to Paul, "It is now permitted for you to proceed in speaking concerning [other MSS: over; on behalf of; = for] yourself."

Syndein/Thieme                     Then Agrippa said unto Paul, "It is permitted for YOU to speak for yourself {condescending statement in the Greek}.

Translation for Translators              Paul requested that his hearers would listen to him.

Acts 26:1-3

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You (sg) are permitted now to speak to defend yourself.”

The Voice                               Agrippa (to Paul): Go ahead. You may speak for yourself.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Paul Makes His Defense Before King Agrippa

So Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted for you to speak for yourself.” Then Paul extended his [*Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun] hand and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“extended”) has been translated as a finite verb] began to defend himself: [*The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began to defend himself”)]

NET Bible®                             Paul Offers His Defense

So Agrippa¹ said to Paul, “You have permission² to speak for yourself.”

^1sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.

^sn King Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II (a.d. 27-92/93), son of Herod Agrippa I (see Acts 12:1). He ruled over parts of Palestine from a.d. 53 until his death. His sister Bernice was widowed when her second husband, Herod King of Chalcis, died in a.d. 48. From then she lived with her brother. In an attempt to quiet rumors of an incestuous relationship between them, she resolved to marry Polemo of Cilicia, but she soon left him and returned to Herod Agrippa II. Their incestuous relationship became the gossip of Rome according to Josephus (Ant. 20.7.3 [20.145-147]). The visit of Agrippa and Bernice gave Festus the opportunity to get some internal Jewish advice. Herod Agrippa II was a trusted adviser because he was known to be very loyal to Rome (Josephus, J. W. 2.16.4 [2.345-401]).

^2tn Grk “It is permitted for you.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Paul’s defense

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself”

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  And Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself."

Analytical-Literal Translation  Now Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to be speaking on behalf of yourself."

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Then Agrippa said face-to-face to Paul: “Permission has been granted to you to speak on your own behalf.”

Green’s Literal Translation    And Agrippa said to Paul, It is allowed for you yourself to speak.

Modern Literal Version 2020  {Aug., AD 61. Paul before Agrippa.}

Now Agrippa said to Paul, It is permitted* for you to speak on behalf of yourself.

Niobi Study Bible                   Paul's Early Life; Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself."

The gist of this passage:     King Agrippa tells Paul that he may speak at this time.

Translation: Agrippa then declared directly to Paul,...

In the previous chapter, Festus, the new procurator for Judæa, sort of shafted himself by taking sides in the trial of Paul, and then making the wrong suggestion to return the trial venue to Jerusalem. Paul said, “I appeal then to Cæsar.”

Such an appeal makes Festus look bad. He was to clean up some of the messes left behind by Felix, one of those messes being Paul, left in confinement (not too unpleasant of a confinement, by the way) for two years. He should have been released as innocent two years ago.

Right after Festus screws this up, King Agrippa comes, with his sister Bernice, to give Festus a royal welcoming (presumably). Festus asks for help from Agrippa, and Agrippa agrees to hear Paul and his accusers.

At the very end of Acts 25 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD), Festus gives an introductory statement to this hearing (these chapters of Acts are divided weirdly). After that, we move right into v. 1 of Acts 26. After Festus stops speaking, Agrippa looks to Paul.

Throughout these past 4 or 5 chapters of Acts, it seems like each chapter leaves us with a cliffhanger. Sometimes I read ahead; sometimes I start immediately on the next chapter, just to see what happens next.

This is not, however, the design of the Holy Spirit, as the Holy Spirit did not divide the Bible into chapters and verses. This was done long after the fact, long after the canon for both Old and New Testaments had been closed.

Essentially what appears to be the case for Acts is, the chapter divider allowed himself 27–40 verses, and no matter what, he found a place to divide up the chapter within that range of verses. Whether the chapter-divider meant for this to happen—for most of the final chapters to end in a cliffhanger—I could not say. In any case, for the past 4 or 5 chapters, I personally could not wait to move on into the next chapter to see what happened next.

Translation: ...“It is [now] permitted for you to speak on behalf of yourself.”

Agrippa, presumably, is looking to help Festus with this problem of an appeal to Cæsar made by Paul. I keep saying presumably, because Agrippa is a political animal and what he wants is more power. So, is he there to welcome Festus or is he there to sniff out any weakness in Festus? So far, we simply do not know.

Acts 26:1a-b Agrippa then declared directly to Paul, “It is [now] permitted for you to speak on behalf of yourself.” (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Paul has the same Jews in the audience as he has had the last few times that he has spoken. Who is new is King Agrippa (who seems to be in charge) and his sister, Bernice. Along with them would be bodyguards and soldiers and others.

Acts 26:1a-b King Agrippa then turned to Paul and said, “The floor is now yours, Paul. You have my permission to speak on your own behalf.” (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Paul Testifies as to His History as a Pharisee

Between vv. 2–23, Paul will give an account of himself, which centers on the Lord speaking to him on the way to Damascus; and then he gives additional history, taking them up to this day.

Paul will be interrupted by Festus in v. 24, and there will be a great deal of back and forth between Paul and the judges (Agrippa and Festus), which takes us to the end of this chapter.

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Then the Paul, stretching out the hand, begins to give an account. “Concerning all things of which I am being accused by Judæans, King Agrippa, I have considered myself fortunate before you being today to defend myself. Most of all, an expert you keep on being of all things, according to Judæans, of both the customs and [the] controversial questions. Consequently, I keep on asking with patience to hear me.

Complete Apostles Bible        So Paul, having extended his hand, spoke in his own defense:

I have considered myself fortunate, King Agrippa, being able to speak in my own defense today, concerning all the things of which I am accused of by the Jews,

especially since you are well versed both in all the customs and questions in relation to the Jews; therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Then Paul, stretching forth his hand, began to make his answer.

I think myself happy, O king Agrippa, that I am to answer for myself this day before thee, touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews.

Especially as thou knowest all, both customs and questions, that are among the Jews. Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        Then, Paulus {Paul} stretched out his hand, and made a defense {lit. sent forth a breath}, and said,

“Concerning all of which I am accused of from the Yehudaye {the Judeans/Jews}, Malka Agripe {King Agrippa}, concerning myself, I consider that I am blessed, that before you I should make a defense {lit. send forth a breath} this day.

I, who especially know, that you are persuaded in all the questions and laws of the Yehudaye {the Judeans/Jews}. Because of this, I request from you that with patience {lit. a long-suffering spirit}, you would hear me.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT Then Paul extended his hand, and made defence, saying:

In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, king Agrippa, I consider myself highly favored, that I may this day make defence before thee:

especially, as I know thee to be expert in all the controversies and laws of the Jews. I therefore request thee to hear me with indulgence.

Original Aramaic NT              And Paulus stretched out his hand and offered a defense and said:

"Concerning everything of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself blessed, because before you today I bring a defense."

"I especially know that you are capable in all inquiries of The Law of the Jews; I therefore ask of you that you will hear me patiently."

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Then Paul, stretching out his hand, made his answer, saying: 

In my opinion I am happy, King Agrippa, to be able to give my answer before you today to all these things which the Jews say against me: 

The more so, because you are expert in all questions to do with the Jews and their ways: so I make my request to you to give me a hearing to the end.

Bible in Worldwide English     So Paul put out his hand and began to speak. King Agrippa, I am happy to speak for myself before you today. I will talk about all the things the leaders of the Jews have said against me. You know all the ways of the Jews. You know what they believe. So please take time to listen to me.

Easy English                          Paul raised his hand so that people would listen to him. He said, ‘King Agrippa, I am happy that you are here. I ask you to listen to me today. These Jews say that I have done some bad things. I will explain to you what is really true about all these things. You yourself know all about the Jews. You know about how we live. You also know the things that we argue about with each other. So please be patient and listen to me.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Paul raised his hand to get their attention and began to speak. He said, "King Agrippa, I feel fortunate that I can stand here before you today and answer all the charges these Jews have made against me. I am very happy to talk to you, because you know so much about all the Jewish customs and the things the Jews argue about. Please listen to me patiently.

God’s Word™                         Paul acknowledged King Agrippa and then began his defense. "King Agrippa, I think I'm fortunate today to stand in front of you and defend myself against every charge that the Jews brought against me. I say this since you are especially familiar with every custom and controversy in Judaism. So I ask you to listen patiently to me.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Paul stretched out his hand and defended himself as follows: "King Agrippa! I consider myself fortunate that today I am to defend myself before you from all the things these Jews accuse me of, particularly since you know so well all the Jewish customs and disputes. I ask you, then, to listen to me with patience.

J. B. Phillips                           Paul repeats his story on a state occasion

So Paul, with that characteristic gesture of the hand, began his defence: “King Agrippa, in answering all the charges that the Jews have made against me, I must say how fortunate I consider myself to be in making my defence before you personally today. For I know that you are thoroughly familiar with all the customs and disputes that exist among the Jews. I therefore ask you to listen to me patiently.

The Message                         Paul took the stand and told his story. “I can’t think of anyone, King Agrippa, before whom I’d rather be answering all these Jewish accusations than you, knowing how well you are acquainted with Jewish ways and all our family quarrels.

NIRV                                      So Paul motioned with his hand. Then he began to present his case. “King Agrippa,” he said, “I am happy to be able to stand here today. I will answer all the charges brought against me by the Jews. I am very pleased that you are familiar with Jewish ways. You know the kinds of things they argue about. So I beg you to be patient as you listen to me.

New Life Version                    Paul lifted his hand and started to talk, “King Agrippa, the Jews have said many things against me. I am happy to be able to tell you my side of the story. You know all about the Jewish ways and problems. So I ask you to listen to me until I have finished.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              Paul, gesturing with a hand, started his defense. “I feel fortunate, King Agrippa, to have a chance to present my case to you. I’m fortunate because you understand Jews. You know our customs. You know what gets us upset with each other. So I ask you to please listen patiently.

Contemporary English V.       Paul stretched out his hand and said: King Agrippa, I am glad for this chance to defend myself before you today on all these charges that my own people have brought against me. You know a lot about our religious customs and the beliefs that divide us. So I ask you to listen patiently to me.

Goodspeed New Testament  So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense. "I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa," said he, "that it is before you that I am to defend myself today against all the things the Jews charge me with, especially because you are so familiar with all the Jewish customs and questions. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me with patience.

The Living Bible                     So Paul, with many gestures, [literally, “stretching forth his hand.”] presented his defense:

“I am fortunate, King Agrippa,” he began, “to be able to present my answer before you, for I know you are an expert on Jewish laws and customs. Now please listen patiently!

New Berkeley Version           .

The Passion Translation        Paul motioned with his hand for silence, then began his defense.  “King Agrippa, I consider myself highly favored to stand before you today and answer the charges made against me by the Jews.  Because you, more than anyone else, are very familiar with the customs and controversies among the Jewish people, I now ask for your patience as I state my case.

Plain English Version             So Paul waved his hand to thank Agrippa, and he started to tell them why he was not guilty. He said, “Big Boss Agrippa, I reckon I’m lucky. You know all about the culture of us Jews, and you know the things we argue about, and today you are hearing me talk. I reckon you will understand me. You see, the Jewish leaders are blaming me for a lot of things. So I ask you, please wait and listen to me now.”.

Radiant New Testament        So Paul, gesturing with his hands, began to present his case. “King Agrippa,” he said, “I’m glad I can stand before you today to answer all the charges the Jews are making against me. I know you’re very familiar with their customs and the kinds of things they argue about. Please listen to me patiently.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Then Paul stretched out his hand to show that he was about to speak. He said, "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today that I can explain to you why the Jewish leaders are wrong when they say I have done evil things. I am especially fortunate because you know all about the customs of us Jews and the questions that we argue about. So I ask you to listen patiently to me."

William's New Testament       So Paul with outstretched arm began to make his defense. "I count myself fortunate, King Agrippa," said he, "that it is before you that I can defend myself today against all the charges which the Jews have preferred against me, especially because you are familiar with all the Jewish customs and questions. I beg you, therefore, to hear me with patience.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Well, Paul stretched his hands out and said this in his defense:

‘King Agrippa,

‘I’m happy to be here so as to defend myself before you today over all these things that I’ve been accused of by the Jews, because you’re an expert on all Judean customs and controversies.

‘Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            Then when Paul put out his hand, he was defending himself. "Concerning everything that I am charged with by Jewish people, King Agrippa, I have regarded myself blessed that I am going to be defending myself before you today, you being especially knowledgeable about all the things regarding Jewish people, both customs and questions. For this reason, I plead for you to listen to me with lengthy patience.

Common English Bible           So Paul gestured with his hand and began his defense. “King Agrippa, I consider myself especially fortunate that I stand before you today as I offer my defense concerning all the accusations the Jews have brought against me. This is because you understand well all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I ask you to listen to me patiently.

Len Gane Paraphrase           Then Paul stretched out his hand, and so he began his defense,

"I consider myself happy, King Agrippa, because I will be answering for myself this day before you concerning everything that I am accused of by the Jews.

"Especially so because I know that you are an expert in all the customs and controversies among the Jews. Therefore I ask you to patiently hear me

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Then Paul, stretching forth his hand, made his defense. I esteem myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am this day to make my defense before you, concerning all those things of which I am accused by the Jews; especially as you are acquainted with all the customs and questions among the Jews: wherefore, I entreat you, that you will hear me with patience.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       And Paul, stretching out his hand, began his defence: King Agrippa, I count myself fortunate to-day, to be defending myself against all the accusations of the Jews in thy presence. No one is more familiar than thou with the customs of the Jews, and their controversies; and this makes me bold to ask thee for a patient audience.

NT for Everyone                     Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

“I consider myself blessed, King Agrippa,” he said, “to have the chance to speak before you today in my defense concerning all the things of which the Jews have charged me, in particular because I know you are an expert on all matters of Jewish customs and disputes. I beg you, therefore, to give me a generous hearing.

20^th Century New Testament Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense. "I have been congratulating myself, King Agrippa," he said, "that it is before you that I have to make my defense to-day, with regard to all the charges brought against me by Jews, Especially as you are so well-versed in all the customs and questions of the Jewish world. I beg you therefore to give me a patient hearing.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Conservapedia Translation    Then Paul reached out with his hand and answered for himself:

"I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa, because I can answer for myself today before you all the charges that I am accused of by the Jews."

"Especially because I know that you are an expert in Jewish customs and legal issues. So I ask you to hear me patiently."

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  Paul, therefore, extending his hand, made his defence as follows;

"About everything in respect of which I am accused by the Judean, King Agrippa, I consider myself happy in being able to defend myself before you to-day; especially so, as you are fully conversant with all the customs as well as the disputes of the Judeans. I consequently beg you to listen to me patiently.

Free Bible Version                 With a sweep of his arm, Paul began his defense.

“I am delighted, King Agrippa, to make my defense before you today regarding everything I am accused of by the Jews, particularly because you are an expert in all Jewish issues and customs. I beg your patient indulgence as you listen to what I have to say.”

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself. I think myself happy King Agrippa, because I shall answer this day before you, of all the things whereof I am accused of the Jewes, namely because you are expert in all customs and questions, which are among the Jewes. Wherefore I beseech you to hear me patiently.

International Standard V        So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, that I can defend myself today against all the accusations of the Jewish leaders, [I.e. Judean leaders; lit. the Jews] since you are especially familiar with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen patiently to me.

Weymouth New Testament    So Paul, with outstretched arm, proceeded to make his defence. "As regards all the accusations brought against me by the Jews," he said, "I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa, in being about to defend myself to-day before you, who are so familiar with all the customs and speculations that prevail among the Jews; and for this reason, I pray you, give me a patient hearing.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  So Paul stretched out his hand and began in this way:

“King Agrippa, you have just heard about the accusations of the Jews. I consider myself fortunate in having the opportunity to defend myself against all this before you today, for you are an expert in the customs of the Jews and their disputes. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

The Heritage Bible                 Then Paul stretching out the hand, made a defense for himself:

Concerning all things of which I am accused by the Jews, I govern myself supremely blest, king Agrippa; I am about to defend myself before you today,

Especially your being knowledgeable in all customs and questions which are among the Jews; therefore I petition you to hear me patiently.

New American Bible (2011)   So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

* “I count myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am to defend myself before you today against all the charges made against me by the Jews, especially since you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and controversies. And therefore I beg you to listen patiently.

* [26:2–23] Paul’s final defense speech in Acts is now made before a king (see Acts 9:15). In the speech Paul presents himself as a zealous Pharisee and Christianity as the logical development of Pharisaic Judaism. The story of his conversion is recounted for the third time in Acts in this speech (see note on Acts 9:1–19).

New Catholic Bible                 Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself: “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that it is before you today that I am to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, particularly since you are well acquainted with all our Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I implore you to listen to me patiently.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           Then Sha’ul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that it is before you today that I am defending myself against all the charges made against me by Jews, because you are so well informed about all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Then Paul raised his hand and began to speak. He said, “King Agrippa, I will answer all of the charges that the Jews make against me. I think it is a privilege that I can stand here before you today and do this. I am very happy to talk to you because you know much about all of the Jewish customs and issues. Please listen to me patiently.

The Scriptures 2009              Then Sha’ul stretched out his hand and made his defence: “I think myself blessed, Sovereign Agrippa, because today I shall make my defence before you concerning all of which I am accused by the Yehuim, you being most of all an expert, knowing of all practices and questions which have to do with the Yehu?im. So, please hear me patiently.

Tree of Life Version                Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense. “Concerning all I am accused of by the Judean leaders, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that it is before you that I am about to make my defense today—since you are especially knowledgeable about all Jewish customs and issues. Therefore I beg you to listen patiently to me.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Stretching the hand accounted {Saying} about all [things] which* [I] am charged by jews King Agrippa [I] have ruled myself blessed on you Intending today to account especially expert being you [of] all the in jews customs also and inquiries so [I] request patiently {you} to hear me...

Awful Scroll Bible                   As-when-at-that time, Paul stretching-out his hand was considering-away,

"I have esteemed myself happy governing leader Agrippa, being about to consider- myself -away this-day before you, concerning everything of which I am being called-from-among by the Jews,

(")most of all having perceived, that you is being knowledgeable, both in all the customs and searches according to the Jews. Through-which, I implore you to hear me long-enrage.

exeGeses companion Bible   You are allowed to word for yourself.

So Paulos spreads the hand and pleads for himself:

I deem myself blessed, Sovereign Agrippa,

because this day

I am about to plead for myself by you

concerning all

whereof I am accused by the Yah Hudiym:

especially because I know you

to be knowledgeable in all customs and questions

among the Yah Hudiym:

so I petition you to hear me patiently.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Then Rav Sha'ul, having stretched out his hand, was making his hitstaddekut (defense), saying, "I have considered myself fortunate that it is before you, Agrippa HaMelech, that I am able to make my hitstaddekut today concerning everything of which I am accused by Yehudim.

"Most of all, you are a bukki (expert, meivin) in all the minhagim and issues of the Yehudim; therefore, I beg you to listen patiently to me.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. ||Then Paul|| |stretching forth his hand| went on to make his defence.

<Concerning allʹ things of which I am accused by Jews, Kingʹ Agrippa> I have been counting myself happyˎ that ||before thee|| am I aboutˎ this dayˎ to be making my defence; ||especially|| as thou art |well-versed| in all the Jewish customs and questions. Whereforeˎ I beseech thee |patiently| to hear me.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                At that, Paul stretched out his hand [as an orator] and made his defense [as follows]:

“I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, since it is before you that I am to make my defense today regarding all the charges brought against me by the Jews, especially because you are an expert [fully knowledgeable, experienced and unusually conversant] in all the Jewish customs and controversial issues; therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

An Understandable Version   So, Paul motioned [to the assembly] with his hand [for attention] and began speaking in his defense: “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am able to defend myself before you concerning all the charges being brought against me by the Jews, especially since you are an expert on all the customs and issues discussed among the Jews. So, for this reason I request that you hear [my response to them] patiently.

The Expanded Bible              Then Paul ·raised [stretched out] his hand and began to defend himself. He said, “King Agrippa, I am very ·blessed [or fortunate] to stand before you and will ·answer [^L defend myself against] all the charges the Jews make against me. ·You know so much [You especially know; or I am especially blessed because you know] about all the customs and the ·things they argue about [controversies of the Jews], so ·please [I urge/beg you to] listen to me patiently.

Jonathan Mitchell NT             At that point Paul, while stretching out [his] hand, began to make a defense:

"King Agrippa, I have considered myself fortunate, happy and blessed at now being about to proceed in making a defense before you, today, concerning all [the] things of which I am being repeatedly charged (or: indicted) by [the] Jews,

"especially with you being an expert with personal experience and knowledge, being versed both [in] all the customs and also [the] questions (results of seeking [understanding], and, controversial issues) which relate to Jews (= Jewish culture and religion). For this reason, in my need I now beg you to listen and hear me with indulgence (or: being long before rushing into strong emotions; patiently).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    Verses 1-3

The Hearing before Agrippa.

Paul's introduction to his speech:

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand and answered for himself:

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,

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.

Kretzmann’s commentary for Acts 26:1–3 has been placed in the Addendum.

Syndein/Thieme                     Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and began to make a legal defense, himself.

"I have concluded myself absolutely, emphatically, without equivocation . . . happy {relaxed mental attitude-grace in his soul}, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before you . . . concerning all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews."

{Note: No hypocrisy, or phony start or false praise for the king or Festus from Paul.}

"Especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I make a polite request that you listen to me indulgently."

Translation for Translators     Paul stretched out his hand ◂dramatically/to salute the king► and began to defend himself. He said, “King Agrippa, I consider that I am fortunate that today, while you (sg) listen, I can defend myself from all the things about which the Jewish leaders [SYN] are accusing me. I am really fortunate, because you (sg) know all about the customs of us Jews and the questions that we (exc) argue about. So I ask you, please listen patiently to what I say.”

The Voice                               Paul (extending his hand): I am indeed fortunate to be standing before you, King Agrippa, to humbly defend myself against accusations from my Jewish opponents. You are extraordinarily familiar with Jewish customs and controversies, so I beg your patience as I begin.

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Then Paul extended his [*Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun] hand and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“extended”) has been translated as a finite verb] began to defend himself: [*The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began to defend himself”)] “Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that before you I am about to defend myself today, because [*Here “because ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“are”) which is understood as causal] you are especially acquainted with both all the customs and controversial questions with respect to the Jews. Therefore I beg you [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] to listen to me with patience.

NET Bible®                             Then Paul held out his hand³ and began his defense:⁴

“Regarding all the things I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa,⁵ I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, because you are especially⁶ familiar with all the customs and controversial issues⁷ of the Jews. Therefore I ask⁸ you to listen to me patiently.

^3tn Or “extended his hand” (a speaker’s gesture).

^4tn Or “and began to speak in his own defense.”

^5sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.

^sn King Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II (a.d. 27-92/93), son of Herod Agrippa I (see Acts 12:1). He ruled over parts of Palestine from a.d. 53 until his death. His sister Bernice was widowed when her second husband, Herod King of Chalcis, died in a.d. 48. From then she lived with her brother. In an attempt to quiet rumors of an incestuous relationship between them, she resolved to marry Polemo of Cilicia, but she soon left him and returned to Herod Agrippa II. Their incestuous relationship became the gossip of Rome according to Josephus (Ant. 20.7.3 [20.145-147]). The visit of Agrippa and Bernice gave Festus the opportunity to get some internal Jewish advice. Herod Agrippa II was a trusted adviser because he was known to be very loyal to Rome (Josephus, J. W. 2.16.4 [2.345-401]).

^6tn BDAG 613 s.v. μάλιστα 1 states, “μ. γνώστην ὄντα σε since you are outstandingly familiar Ac 26:3.”

^7tn Grk “several controversial issues.” BDAG 428 s.v. ζήτημα states, “in our lit. only in Ac, w. the mng. it still has in Mod. Gk. (controversial) question, issue, argument…Ac 15:2; 26:3. ζ. περί τινος questions about someth.…18:15; 25:19.”

^8tn BDAG 218 s.v. δέομαι states, “In our lit. only w. the mng. to ask for something pleadingly, ask, request,” and then in section a.α states, “w. inf. foll.…Ac 26:3.”

The Spoken English NT         Then Paul extended his hand^a and began his defense:

Given^b all the things that I’m being accused of by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate that it is in front of you, King Agrippa, that I’m about to defend myself here today.

Because you’re especially knowledgeable about all Jewish customs and disputes. So I ask^c that you hear me out patiently.

^a.Paul is making the classic gesture of a Greek orator beginning a speech.

^b.Lit. “Concerning.”

^c.Lit. “I beg.”

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  Then Paul having stretched out his hand, began speaking in his own defense: "Concerning all things of which I am accused by Jews, king Agrippa, I have considered myself fortunate [or, blessed] being about to be speaking in my own defense before you today; especially knowing you are an expert in all [things] in relation to Jews, both customs [or, morals] and points of disagreement. For this reason, I implore you to patiently hear me.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Then Paul, while extending a hand, began his verbal defense.

“Concerning all the things which I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself privileged because I am about to begin presenting my verbal defense before you today,

Especially because you are an expert with reference to all things related to Jewish customs as well as controversial questions [theologically debated topics]. For this reason, I beg of you to hear me patiently.

Context Group Version          Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense: I think myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you this day concerning all the things from which I am accused by the Judæans: especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Judeans: therefore I implore you to hear me patiently.

Legacy Standard Bible           Then Paul, stretching out his hand, began to make his defense:

“Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I regard myself blessed, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today; especially because you are an expert [Or because you are especially expert] in all customs and questions [Or controversial issues] among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

Literal Standard Version        And Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted to you to speak for yourself”; then Paul having stretched forth the hand, was making a defense: “Concerning all things of which I am accused by Jews, King Agrippa, I have thought myself blessed, being about to make a defense before you today, especially knowing you to be acquainted with all things—both customs and questions—among Jews; for this reason, I implore you, patiently to hear me. V. 1a-b is included for context.

Modern Literal Version 2020  Then Paul stretched out the hand and was making his defense.

Concerning all of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I have deemed myself fortunate today, being about to make my defense in front of you;

especially because you are an expert of all things according-to the things of the Jews, both customs and debates. Hence, I beseech of you to hear me patiently.

The gist of this passage:     Paul expresses sincere gratitude that Herod is trying his case.

1c-3