Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 26

CHAPTER 26

Then Paul stretched forth the hand. See Barnes on Acts 21:40.

This was the usual posture of orators or public speakers. Ancient statues are commonly made in this way, with the right hand extended. The dress of the ancients favored this. The long and loose robe, or outer garment, was usually fastened with a hook or clasp on the right shoulder, and thus left the arm at full liberty.

And answered for himself. It cannot be supposed that Paul expected his defense would result in a release from confinement, for he had himself appealed to the Roman emperor (Acts 25:11). His purpose in speaking before Agrippa was, doubtless:

1. to vindicate his character and obtain Agrippa's attestation to his innocence, so that he might thus allay the anger of the Jews;
2. to obtain a correct representation of the case for the emperor, as Festus had desired this, so that Agrippa might enable him to make a fair statement of the case (Acts 25:26, 27); and,
3. to defend his own conversion and the truth of Christianity, and to preach the gospel in the hearing of Agrippa and the attendants, with the hope that their minds might be improved by the truth and that they might be converted to God.

I think myself happy. I consider it a favor and a privilege to be permitted to make my defense before one acquainted with Jewish customs and opinions. His defense, on former occasions, had been before Roman magistrates, who had little acquaintance with the opinions and customs of the Jews, who were not disposed to listen to the discussion of the points of difference between him and them, and who looked upon all their controversies with contempt.

See Acts 24 and Acts 25. They were, therefore, little qualified to decide a question which was closely connected with Jewish customs and doctrines; and Paul now rejoiced to know that he was before one who, from his acquaintance with Jewish customs and belief, would be able to appreciate his arguments and motives.

Paul was not now on his trial; but he was to defend himself, or state his cause, so that Agrippa might be able to aid Festus in transmitting a true account of the case to the Roman emperor. It was his interest and duty, therefore, to defend himself as well as possible; and to put Agrippa in possession of all the facts in the case. His defense is, consequently, made up chiefly of a most eloquent statement of the facts just as they had occurred.

I shall answer. I shall be permitted to make a statement, or to defend myself.

Touching, etc. Respecting.

Whereof I am accused of the Jews. By the Jews. The matters of the accusation were—his being a mover of sedition, a ringleader of the Christians, and a profaner of the temple (Acts 24:5–6).

To be expert. To be skilled or well acquainted.

In all customs. Rites, institutions, laws, etc. Everything pertaining to the Mosaic ritual, etc.

And questions. Subjects of debate and of various opinions. The inquiries that had existed between the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, etc.

Paul could say this of Agrippa without falsehood or flattery. Agrippa was a Jew and had spent much of his time in the kingdom over which he presided. Although he had spent the early part of his life chiefly at Rome, it was natural that he should acquaint himself with the religion of his fathers.

Paul did not know how to flatter men, but he was not unwilling to state the simple truth and to commend men as far as truth would permit.

Wherefore. On this account; because you are acquainted with those customs.

The Romans, who regarded those customs as superstitious and those questions as matters to be treated with contempt, could not listen to their discussion with patience. Agrippa, who knew their real importance, would be disposed to give patient attention to all inquiries concerning them.

My manner of life. My opinions, principles, and conduct.

From my youth. Paul was born in Tarsus; but at an early period, he was sent to Jerusalem for the purpose of education in the school of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

Which was at the first. This means from the beginning; it refers to the early part of his youth, the time when opinions and habits are formed.

Know all the Jews. It is not at all improbable that Paul was distinguished in the school of Gamaliel for zeal in the Jewish religion. The fact that he was early entrusted with a commission against the Christians (Acts 9) shows that he was known . He could, therefore, appeal to them regarding the early part of his life; and, doubtless, to the very men who had been his violent accusers.

Which knew me. This refers to those who were well acquainted with me.

From the beginning. Anwyen. This means formerly, or from the very start of my career. They were perfectly aware of my entire course of life.

If they would testify. This means if they were willing to bear witness to what they knew.

That after the most straitest. This refers to the most rigid, the most strict way of life, not only concerning the written law of God but also the traditions of the elders. Paul himself elsewhere testifies (Philippians 3:4–6) that he had enjoyed all the advantages of birth and training in the Jewish religion and that he had early distinguished himself by his observance of its rites and customs.

Sect. This means a division or party.

I lived a Pharisee. This means I lived in accordance with the rules and doctrines of the Pharisees (see Matthew 3:7 and Acts 22:3 for context).

The reasons why Paul refers to his early life here are:

1. As he had lived during the early period of his life without crime, and his principles had been settled by the instruction of the most able of their teachers, it was to be presumed that his subsequent life had been of a similar character.
2. As he, at that period of his life, showed the utmost zeal for the laws and customs of his country, it was to be presumed that he would not be found opposing or reviling them at any later time. From the strictness and conscientiousness of his past life, he supposed that Agrippa might argue favorably concerning his subsequent conduct. A virtuous and religious course in early life is usually a sure pledge of virtue and integrity in later years.