Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 26:3

"especially because thou art expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently." — Acts 26:3 (ASV)

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.