King James Version

What Does Acts 26:1 Mean?

Acts 26:1 in the King James Version says “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered f... — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 26:1 · KJV


Context

1

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

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:

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself (ἐπιτρέπεταί σοι)—The verb epitrepō means 'to allow, give permission,' a formal legal term granting Paul the floor. King Agrippa II, ruling tetrarch and expert in Jewish customs (v. 3), presides as judge. Then Paul stretched forth the hand (ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα)—the classical rhetorical gesture (chironomia) of an orator beginning his defense, signaling both respect and confidence.

Answered for himself (ἀπελογεῖτο)—apologeomai, from which we get 'apologetics,' means to make a formal legal defense. This is Paul's third and final defense speech in Acts (22:1-21, 24:10-21, 26:2-29), his most polished oration. Before kings and governors, Christ's promise is fulfilled: 'I will give you a mouth and wisdom' (Luke 21:15). Paul's defense becomes gospel proclamation—the prisoner evangelizes his judge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul stands before Herod Agrippa II (AD 27-92/93), great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his sister Bernice (around AD 59-60). Festus, the Roman procurator, arranged this hearing to formulate charges for Caesar. Agrippa held no jurisdiction but possessed expertise in Jewish law—making him the ideal audience for Paul's testimony about Pharisaic resurrection hope and Christ's fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. When given opportunity to defend yourself, do you use it merely for self-justification, or like Paul, to bear witness to Christ?
  2. How does Paul's rhetorical eloquence demonstrate that the gospel doesn't despise cultural excellence but redeems and employs it for God's glory?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Ἀγρίππας1 of 18

Agrippa

G67

wild-horse tamer; agrippas, one of the herods

δὲ2 of 18

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς3 of 18

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος5 of 18

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἔφη6 of 18

said

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Ἐπιτρέπεταί7 of 18

art permitted

G2010

to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow

σοι8 of 18

Thou

G4671

to thee

ὑπὲρ9 of 18

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

σεαυτοῦ10 of 18

thyself

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

λέγειν11 of 18

to speak

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τότε12 of 18

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

13 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος14 of 18

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἀπελογεῖτο15 of 18

and answered for himself

G626

to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)

ἐκτείνας16 of 18

stretched forth

G1614

to extend

τὴν17 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χεῖρα18 of 18

the hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 26:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 26:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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