King James Version

What Does Acts 26:2 Mean?

Acts 26:2 in the King James Version says “I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things where...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

Acts 26:2 · King James Version


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.

4

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
I think myself happy, king Agrippa (Greek: ἐμαυτὸν μακάριον ἡγοῦμαι, emauton makarion hēgoumai)—Paul employs the classical rhetorical strategy of captatio benevolentiae (capturing goodwill), yet with genuine sincerity. The word makarion means "blessed" or "fortunate," the same word Jesus used in the Beatitudes. Paul's gladness stems not from flattery but from providence: Agrippa's Jewish education and familiarity with Messianic prophecy made him uniquely qualified to judge Paul's case.

I shall answer for myself (Greek: ἀπολογεῖσθαι, apologeisthai)—the root of our word "apologetics." Paul stands in the tradition of biblical witnesses who defended faith before rulers (Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, Peter before the Sanhedrin). Touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews—the irony is profound: a Jew accused by Jews, a Pharisee persecuted by Pharisees, standing before a half-Jewish king to defend the hope of Israel (Acts 26:6-7). His trial fulfills Jesus's prophecy that disciples would testify "before governors and kings" (Matthew 10:18).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Agrippa II (AD 27-93) was great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12). Educated in Rome, he held nominal authority over temple affairs and appointed high priests, making him particularly competent to evaluate charges of Jewish law violations. This defense occurred circa AD 59-60 in Caesarea.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's courtroom demeanor model gracious yet uncompromising witness before hostile authorities?
  2. What does Paul's gladness to defend his faith teach about viewing persecution as divine opportunity rather than mere misfortune?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Περὶ1 of 16

“touching”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

πάντων2 of 16

“all the things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὧν3 of 16

“whereof”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγκαλοῦμαι4 of 16

“I am accused”

G1458

to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)

ὑπὸ5 of 16

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

Ἰουδαίων6 of 16

“the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

βασιλεῦ7 of 16

“king”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

Ἀγρίππα8 of 16

“Agrippa”

G67

wild-horse tamer; agrippas, one of the herods

ἥγημαι9 of 16

“I think”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ἐμαυτὸν10 of 16

“myself”

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

μακάριον11 of 16

“happy”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

μέλλων12 of 16

“because I shall”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἀπολογεῖσθαι13 of 16

“answer for myself”

G626

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

ἐπὶ14 of 16

“before”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

σοῦ15 of 16

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

σήμερον16 of 16

“this day”

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)


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 26:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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