King James Version

What Does Acts 26:26 Mean?

Acts 26:26 in the King James Version says “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Acts 26:26 · KJV


Context

24

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad .

25

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

26

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

27

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the king knoweth of these things—Paul appeals to Agrippa's knowledge (Greek: ἐπίσταται, epistamai—'understands thoroughly') of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection as publicly verifiable facts. I speak freely (παρρησιαζόμαι, parrēsiazomai) means bold, unreserved speech before royalty, the Spirit's gift enabling fearless witness.

This thing was not done in a corner (οὐκ... ἐν γωνίᾳ, ouk en gōnia)—Christianity's founding events occurred in public view during Passover in Jerusalem, witnessed by thousands. The crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, the empty tomb, and post-resurrection appearances were matters of public record, not secret mystery cult initiation. Paul's apologetic method appeals to historical evidence accessible to investigation, establishing Christianity's basis in objective historical facts rather than subjective religious experience alone.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul spoke these words circa AD 59-60 in Caesarea before King Herod Agrippa II (great-grandson of Herod the Great), who as a Jew educated in Rome had extensive knowledge of Jewish affairs and the Jesus movement. The events Paul referenced—Jesus' ministry, crucifixion under Pilate (AD 30-33), and the spread of Christianity—were recent history within living memory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the public, historical nature of Jesus' resurrection strengthen your faith compared to purely subjective religious experiences?
  2. In what ways can you 'speak freely' about Christ today while appealing to verifiable historical facts rather than merely personal testimony?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἐπίσταται1 of 26

knoweth

G1987

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

γάρ2 of 26

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

περὶ3 of 26

of

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

τούτων4 of 26

of these things

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

5 of 26
G3588

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

βασιλεύς6 of 26

the king

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

πρὸς7 of 26

things before

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,

ὃν8 of 26

whom

G3739

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

καὶ9 of 26

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παῤῥησιαζόμενος10 of 26

freely

G3955

to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor

λαλῶ11 of 26

I speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

λανθάνειν12 of 26

are hidden

G2990

to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially, unwittingly

γάρ13 of 26

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

αὐτὸν14 of 26

from him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τι15 of 26

none

G5100

some or any person or object

τούτων16 of 26

of these things

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

οὐ17 of 26

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πείθομαι18 of 26

I am persuaded

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

οὐδέν19 of 26
G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

οὐ20 of 26

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γάρ21 of 26

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν22 of 26

was

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν23 of 26

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γωνίᾳ24 of 26

a corner

G1137

an angle

πεπραγμένον25 of 26

done

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

τοῦτο26 of 26

this thing

G5124

that thing


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 26:26 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 26:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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