King James Version

What Does Acts 26:27 Mean?

Acts 26:27 in the King James Version says “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 26:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost , and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Read Acts 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Paul's direct appeal to King Agrippa demonstrates masterful apologetic strategy. The Greek construction reveals Paul's boldness: pisteueis tois prophētais (πιστεύεις τοῖς προφήταις) is a direct question demanding personal response. Paul doesn't ask whether Agrippa knows about the prophets but whether he personally trusts their message.

The phrase "I know that thou believest" (oida hoti pisteueis, οἶδα ὅτι πιστεύεις) shows Paul's confidence in Agrippa's familiarity with Jewish Scripture. As a Herodian ruler educated in Jewish traditions, Agrippa II understood messianic prophecies. Paul's strategy was brilliant: he established common ground (belief in prophets) before pressing toward the logical conclusion (Jesus fulfills prophecy, therefore Agrippa should believe in Jesus).

This verse exemplifies effective evangelism: Paul didn't merely present facts but pressed for personal commitment. He understood that intellectual assent to Scripture's authority must lead to faith in Christ. The uncomfortable directness of Paul's question put Agrippa in a difficult position—to affirm belief in the prophets while rejecting Jesus would be logically inconsistent. This demonstrates that Christian apologetics should aim not just at winning arguments but at calling people to saving faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This scene occurred around 59-60 AD in Caesarea, where Paul had been imprisoned for two years after his arrest in Jerusalem. King Agrippa II (Marcus Julius Agrippa) was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and the last of the Herodian dynasty. Though ruling limited territories in northern Palestine and Lebanon, he held significant influence with Rome and authority over the Jerusalem temple and high priestly appointments.

Agrippa II was educated in Rome and maintained close ties to the imperial family. He lived incestuously with his sister Bernice (mentioned in Acts 25:13), which was scandalous even by Roman standards. Despite his Jewish heritage and religious responsibilities, Agrippa balanced Roman political loyalty with Jewish religious traditions—a precarious position that required careful navigation.

Paul's hearing before Agrippa was technically a courtesy, as Festus the Roman governor sought Agrippa's expertise to formulate charges for Paul's appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:26-27). The setting was formal and public, with "great pomp" (Acts 25:23), military tribunes, and prominent city leaders present. Paul's boldness in pressing Agrippa for personal faith commitment in this politically charged context demonstrates remarkable courage and evangelistic zeal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's direct approach to Agrippa inform how we should present Christ to those familiar with Scripture?
  2. What is the relationship between believing the Bible and believing in Jesus, and how can we articulate this connection?
  3. How can we balance respect for authorities with the boldness to challenge them spiritually, as Paul did with Agrippa?
  4. What prevents people who intellectually accept biblical authority from personally trusting Christ as Savior?
  5. How should we respond when our evangelistic efforts create social or political discomfort, as Paul's question did for Agrippa?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
πιστεύεις1 of 8

“believest thou”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

βασιλεῦ2 of 8

“King”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

Ἀγρίππα3 of 8

“Agrippa”

G67

wild-horse tamer; agrippas, one of the herods

τοῖς4 of 8
G3588

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

προφήταις5 of 8

“the prophets”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

οἶδα6 of 8

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι7 of 8

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πιστεύεις8 of 8

“believest thou”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 26:27 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 26:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:22-23

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 26 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes