King James Version
What Does Acts 26:3 Mean?
“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.”
Acts 26:3 · 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.
4
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryEspecially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews—Paul addresses King Agrippa II, who as ruler of territories in northern Palestine and supervisor of the Jerusalem temple, possessed exceptional knowledge of Jewish law and theology. The Greek gnostes (γνώστην) means "knower" or "expert," indicating Agrippa was not merely familiar but deeply versed in Jewish matters.
Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently (δέομαι μακροθύμως ἀκοῦσαί μου)—The word makrothymos (μακροθύμως, "patiently") literally means "long-suffering" or "long-tempered," a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Paul requests the same patient endurance God shows toward sinners. This is Paul's most sophisticated defense, tailored to a Jewish expert who could appreciate the messianic implications of his testimony.
Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently (δέομαι μακροθύμως ἀκοῦσαί μου)—The word makrothymos (μακροθύμως, "patiently") literally means "long-suffering" or "long-tempered," a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Paul requests the same patient endurance God shows toward sinners. This is Paul's most sophisticated defense, tailored to a Jewish expert who could appreciate the messianic implications of his testimony.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Acts 26 records Paul's defense before Agrippa II (ruled AD 53-100), great-grandson of Herod the Great. As a Herodian ruler appointed by Rome with authority over temple affairs, Agrippa was uniquely qualified to evaluate Paul's claims about fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecy. Festus (Roman procurator) arranged this hearing hoping Agrippa could help formulate charges for Paul's appeal to Caesar.
Reflection Questions
- How does Paul's strategic approach to Agrippa (expert-to-expert) model contextualized gospel witness to different audiences?
- What does Paul's request for patient hearing teach about how we should present the gospel to skeptics—with confidence in truth but humility in manner?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 18 wordsκατὰ7 of 18
“which are among”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
καὶ11 of 18
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
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 26:3 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 26:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge