Acts 26:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

See how Paul at once begins to speak not only about faith and the forgiveness of sins, but also about what must be done.

At this time Festus was very glad at the arrival in Caesarea of the young King Agrippa II. As a Jew, he was knowledgeable in matters of the Jewish faith. Festus hoped that, if he now presented Paul to his guest, he might be able to write something more definite about him to Rome.

Paul appeared amid a large gathering of noble persons before the Roman procurator and the Jewish king. He rejoiced beforehand that he could bear witness before such high-ranking men concerning what was dearest of all to his heart.

The speech of the Apostle Paul at this trial, in the presence of King Agrippa, is likewise a defense, as was his speech before the Jews on the steps of the Jerusalem fortress. But because the Apostle now spoke with greater freedom than he had then before a crowd of fanatics, and because he was not interrupted in his speech and could express himself fully. He defends himself here in such a way that at the same time he gives solemn witness to Christ, dead and risen, according to the prophecy of Moses and the other ancient prophets. He also summons his hearers to repentance and conversion to God.

When the Apostle Paul was brought into this splendid assembly, Festus first set forth the substance of the case. Then Agrippa said solemnly to the Apostle, "You are permitted to speak for yourself."

Casting his penetrating gaze over the assembly, the Apostle stretched out his hand, according to the custom of ancient orators. He began his speech by observing that he was especially happy to make his defense before King Agrippa.

This prince had received from his father a careful education in all matters concerning the Jewish religion and ritual observance. His father's zeal in fulfilling both the written and the oral law was known to all. Therefore Agrippa could not fail to feel interest in a question concerning which he was so competent a judge.

Agrippa, as king and as the procurator's honored guest, holds the first place in the assembly. Therefore he both opens and closes the assembly. Yet, having been reared at the Roman court, when he opens the assembly by permitting Paul to give his defense, he does not say, "I permit," but "it is permitted." He has in mind not to offend the chief governor of the province.

"Paul stretched out his hand": this was not as a sign calling for silence, as in Acts 12:17 and Acts 13:16, but because of the solemnity of the moment and of the speech. The Apostle assumes the posture of an orator, stretching out the hand from which, for greater effect, a chain hung. The wise Apostle uses every position and occasion for the glory of Christ's name.

The speech of the Apostle Paul before King Agrippa in Caesarea is full of dignity. The Apostle was evidently glad to speak a word of defense, and at the same time a word of eternal truth, before such a splendid company gathered then in the proconsul's judgment hall.

In this sense one may understand Paul's happiness in defending himself in Agrippa's presence. Agrippa, of course, could not essentially change the course of Paul's case. Yet by his opinion he could exercise a broad influence over all public opinion.

"Paul begins to speak with boldness and calls himself happy, not from flattery, but because he speaks before a man to whom everything is known."