Devine Scripture

Acts 26:1

What does Acts 26:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 26:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 26:1 means

Agrippa grants Paul permission to speak, and Paul’s gesture shows respectful confidence. In Roman and Jewish courts, raising the hand was a customary way to begin a formal address. Paul acknowledges the authority present yet does not cower; he embraces the chance to explain his life and message. This opening signals that what follows is not a riotous defense but a reasoned testimony. God has opened a door before rulers, and Paul will walk through it. The scene emphasizes due process and the legitimacy of Paul’s words. Though in chains, he is not ashamed; he is ready to present the truth about Jesus and the hope that put him on trial.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Agrippa said to Paul, You may put your cause before us. Then Paul, stretching out his hand, made his answer, saying:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Agrippa said unto Paul, `It is permitted to thee to speak for thyself;' then Paul having stretched forth the hand, was making a defence:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Agrippa said to Paul: Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul, stretching forth his hand, began to make his answer.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Agrippa said to Paul, It is permitted thee to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretching out his hand answered in his defence:

Context

This verse begins the hearing arranged by Festus with King Agrippa and Bernice present. After Festus sought Agrippa’s help to frame charges for Rome, Paul is now formally invited to speak. The atmosphere is grand and official. What follows will be Paul’s autobiographical defense, his account of conversion, and his mission. This permission sets the stage for a structured argument, moving from his past as a Pharisee to his encounter with Jesus and his commission to preach. The respectful start prepares the hearers for Paul’s measured, persuasive discourse.

v.1This passage

v.2I think myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am to make my defence before thee this day touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 7:51

    Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?

  • Acts 25:16

    To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him.

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Ezekiel 16:27

    Behold therefore, I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary food, and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, that are ashamed of thy lewd way.

  • Proverbs 18:13

    He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.

  • Acts 22:1

    Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you.

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