Acts 26:4
What does Acts 26:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:4 means
Paul reminds the court that his life from youth was known among Jews in Jerusalem. He is no obscure agitator but someone with a public, verifiable history. His upbringing in the heart of Jewish life shows deep roots in the covenant community. This matters: the gospel he proclaims is not an outsider’s novelty but the conclusion reached by a man thoroughly schooled in Israel’s faith. By appealing to public knowledge, Paul invites his opponents to testify honestly. If they do, they must admit he once fully shared their convictions before encountering the risen Jesus who fulfilled the promises to the fathers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My manner of life then from my youth up, which was from the beginning among mine own nation and at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
KJV
King James Version · 1611My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My manner of life then from my youth up, which was from the beginning among mine own nation and at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All the Jews have knowledge of my way of life from my early years, as it was from the start among my nation, and at Jerusalem;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`The manner of my life then, indeed, from youth--which from the beginning was among my nation, in Jerusalem--know do all the Jews,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And my life indeed from my youth, which was from the beginning among my own nation in Jerusalem, all the Jews do know:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My manner of life then from my youth, which from its commencement was passed among my nation in Jerusalem, know all the Jews,
Context
With his respectful introduction complete, Paul begins laying the factual groundwork of his case. Verses 4–5 establish his credibility from youth through his time in Jerusalem. He stresses that “all the Jews” knew his background, so his claim is checkable. This sets up the transition to his identification as a Pharisee (verse 5) and then to the central claim (verses 6–8) that he stands trial for Israel’s own hope. The emphasis on public reputation helps counter accusations of novelty or deception.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 22:3
I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as ye all are this day:
- 2 Timothy 3:10
But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
- Galatians 1:13
For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havoc of it:
- Philippians 3:5
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
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