Acts 26:1
New International Version
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

New Living Translation
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.” So Paul, gesturing with his hand, started his defense:

English Standard Version
So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

Berean Standard Bible
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

Berean Literal Bible
And Agrippa was saying to Paul, "It is permitted you to speak for yourself." Then Paul, having stretched out the hand, began his defense:

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

New King James Version
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself:

New American Standard Bible
Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul extended his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

NASB 1995
Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

NASB 1977
And Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, stretching out his hand, began to make his defense:

Amplified Bible
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are [now] permitted to speak on your own behalf.” At that, Paul stretched out his hand [as an orator] and made his defense [as follows]:

Christian Standard Bible
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted for you to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: “

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

Contemporary English Version
Agrippa told Paul, "You may now speak for yourself." Paul stretched out his hand and said:

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Agrippa said to Paul, "You're free to speak for yourself." Paul acknowledged King Agrippa and then began his defense.

Good News Translation
Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak on your own behalf." Paul stretched out his hand and defended himself as follows:

International Standard Version
Then Agrippa told Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

Majority Standard Bible
Agrippa said to Paul, ?You have permission to speak for yourself.? Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

NET Bible
So Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul held out his hand and began his defense:

New Heart English Bible
Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Agrippa said to Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Weymouth New Testament
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak about yourself." So Paul, with outstretched arm, proceeded to make his defence.

World English Bible
Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted to you to speak for yourself”; then Paul having stretched forth the hand, was making a defense:

Berean Literal Bible
And Agrippa was saying to Paul, "It is permitted you to speak for yourself." Then Paul, having stretched out the hand, began his defense:

Young's Literal Translation
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:

Smith's Literal Translation
And Agrippa said to Paul, It is permitted thee to speak for thyself. Then Paul defended himself, having stretched out the hand:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
THEN Agrippa said to Paul: Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretching forth his hand, began to make his answer.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted for you to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, extending his hand, began to offer his defense.

New American Bible
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now speak on your own behalf.” So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.

New Revised Standard Version
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEN A-grip’pa said to Paul, You have permission to speak in your own behalf. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and answered, saying,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Agrippa said to Paulus, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” And Paulus stretched out his hand and offered a defense and said:
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then Agrippa said to Paul: You are permitted to speak for yourself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and answered for himself.

Godbey New Testament
And Agrippa said to Paul, It is permitted to thee to speak for thyself. Then Paul reaching forth his hand, proceeded with his defence:

Haweis New Testament
THEN Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretching out his hand, began his defence:

Mace New Testament
Then Agrippa said to Paul, you are at liberty to make your defence, upon which Paul disengaging his hand from his cloak, thus made his plea.

Weymouth New Testament
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak about yourself." So Paul, with outstretched arm, proceeded to make his defence.

Worrell New Testament
And Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak in your own behalf." Then Paul, stretching forth his hand, was making his defense:

Worsley New Testament
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretching forth his hand, thus made his defence,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Testimony to Agrippa
1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: 2“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,…

Cross References
Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

Acts 22:1
“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”

Acts 24:10
When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.

Acts 25:23
The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.

Acts 23:1
Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”

Acts 21:40
Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:

Acts 13:16
Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!

Acts 18:14
But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint.

Acts 24:1-2
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.

Acts 25:7-8
When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. / Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”

Acts 6:15
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts 7:2
And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,

Acts 17:22
Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.

Acts 19:33
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.

Acts 25:10
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.


Treasury of Scripture

Then Agrippa said to Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Thou.

Acts 25:16
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

Proverbs 18:13,17
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him…

John 7:51
Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

stretched.

Proverbs 1:24
Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

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, which are ashamed of thy lewd way.

Romans 10:21
But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

answered.

Acts 26:2
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:

See on

Acts 22:1
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

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Acts 26
1. Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;
12. and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.
24. Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.
28. Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.
31. The whole company pronounces him innocent.














Then Agrippa
The mention of "Agrippa" refers to Herod Agrippa II, the last of the Herodian dynasty, a line of rulers with a complex history intertwined with the Roman Empire and Jewish affairs. Agrippa II was known for his knowledge of Jewish customs and laws, which is significant in this context as Paul is about to present his case. Historically, Agrippa's presence highlights the political and religious tensions of the time, as he was a figure who straddled both Roman authority and Jewish tradition.

said to Paul
This phrase indicates a direct communication between King Agrippa and the Apostle Paul. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee and a Roman citizen, uniquely positioned to bridge Jewish and Gentile worlds. The interaction here is not just a legal proceeding but a moment of profound spiritual and cultural exchange. Paul's background as a Roman citizen and a Jew gives him a unique platform to speak to Agrippa, who is familiar with both worlds.

You have permission to speak for yourself
The granting of "permission" is crucial, as it underscores the legal and formal nature of this hearing. In Roman judicial proceedings, the accused was often given the opportunity to defend themselves. This permission also symbolizes a divine opportunity for Paul to witness about Christ before rulers and kings, fulfilling the prophecy given to him at his conversion (Acts 9:15). It is a moment where earthly authority intersects with divine purpose.

So Paul motioned with his hand
The act of "motioning with his hand" is a gesture of authority and readiness to speak. In ancient rhetoric, such gestures were common to command attention and signal the beginning of a speech. This physical action by Paul indicates his confidence and preparedness to present his case. It also reflects his role as an orator, a skill he honed through his education and previous experiences in public speaking.

and began his defense
The word "defense" comes from the Greek "apologia," which means a reasoned argument or explanation. This is not merely a legal defense but an apologetic for the Christian faith. Paul’s defense is both personal and theological, as he recounts his conversion and mission. This moment is pivotal, as Paul uses his defense to articulate the gospel message, turning a legal trial into an evangelistic opportunity. His defense is rooted in his personal testimony and the transformative power of Christ, serving as an example of how believers are called to witness in all circumstances.

XXVI.

(1) Then Paul stretched forth the hand.--The characteristic attitude reminds us of Acts 21:40. Here it acquires a fresh pictorial vividness from the fact that St. Paul now stood before the court as a prisoner, with one arm, probably the left, chained to the soldier who kept guard over him. (Comp. Acts 26:29.)

Verse 1. - And for then, A.V.; his for the, A.V.; made his defense for answered for himself, A.V. Agrippa said. It was by the courtesy of Festus that Agrippa thus took the chief place. It was, perhaps, with the like courtesy that Agrippa said, impersonally, Thou art permitted, without specifying whether by himself or by Festus. Stretched forth his hand. The action of an orator, rendered in this case still more impressive by the chains which hung upon his arms. Luke here relates what he saw. Made his defense (ἀπελογεῖτο); Acts 25:8; Acts 24:10, note.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Agrippa
Ἀγρίππας (Agrippas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 67: Agrippa, i.e. Herod Agrippa II. Apparently from agrios and hippos; wild-horse tamer; Agrippas, one of the Herods.

said
ἔφη (ephē)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

Paul,
Παῦλον (Paulon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

“You
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

have permission
Ἐπιτρέπεταί (Epitrepetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2010: To turn to, commit, entrust; I allow, yield, permit. From epi and the base of trope; to turn over, i.e. Allow.

to speak
λέγειν (legein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

yourself.”
σεαυτοῦ (seautou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4572: Of yourself.

Then
Τότε (Tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

stretched out
ἐκτείνας (ekteinas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1614: To stretch out (forth), cast forth (as of an anchor), lay hands on. From ek and teino; to extend.

[his]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hand
χεῖρα (cheira)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495: A hand.

[and] began his defense:
ἀπελογεῖτο (apelogeito)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 626: To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense.


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NT Apostles: Acts 26:1 Agrippa said to Paul You may speak (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 25:27
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