Acts 26:5
New International Version
They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.

New Living Translation
If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.

English Standard Version
They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.

Berean Standard Bible
They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.

Berean Literal Bible
knowing me from the first, if they would be willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

King James Bible
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

New King James Version
They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

New American Standard Bible
since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.

NASB 1995
since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.

NASB 1977
since they have known about me for a long time previously, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.

Legacy Standard Bible
since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.

Amplified Bible
They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify to it, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I have lived as a Pharisee.

Christian Standard Bible
They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They had previously known me for quite some time, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

American Standard Version
having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

English Revised Version
having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, how that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They've known me for a long time and can testify, if they're willing, that I followed the strictest party of our religion. They know that I lived my life as a Pharisee.

Good News Translation
They have always known, if they are willing to testify, that from the very first I have lived as a member of the strictest party of our religion, the Pharisees.

International Standard Version
They have known for a long time, if they would but testify to it, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the standards of our strictest religious party.

Majority Standard Bible
They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.

NET Bible
They know, because they have known me from time past, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.

New Heart English Bible
having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who knew me from the beginning, (if they would testify) that after the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

Weymouth New Testament
For they all know me of old--if they would but testify to the fact--how, being an adherent of the strictest sect of our religion, my life was that of a Pharisee.

World English Bible
having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
knowing me before from the first (if they may be willing to testify), that after the most exact sect of our worship, I lived a Pharisee;

Berean Literal Bible
knowing me from the first, if they would be willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

Young's Literal Translation
knowing me before from the first, (if they may be willing to testify,) that after the most exact sect of our worship, I lived a Pharisee;

Smith's Literal Translation
Knowing me beforehand, from a former period, if they would testify, that according to the most strict sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Having known me from the beginning (if they will give testimony) that according to the most sure sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
They knew me well from the beginning, (if they would be willing to offer testimony) for I lived according to the most determined sect of our religion: as a Pharisee.

New American Bible
They have known about me from the start, if they are willing to testify, that I have lived my life as a Pharisee, the strictest party of our religion.

New Revised Standard Version
They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For they have been acquainted with me a long time, and know that I was brought up with the excellent doctrine of the Phar’i-sees.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Because for a long time they have been persuaded concerning me, for they know that I was living in the official doctrine of the Pharisees.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
who, knowing me from the first, could testify, if they would, that, according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

Godbey New Testament
knowing me originally, if they may be willing to testify, that according to the most rigid sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Haweis New Testament
who previously knew me a long while ago, (if they chose to bear testimony,) that according to the most precise sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Mace New Testament
they can testify, if they will, that I early profess'd myself a Pharisee, a member of the most rigorous sect of our religion:

Weymouth New Testament
For they all know me of old--if they would but testify to the fact--how, being an adherent of the strictest sect of our religion, my life was that of a Pharisee.

Worrell New Testament
having known me from the beginning, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Worsley New Testament
knowing me before, (if they would testify it,) that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a pharisee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Testimony to Agrippa
4Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from the earliest days of my youth, among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion. 6And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,…

Cross References
Philippians 3:5
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Galatians 1:13-14
For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Acts 22:3
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

Acts 23:6
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

Matthew 23:3
So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Romans 10:2
For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.

2 Corinthians 11:22
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

Luke 18:11-12
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. / I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’

Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 9:31-32
but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

Mark 7:5-9
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” / Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ...

John 9:28-29
Then they heaped insults on him and said, “You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses. / We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.”

1 Timothy 1:13
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.


Treasury of Scripture

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most strait sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

if.

Acts 22:5
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

that.

Acts 23:6
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Philippians 3:5,6
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; …

sect.

Acts 24:5,14
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: …

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Able Bear Beginning Fact First Keeping Life Party Pharisee Regular Religion Sect Testify Time Willing Witness
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.














They have known me for a long time
This phrase indicates a deep familiarity and longstanding relationship. The Greek word used here, "proginōskō," implies not just a casual acquaintance but an intimate, detailed knowledge. Paul is emphasizing that his life and character were well-known to his Jewish contemporaries. Historically, this suggests that Paul was a prominent figure in Jewish society before his conversion, which adds weight to his testimony about his transformation through Christ.

and can testify
The Greek word "martyreō" is used here, which means to bear witness or give evidence. This term is significant in the context of legal and religious settings, where testimony is crucial. Paul is asserting that those who knew him could provide credible evidence of his past life. This appeal to testimony underscores the transparency and accountability of his life, both before and after his conversion.

if they are willing
This phrase introduces a conditional element, suggesting that there may be reluctance or resistance among his peers to acknowledge the truth. The Greek word "thelō" implies a choice or desire, highlighting the human element of free will in acknowledging truth. This reflects the broader theme of human resistance to divine truth, a recurring theme in Scripture.

that according to the strictest sect of our religion
The word "strictest" comes from the Greek "akribeia," meaning exactness or precision. Paul is referring to the Pharisees, known for their rigorous adherence to the Law. This historical context is crucial, as it shows that Paul was not just a casual observer of Jewish law but a devout practitioner. The Pharisees were respected for their piety and dedication, which adds credibility to Paul's former life and his dramatic conversion.

I lived as a Pharisee
The term "Pharisee" comes from the Hebrew "Perushim," meaning "separated ones." This sect was dedicated to maintaining purity and adherence to the Law. Paul's identification as a Pharisee highlights his deep roots in Jewish tradition and law. This background is significant because it shows that his acceptance of Christ was not a rejection of his heritage but a fulfillment of it. His life as a Pharisee provided him with a profound understanding of the Scriptures, which he later used to preach the Gospel.

(5) After the most straitest sect.--Better, most rigid, or most precise. The Greek does not contain anything answering to the double superlative of the English. The word for "sect" is the same as that used in Acts 24:5, and translated "heresy" in Acts 24:14.

Verse 5. - Having knowledge of me from the first for which knew me from the beginning, A.V.; be willing to for would, A.V.; how that for that, A.V.; straitest for most straitest, A.V. Straitest (ἀκριβεστάτην); see Acts 22:3; Acts 18:26, etc. Sect (αἵρεσις); see Acts 24:14, note. He does not disclaim being still a Pharisee. On the contrary, in the next verse (ver. 6) he declares, as he had done in Acts 23:6, that it was for the chief hope of the Pharisees that he was now accused. He tries to enlist all the good feeling that yet remained among the Jews on his side.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They have known
προγινώσκοντές (proginōskontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4267: To know beforehand, foreknow. From pro and ginosko; to know beforehand, i.e. Foresee.

me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

for a long time
ἄνωθεν (anōthen)
Adverb
Strong's 509: From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.

[and] can testify,
μαρτυρεῖν (martyrein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

they are willing,
θέλωσι (thelōsi)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I lived as
ἔζησα (ezēsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

a Pharisee,
Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

adhering to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
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.

strictest
ἀκριβεστάτην (akribestatēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular - Superlative
Strong's 196: Most exact, strict. Superlative of akribes; most exact.

sect
αἵρεσιν (hairesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 139: From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. a party or disunion.

of our
ἡμετέρας (hēmeteras)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2251: Our, our own. From thnetos; our.

religion.
θρησκείας (thrēskeias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2356: From a derivative of threskos; ceremonial observance.


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NT Apostles: Acts 26:5 Having known me from the first if (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 26:4
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