New International VersionBut God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
New Living TranslationBut God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
English Standard VersionTo this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:
Berean Standard BibleBut I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen:
Berean Literal BibleTherefore having obtained help from God unto this day, I have stood bearing witness both to small and to great, saying nothing other than what both the prophets and Moses said was about to happen:
King James BibleHaving therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
New King James VersionTherefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—
New American Standard BibleSo, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place,
NASB 1995“So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place;
NASB 1977“And so, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place;
Legacy Standard BibleTherefore, having obtained help from God to this day, I stand here bearing witness both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place;
Amplified BibleBut I have had help from God to this day, and I stand [before people] testifying to small and great alike, stating nothing except what the Prophets and Moses said would come to pass—
Christian Standard BibleTo this very day, I have had help from God, and I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said would take place —
Holman Christian Standard BibleTo this very day, I have obtained help that comes from God, and I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses said would take place—
American Standard VersionHaving therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come;
Contemporary English VersionBut all this time God has helped me, and I have preached both to the rich and to the poor. I have told them only what the prophets and Moses said would happen.
English Revised VersionHaving therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come;
GOD'S WORD® Translation"God has been helping me to this day so that I can stand and testify to important and unimportant people. I tell them only what the prophets and Moses said would happen.
Good News TranslationBut to this very day I have been helped by God, and so I stand here giving my witness to all, to small and great alike. What I say is the very same thing which the prophets and Moses said was going to happen:
International Standard VersionI've had help from God to this day, and so I stand here to testify to both the powerful and the lowly alike, stating only what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
NET BibleI have experienced help from God to this day, and so I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except what the prophets and Moses said was going to happen:
New Heart English BibleHaving therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said would happen,
Webster's Bible TranslationHaving therefore obtained help from God, I continue to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
Weymouth New TestamentHaving, however, obtained the help which is from God, I have stood firm until now, and have solemnly exhorted rich and poor alike, saying nothing except what the Prophets and Moses predicted as soon to happen, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen:
World English BibleHaving therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHaving obtained, therefore, help from God, until this day, I have stood witnessing both to small and to great, saying nothing besides the things that both the prophets and Moses spoke of as about to come,
Berean Literal BibleTherefore having obtained help from God unto this day, I have stood bearing witness both to small and to great, saying nothing other than what both the prophets and Moses said was about to happen:
Young's Literal Translation 'Having obtained, therefore, help from God, till this day, I have stood witnessing both to small and to great, saying nothing besides the things that both the prophets and Moses spake of as about to come,
Smith's Literal TranslationTherefore having obtained assistance from God, till this day do I stand, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what both the prophets and Moses spake being about to be: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut being aided by the help of God, I stand unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other thing than those which the prophets, and Moses did say should come to pass:
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut having been aided by the help of God, even to this day, I stand witnessing to the small and the great, saying nothing beyond what the Prophets and Moses have said would be in the future:
New American BibleBut I have enjoyed God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here testifying to small and great alike, saying nothing different from what the prophets and Moses foretold,
New Revised Standard VersionTo this day I have had help from God, and so I stand here, testifying to both small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would take place: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut God has helped me to this very day, and behold I stand and testify to the humble and to the great, saying nothing contrary to Moses and the prophets, but the very things which they said were to take place;
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“But God has helped me until this day and behold, I stand and testify to small and to great, while I have not said anything outside The Law of Moses and The Prophets; only those things which they have said were going to happen:” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHaving, therefore, obtained help from God, I have stood till this day, testifying both to small and to great, saying nothing else than the things which the prophets and Moses did say should come to pass:
Godbey New TestamentThen having received help from God, I have stood unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said were about to come to pass:
Haweis New TestamentHaving however obtained help from God, unto this day, I stand witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing but what both the prophets and Moses said should come to pass:
Mace New Testamentbut by the divine favour I am still preserv'd alive, testifying to the small and to the great nothing but what Moses and the prophets have predicted should happen: "that Christ should suffer:
Weymouth New TestamentHaving, however, obtained the help which is from God, I have stood firm until now, and have solemnly exhorted rich and poor alike, saying nothing except what the Prophets and Moses predicted as soon to happen,
Worrell New TestamentHaving, therefore, obtained help from God, I have stood to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing, except those things which both the prophets and Moses said would come to pass;
Worsley New TestamentBut having obtained help of God, I continue until this day, testifying both to small and great, and saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses declared should come to pass; even that the Messiah should suffer,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Testimony to Agrippa… 21For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22ButI have hadGod’shelptothisday,and I stand hereto testifyto smallandgreatalike.I am sayingnothingbeyondwhattheprophetsandMosessaidwouldhappen:23that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”…
Cross References Acts 24:14I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,
Acts 13:29-31When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. / But God raised Him from the dead, / and for many days He was seen by those who had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people.
Acts 3:18But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.
Acts 10:43All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
Luke 24:44Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
Romans 3:21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.
1 Peter 1:10-12Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
2 Timothy 3:15-16From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
John 5:39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,
Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
Hebrews 1:1-2On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, / that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
Matthew 5:17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.
Luke 1:70as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,
Romans 16:25-26Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—
Treasury of Scripture Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: obtained. Acts 26:17 Delivering thee from the people, andfrom the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, Acts 14:19,20 And there came thithercertain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drewhim out of the city, supposing he had been dead… Acts 16:25,26 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them… witnessing. Acts 20:20-27And how I kept back nothing that was profitableunto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, … Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which isthe book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. none. Acts 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Acts 3:21-24 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began… Luke 24:27,44,46 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself… the prophets. Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him intohis lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, andout of the prophets, from morning till evening. Matthew 17:4,5 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias… Jump to Previous AlikeContinueExceptExhortedFirmGreatHelpHoweverMosesObtainedPoorPredictedProphetsRichSmallSolemnlySoonStandStatingStoodTestifyingWitnessingJump to Next AlikeContinueExceptExhortedFirmGreatHelpHoweverMosesObtainedPoorPredictedProphetsRichSmallSolemnlySoonStandStatingStoodTestifyingWitnessingActs 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.But I have had God’s help to this dayPaul acknowledges divine assistance throughout his ministry, emphasizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness. This reflects the biblical theme of God's providence, as seen in passages like Psalm 46:1, where God is described as a "very present help in trouble." Paul's survival and success in spreading the Gospel, despite numerous trials, underscore the belief that God empowers and sustains His servants. and I stand here to testify
Paul's role as a witness is central to his mission. The Greek word for "testify" (martureo) implies bearing witness, often in a legal sense. This aligns withActs 1:8, where Jesus commissions His disciples to be His witnesses. Paul's testimony is not just personal but serves as a legal and spiritual declaration of the truth of the Gospel. to small and great alike
Paul's message is universal, transcending social and economic boundaries. This inclusivity reflects the early Christian belief that the Gospel is for all people, as seen inGalatians 3:28, which states there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. Paul's audience before King Agrippa and Festus exemplifies this, as he addresses both rulers and commoners. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen
Paul roots his message in the Hebrew Scriptures, affirming the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. This connection is crucial for validating Jesus as the Messiah to a Jewish audience. Prophecies from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the Pentateuch foreshadow the coming of Christ, His suffering, and His resurrection. For instance,Isaiah 53 andDeuteronomy 18:15 are often cited as messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. Paul's argument is that his teachings are not novel but fulfill the ancient promises of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe speaker in this verse, Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa. He emphasizes his reliance on God's help and his commitment to the message of the prophets and Moses. 2. King AgrippaThe ruler before whom Paul is making his defense. Agrippa is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and prophecies, making him a significant audience for Paul's testimony. 3. The Prophets and MosesRefers to the Old Testament figures whose writings and prophecies Paul claims to be fulfilling through his testimony about Jesus Christ. 4. God’s HelpPaul attributes his ability to stand and testify to the divine assistance he has received, underscoring the theme of divine providence and support. 5. Testimony to Small and GreatPaul emphasizes the universal nature of his message, which is intended for all people, regardless of their social status. Teaching Points Reliance on Divine HelpJust as Paul relied on God's help, believers today are encouraged to seek and depend on divine assistance in their daily lives and ministries. Faithfulness to ScripturePaul’s commitment to the message of the prophets and Moses serves as a model for Christians to remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture. Universal Message of the GospelThe Gospel is for everyone, regardless of social status or background. Christians are called to share the message with both "small and great." Fulfillment of ProphecyUnderstanding the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament strengthens faith and provides a foundation for witnessing to others. Courage in TestimonyPaul’s boldness in testifying before powerful figures encourages believers to be courageous in sharing their faith, trusting in God’s support. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 26:22?
2.How does Acts 26:22 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?
3.What role does divine help play in Paul's ability to testify, as seen here?
4.How can we, like Paul, testify to "small and great alike" today?
5.How does Acts 26:22 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
6.What practical steps can we take to rely on God's help in witnessing?
7.How does Acts 26:22 affirm the continuity between the Old Testament and New Testament teachings?
8.What does Acts 26:22 reveal about God's faithfulness to His promises?
9.How does Acts 26:22 support the legitimacy of Paul's mission and message?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 26?
11.Why does Paul’s teaching in Acts 26:22–23 seem to conflict with traditional Jewish Messianic expectations?
12.What is the concept of the Fourfold Witness?
13.What similarities exist between Moses and Jesus?
14.How does John 12:28 reconcile with other biblical portrayals of God's voice supposedly heard audibly by crowds?What Does Acts 26:22 Mean God’s Help to This Day“But I have had God’s help to this day…” (Acts 26:22a) • From Damascus to Festus’ courtroom, Paul recognizes a continual, literal intervention of the Lord. This mirrors Samuel’s Ebenezer—“Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). • Jesus had promised, “I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles” (Acts 26:17), a pledge Paul now sees fulfilled in real time. • Hardships never negated that help: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8). • In his final letter Paul writes, “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17), underscoring that divine aid is not episodic but constant for those in Christ.
Testifying to Small and Great Alike“…and I stand here to testify to small and great alike.” (Acts 26:22b) • Paul’s audience ranges from jailers (Acts 16:29-34) to intellectuals in Athens (Acts 17:18-34) to kings like Agrippa. God’s gospel knows no class boundaries. • This reflects the heart ofRomans 1:16—“the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”—and ofGalatians 3:28, where earthly distinctions dissolve at the cross. • His stance fulfills Christ’s commission, “You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8), highlighting that every believer is a witness wherever God places them.
Nothing Beyond the Prophets and Moses“I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen:” (Acts 26:22c) • Paul roots his message in the authoritative Scriptures his hearers revere.Luke 24:27 shows Jesus doing the same, opening “Moses and all the Prophets” to reveal Himself. • Key prophetic anchors: –Deuteronomy 18:15-19—Moses foretells a Prophet like himself. –Psalm 16:10—David speaks of resurrection, fulfilled in Christ (Acts 2:25-32). –Isaiah 53—The Suffering Servant bears sin, a literal atonement Paul proclaims (Acts 13:38-39). • By tying the gospel to these texts, Paul demonstrates continuity, not innovation; God’s plan has unfolded exactly as written.
summaryActs 26:22 captures Paul’s confidence in three realities: God’s unfailing help, the universal reach of the gospel, and the rock-solid foundation of Scripture. Standing before power brokers or commoners, he declares a message foretold by Moses and the Prophets and confirmed by the risen Christ—offered to all, sustained by God, and perfectly reliable for every generation. (22) Having therefore obtained help of God.--The Greek noun for "help" is not used elsewhere in the New Testament. It implies the kind of assistance which one friend or ally gives to another of inferior power. It is found in the Greek of Wisdom Of Solomon 13:18. Here the word seems used as being more intelligible to those who are outside the kingdom of God than the more spiritual, more theological, "grace" of which the Apostle habitually spoke. Witnessing both to small and great.--The English version gives the right rendering of the best supported reading. Some MSS., however, have "witnessed to by small and great;" but this, besides the want of authority, and its involving an unusual construction, is at variance with the context. It was true that St. Paul's life was spent in bearing witness that Jesus was Christ. It was not true that he had a good report of all men. The words "small andgreat" were significant as spoken when he was standing before two men like Festus and Agrippa. The phrase may be noted as occurring inActs 8:10, and again inRevelation 11:18;Revelation 13:16;Revelation 19:5;Revelation 19:18;Revelation 20:12. . . . Verse 22.- The help that is from God for help of God, A.V.; stand for continue, A.V.; testifying for witnessing, A.V.; nothing but what for none other things than those which, A.V. Help, etc.; ἐπικουρία, here only and in Wisd. 13:18, still of Divine help; in medical writers frequently, of aid from medicine and physicians; common also in classical writers, of auxiliary forces. It is properly spoken of help and allies from without (Bengel). I stand; i.e. I continue unmoved, steadfast, and, by God's help, not crushed by my enemies. Testifying. The natural rendering of the R.T. μαρτυρόμενος. The T.R. μαρτυρούμενος, followed by ὑπὸ, would mean "borne witness to," "approved," as in Acts 6:3; Acts 10:22, etc., and so Meyer understands it here. But μαρτυρύμενος makes much better sense, and is much better supported by manuscript authority. It is in close agreement with Acts 9:15 and Acts 22:15, that St Paul should thus " testify" to small and great.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [But]οὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.I have hadτυχὼν(tychōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5177:(a) gen: I obtain, (b) absol: I chance, happen; ordinary, everyday, it may chance, perhaps.God’sΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.helpἘπικουρίας(Epikourias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1947:Succor (against foes), help, aid, assistance. From a compound of epi and a form of the base of korasion; assistance.toἄχρι(achri)Preposition
Strong's 891:As far as, up to, until, during. Or achris akh'-rece; akin to akron; until or up to.thisταύτης(tautēs)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.day,ἡμέρας(hēmeras)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.[and] I stand [here]ἕστηκα(hestēka)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2476:A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.to testifyμαρτυρόμενος(martyromenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3143:(properly: To call (summon) to witness, and then absolutely) To testify, protest, asseverate; To conjure, solemnly charge.to smallμικρῷ(mikrō)Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3398:Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.greatμεγάλῳ(megalō)Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.alike.τε(te)Conjunction
Strong's 5037:And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.I am sayingλέγων(legōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.nothingοὐδὲν(ouden)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.beyondἐκτὸς(ektos)Preposition
Strong's 1622:From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides.whatὧν(hōn)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.prophetsπροφῆται(prophētai)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4396:From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.MosesΜωϋσῆς(Mōusēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475:Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.saidἐλάλησαν(elalēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.wouldμελλόντων(mellontōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3195:A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.happen:γίνεσθαι(ginesthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.
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NT Apostles: Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained the help that (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
