especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies.Paul is addressing King Agrippa II, who was known for his familiarity with Jewish customs and laws due to his heritage and position. Agrippa was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and had been given authority over the temple and the appointment of the high priest. This background made him well-versed in Jewish traditions and disputes, which were often a source of tension between Jews and the Roman authorities. The Jewish customs refer to the religious practices, laws, and traditions that were central to Jewish life, as outlined in the Torah. The controversies likely include debates over the interpretation of the law, the role of the Messiah, and the resurrection, which were significant issues in the early church and among Jewish sects such as the Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul's appeal to Agrippa's knowledge underscores the importance of understanding the cultural and religious context of his message.
I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
Paul's request for patience indicates the complexity and length of his defense. He is about to recount his conversion experience and the mission given to him by Jesus Christ, which is central to his defense and testimony. This plea for patience also reflects the gravity of the situation, as Paul is on trial for his life. The word "beg" shows Paul's humility and respect for Agrippa's authority, while also emphasizing the importance of his message. This appeal for a fair hearing is consistent with Paul's approach throughout his trials, as seen inActs 22:1 andActs 24:10, where he seeks to present his case clearly and truthfully. Paul's defense is not only a legal argument but also a proclamation of the gospel, aiming to persuade his listeners of the truth of Christ's resurrection and his own calling as an apostle to the Gentiles.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who is giving his defense before King Agrippa. Paul is a central figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.
2.
King AgrippaHerod Agrippa II, the Jewish king before whom Paul is making his defense. He is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and laws, which is why Paul addresses him with respect and seeks his understanding.
3.
Jewish Customs and ControversiesThe traditions and disputes within Judaism that Paul references, indicating Agrippa's familiarity with them. This context is crucial for understanding the charges against Paul.
4.
CaesareaThe location where Paul is being held and where this hearing takes place. It was a significant city in Judea during Roman times.
5.
Roman Legal SystemThe broader context of Paul's trial, as he navigates the complexities of Roman law while defending his faith.
Teaching Points
Respect for AuthorityPaul demonstrates respect for King Agrippa's position and knowledge. As Christians, we are called to respect and engage with authorities thoughtfully and respectfully.
Understanding Cultural ContextPaul acknowledges Agrippa's familiarity with Jewish customs, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural contexts when sharing the Gospel.
Patience in WitnessingPaul asks Agrippa to listen patiently, reminding us of the importance of patience and clarity when sharing our faith with others.
Preparedness in DefensePaul is prepared to give a reasoned defense of his faith. Christians should be ready to explain their beliefs clearly and confidently.
Engagement with ControversyPaul does not shy away from addressing controversies. We should be willing to engage with difficult questions and issues in our faith journey.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 26:3?
2.How does Acts 26:3 encourage us to seek understanding before sharing our testimony?
3.Why is it important to know your audience, as Paul did in Acts 26:3?
4.How can we apply Paul's respect for authority in Acts 26:3 today?
5.What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of understanding in sharing the Gospel?
6.How can we prepare to defend our faith as Paul did in Acts 26:3?
7.Why does Paul emphasize Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish customs in Acts 26:3?
8.How does Acts 26:3 reflect the importance of cultural understanding in sharing the Gospel?
9.What role does historical context play in Paul's defense in Acts 26:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 26?
11.What is the timeline of Paul's life events?
12.What does 'all things to all people' mean?
13.Acts 21:17-26 - Does Paul's participation in Jewish purification rituals conflict with the New Testament teaching on salvation by faith alone?
14.What events define the 33 AD journey to the cross?What Does Acts 26:3 Mean
Setting“especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.” (Acts 26:3)
• Paul is standing before King Agrippa II and Festus in Caesarea (Acts 25:23).
• He has just been granted permission to speak for himself (Acts 26:1–2).
• The setting is formal yet personal: a Roman hearing mixed with Jewish sensitivities, giving Paul a unique platform to testify about Christ (Acts 22:15;Acts 23:11).
Paul’s Audience• King Agrippa is steeped in Jewish life and Scripture—his family oversaw the temple and appointed high priests (Acts 25:13).
• Festus and other dignitaries are less informed about Judaism (Acts 25:18–20).
• Paul tailors his address, showing respect for Agrippa’s knowledge while clarifying the gospel for everyone present (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
Jewish Customs and Controversies• Customs: temple worship, sacrifices, feasts (Exodus 12:14;Leviticus 23:1-44). Paul stresses continuity with these God-given practices, fulfilled in Christ (Acts 24:14;Hebrews 10:1-10).
• Controversies: resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6-8), Messianic hope (Isaiah 11:1-10;Jeremiah 23:5-6), and Gentile inclusion (Genesis 12:3;Isaiah 49:6).
• Paul’s life and message align with “the promise our fathers hoped to see fulfilled” (Acts 26:6-8), not a departure from Scripture but its realization in Jesus.
Paul’s Appeal for Patience• Trials often rushed defendants; Paul seeks unhurried attention so truth can be heard (Proverbs 18:13;John 7:51).
• “Listen to me patiently” models Christlike humility and confidence in God’s Word (Luke 21:15;1 Peter 3:15-16).
• Patience allows Paul to recount his conversion (Acts 26:12-18) and preach repentance and faith (Acts 26:19-23).
Application for Today• Know your audience: speak biblically but with awareness of their background (Colossians 4:5-6).
• Use shared foundations: point to fulfilled Scripture when dialoguing with those familiar with the Bible (Acts 17:2-3).
• Request patient hearing: clarity and respect open doors for gospel witness (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
• Stand firm: like Paul, rest on the literal truthfulness of God’s promises, even under scrutiny (Psalm 119:160;John 17:17).
summaryActs 26:3 highlights Paul’s strategic respect for Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish matters and his plea for an attentive hearing. By affirming shared Scripture and patiently unfolding how Jesus fulfills it, Paul exemplifies confident, courteous gospel proclamation rooted in the sure, literal Word of God.
(3)
Expert in all customs and questions.--The former word is used in its half-technical sense, as including all the precepts of the Law of Moses. (See Notes on
Acts 6:14;
Acts 21:21.)
Verse 3.- Thou art expert for
I know thee to be expert, A.V. and T.R.
Expert;
γνώστην, here only in the New Testament, but found in the LXX. (Daniel,
i.e. Hist. of Susanna 42) applied to God,
ὁ τῶν κρυπτῶνγνώστης: and
1 Samuel 28:3 and
2 Kings 21:6, as the rendering of
יִדֹּעְנִי, a wizard. It is seldom found in classical Greek. According to the R.T., which is that generally adopted (Meyer, Kuinoel,
Wordsworth, Alford, etc.), the accusative
γνώστην ὄντα σέ is put, by a not uncommon construction, for the genitive absolute, as in
Ephesians 1:18. The
marginal rendering,
because thou art especially expert, seems preferable to that in the text.
Customs and questions. For the use of
ἔθη and
ζητήματα applied to Jewish customs and controversies, see
Acts 6:14;
Acts 16:21;
Acts 21:21, etc.; and
Acts 25:19, note.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
especiallyμάλιστα(malista)Adverb
Strong's 3122:Most of all, especially. Neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala; most or particularly.[since] youσε(se)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.areὄντα(onta)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.acquaintedγνώστην(gnōstēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1109:One who knows, an expert. From ginosko; a knower.with allπάντων(pantōn)Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.JewishἸουδαίους(Ioudaious)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.customsἐθῶν(ethōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1485:A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.andτε(te)Conjunction
Strong's 5037:And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.controversies.ζητημάτων(zētēmatōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2213:A question, subject of inquiry, dispute. From zeteo; a search, i.e. a debate.I beg [you],δέομαι(deomai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1189:To want for myself; I want, need; I beg, request, beseech, pray. Middle voice of deo; to beg, i.e. Petition.therefore,διὸ(dio)Conjunction
Strong's 1352:Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.to listen toἀκοῦσαί(akousai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.meμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.patiently.μακροθύμως(makrothymōs)Adverb
Strong's 3116:With longsuffering, patiently. Adverb of a compound of makros and thumos; with long temper, i.e. Leniently.
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NT Apostles: Acts 26:3 Especially because you are expert in all (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
