Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
Acts 25:23-26:32
Acts.25.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ουν: CONJ
- επαυριον: ADV
- ελθοντος: PART,aor,act,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Αγριππα: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Βερνικης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μετα: PREP
- πολλης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- φαντασιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- εισελθοντων: VERB,aor,act,part,gen,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ακροατηριον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- συν: PREP
- τε: CONJ
- χιλιαρχοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ανδρασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- κατ᾽εξοχην: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πολεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- κελευσαντος: PART,aor,act,gen,m,sg
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Φηστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ηχθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 26:1 (structural): Direct continuation of the same scene: after Agrippa and Bernice arrive with pomp Paul is brought in and begins his defense—same event described from the hearing's start.
- Acts 24:1–9 (structural): Another formal hearing of Paul before a Roman governor (Felix) with Jewish leaders present; parallels the courtroom/assembly setting and prosecutorial formalities.
- Luke 23:7–10 (thematic): Jesus is sent to Herod and appears before a ruler surrounded by chief priests and scribes—parallel motif of a public hearing before a provincial authority with assembled dignitaries.
- Acts 12:20–23 (thematic): Herod's ostentatious public display and the crowd's acclamation (and ensuing judgment) echo the motif of royal pomp and public spectacle described in Acts 25:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- On the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and entered the audience hall with the officers and the leading men of the city. At the governor's command Paul was brought in.
- And on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice came with much pomp and entered the auditorium with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.
Acts.25.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- φησιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Φηστος·Αγριππα: PROPN,nom,sg,m
- βασιλευ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- συμπαροντες: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- ανδρες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- θεωρειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- τουτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- περι: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- απαν: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πληθος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- Ιουδαιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ενετυχον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- τε: CONJ
- Ιεροσολυμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- ενθαδε: ADV
- βοωντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- μη: PART
- δειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ζην: VERB,pres,act,inf
- μηκετι: ADV
Parallels
- Acts 25:18-19 (verbal): Festus' immediate summary to Agrippa echoes his earlier report that the Jews had no provable charge except matters about 'the resurrection' and questions about a certain Jesus—same trial context and summary of Jewish accusations.
- Acts 25:7-9 (structural): Earlier stage of the same trial where Jewish leaders brought many accusations and Festus deferred until witnesses arrived; 25:24 continues the procedural sequence bringing the case before Agrippa.
- Acts 24:5-6 (allusion): The Jews' characterization of Paul as a troublemaker and ringleader (charges lodged previously before Felix) parallels the hostile accusations Festus here summarizes as prompting calls that Paul 'should not live'.
- Acts 26:30-32 (structural): After Festus presents Paul to Agrippa (the scene begun in 25:24), Agrippa's verdict and remarks about Paul's possible release if he had not appealed to Caesar complete the trial arc initiated here.
- Matthew 27:23 (thematic): The crowd's cry for a condemned man to die (e.g., 'Crucify him') in the Passion narratives parallels the motif of a popular Jewish outcry demanding a defendant's death as described in Festus's summary.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all who are here with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.
- And Festus, after he had sat down, said with a loud voice, “King Agrippa, and all who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews have laid complaints against me in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.
Acts.25.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- κατελαβομην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- μηδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- αξιον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- θανατου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πεπραχεναι: VERB,perf,pass,inf
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- τουτου: DEM,gen,sg,m
- επικαλεσαμενου: VERB,aor,mid,part,gen,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Σεβαστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εκρινα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- πεμπειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 25:11 (verbal): Paul's direct statement of appeal ('I appeal to Caesar') immediately precedes Festus's decision here; the language and legal act are the same matter, forming the immediate textual basis for sending Paul.
- Acts 26:32 (verbal): Festus/Agrippa's closing comment that Paul had appealed to Caesar ('to Caesar you will go') echoes 25:25's rationale and reiterates the legal consequence of the appeal.
- Luke 23:4 (verbal): Pilate's declaration that he finds no basis for the charges against Jesus parallels Festus's formulaic judgment ('I found nothing deserving of death'), reflecting similar judicial language when a governor declines capital accusation.
- Acts 23:30 (structural): The transfer of Paul under armed escort to Caesarea illustrates the Roman procedure for moving a detainee to a higher authority/central court—structurally comparable to Festus's decision to forward Paul to Caesar.
- Acts 27:1 (structural): The narrative continuation in Acts describing Paul's voyage toward Italy/Rome is the practical outcome of the decision in 25:25 to send him to Caesar; it parallels the present verse as the execution of that decision.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when I had examined him, having taken counsel with the chief priests and the elders, I found no cause of death in him.
- But I found that he had done nothing worthy of death; and because he had appealed to Caesar I determined to send him, although I had nothing certain to write to the emperor about him.
Acts.25.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- περι: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- ασφαλες: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- γραψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχω·διο: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- προηγαγον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εφ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- μαλιστα: ADV
- επι: PREP
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- βασιλευ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- Αγριππα: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- οπως: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ανακρισεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- γενομενης: VERB,aor,mid,part,gen,sg,f
- σχω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- γραψω·: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
Parallels
- Acts 25:25 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same trial: Festus explains the procedural outcome — because Paul appealed to Caesar he must be sent, the background for having 'nothing certain to write' to the emperor.
- Acts 25:11 (verbal): Paul's declaration 'I appeal to Caesar' is the factual/legal reason Festus gives for lacking a clear letter to the emperor and for bringing Paul before Agrippa.
- John 19:4 (thematic): Pilate's statement that he finds no basis for a charge and his sending Jesus on to another authority parallels Festus' inability to produce a definite charge and his forwarding Paul for further adjudication.
- Acts 26:31–32 (structural): After the Agrippa hearing Festus and Agrippa observe that Paul's appeal to Caesar determined the course of events — a retrospective confirmation of Festus' motive for bringing Paul before Agrippa so he might have 'something to write.'
Alternative generated candidates
- But since he appealed to be reserved for the decision of the emperor, I determined to send him; yet I had nothing certain to write to our lord about him.
- Therefore I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after examination has been made I may have something to write. For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.”
Acts.25.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλογον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- δοκει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- πεμποντα: VERB,pres,act,ptc,acc,m,sg
- δεσμιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μη: PART
- και: CONJ
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- κατ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- αιτιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- σημαναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 25:18-20 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: Festus summarizes the Jewish accusations and his uncertainty about them, which grounds his remark that it is unreasonable to send a prisoner without stating the charges.
- John 18:29 (verbal): Pilate's question to the Jewish leaders, “What accusation do you bring against this man?,” parallels the procedural concern that a governor be told the specific charges when a prisoner is presented.
- Luke 23:1-4 (thematic): The Jewish leaders bring Jesus before Pilate with specific accusations and Pilate declares he finds no fault—shows the same courtroom dynamic and the governor’s need to know and assess stated charges.
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (allusion): The OT legal principle that accusations must be established by proper testimony reflects the broader legal expectation (due process) behind Festus’ objection to sending a prisoner without indicating the charges.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I have brought him before you, and especially before you, O King Agrippa, so that, after a short examination, I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.
- And Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” Festus replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”
Acts.26.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αγριππας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Παυλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εφη·Επιτρεπεται: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- υπερ: PREP
- σεαυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- λεγειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τοτε: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εκτεινας: PART,aor,act,nom,m,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χειρα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- απελογειτο·: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 22:1 (structural): Both verses introduce Paul beginning a formal defense speech to a Jewish or mixed audience (Acts 22: Paul to the Jerusalem crowd; Acts 26: Paul to Agrippa).
- Acts 24:10 (structural): Paul's legal apologia before the Roman governor Felix parallels the courtroom setting and rhetorical purpose of his address before Agrippa in Acts 26.
- Acts 25:10-12 (thematic): These verses show the legal proceedings and Paul's insistence on his rights (appeal to Caesar), the procedural context that leads to his being allowed to speak before higher authorities like Agrippa.
- Acts 21:40 (verbal): Paul uses a hand gesture to gain attention and begin speaking to the crowd in their own language—paralleling the gesture ('stretching out his hand') noted in Acts 26:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul, stretched out his hand, began his defense.
- Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul, stretching out his hand, began his defense.
Acts.26.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Περι: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εγκαλουμαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,1,sg
- υπο: PREP
- Ιουδαιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- βασιλευ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- Αγριππα: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ηγημαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- εμαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- μακαριον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- μελλων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- σημερον: ADV
- απολογεισθαι: VERB,pres,midd,inf
Parallels
- Acts 22:1 (structural): Another recorded occasion where Paul formally begins a defence speech to a hostile Jewish audience — similar opening move of addressing accusers/audience and framing a personal defence.
- Acts 24:10 (structural): Paul’s formal defence before Governor Felix follows the same courtroom pattern (an address followed by a statement ‘concerning the things of which I am accused’), paralleling the legal/apologetic setting of Acts 26:2.
- Acts 25:11 (thematic): Paul’s insistence on his legal rights (his appeal to Caesar) highlights the same courtroom/legal strategy and context that lead to his personal defence before Agrippa in Acts 26.
- Luke 12:11–12 (thematic): Jesus’ promise that the Spirit will give words when one is brought before rulers resonates with the larger theme of providential/Spirit-guided speech in hostile legal settings exemplified by Paul’s address to Agrippa.
Alternative generated candidates
- “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that today I am to make my defense before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews,
- “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning everything of which I am accused by the Jews,
Acts.26.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μαλιστα: ADV
- γνωστην: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- οντα: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,m
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- κατα: PREP
- Ιουδαιους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εθων: NOUN,gen,pl,neut
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ζητηματων·διο: NOUN,gen,pl,neut
- δεομαι: VERB,pres,mid/dep,ind,1,sg
- μακροθυμως: ADV
- ακουσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- Acts 22:1 (structural): Paul's opening appeal to an audience to hear his defense—both verses begin Paul's formal courtroom/speech address and ask for attentive hearing.
- Acts 23:6 (thematic): Paul invokes intra‑Jewish controversies (hope/resurrection) as the basis of dispute—parallels 26:3's reference to 'customs and questions among the Jews' that frame his defense.
- Acts 25:16 (thematic): An appeal to recognized legal/customary procedure in a trial setting—25:16 cites Roman trial custom, while 26:3 appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish customs and controversies.
- Acts 24:10 (structural): Paul's formal defense before a Roman official (Felix) where he asks to explain his actions and beliefs—parallel courtroom/speech context and request for being heard patiently.
Alternative generated candidates
- especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
- especially because you are expert in all the customs and questions among the Jews. I therefore beg you to listen to me patiently.
Acts.26.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μεν: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- βιωσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εκ: PREP
- νεοτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- απ᾽αρχης: PREP
- γενομενην: VERB,aor,mid,part,acc,f,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- εθνει: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- τε: CONJ
- Ιεροσολυμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- ισασι: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- Ιουδαιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 22:3 (verbal): Paul there recounts his background (born a Jew, educated in Jerusalem under Gamaliel), paralleling Acts 26:4's claim that all the Jews in Jerusalem know his life from youth.
- Acts 26:5 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same defense speech—verse 5 expands the point in 26:4 by naming Paul's credentials and early life within the nation.
- Philippians 3:5 (thematic): Paul emphasizes Jewish identity and origins from birth (circumcised on the eighth day, of Israel/tribe of Benjamin), echoing Acts 26:4's focus on his lifelong Jewish upbringing.
- Galatians 1:13 (thematic): Paul summarizes his former way of life 'in Judaism'—a thematic parallel to Acts 26:4's claim that his life from youth among his people in Jerusalem was well known.
- Acts 23:6 (verbal): Paul's declaration 'I am a Pharisee' and appeal to internal Jewish disagreements recalls the emphasis in 26:4 on his identity and recognized life within the Jewish community.
Alternative generated candidates
- “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, is well known to all the Jews.
- “My manner of life from my youth, both at home and also among the Jews at large, was spent among my nation and in Jerusalem, where they know me well.
Acts.26.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προγινωσκοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ανωθεν: ADV
- εαν: CONJ
- θελωσι: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- μαρτυρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- οτι: CONJ
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ακριβεστατην: ADJ,acc,sg,f,supr
- αιρεσιν: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ημετερας: ADJ,gen,sg,f,poss
- θρησκειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εζησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- Φαρισαιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 26:4 (structural): Immediate context: Paul begins the same thought—speaking of his life from youth and his observance of Judaism, of which verse 5 is the direct continuation.
- Acts 22:3 (verbal): Paul’s earlier defense: he was 'brought up' and 'educated at the feet of Gamaliel' and 'strictly according to the law of our fathers,' echoing the language of strict Pharisaic observance.
- Acts 23:6 (verbal): Paul declares 'I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees'—a parallel assertion of Pharisaic identity used in a legal/defensive setting.
- Philippians 3:5 (verbal): Paul’s self-description 'as to the law a Pharisee' (even 'of the Pharisees' in some readings) parallels the emphasis on his Pharisaic credentials and strictness.
- Galatians 1:13 (thematic): Paul summarizes his pre-conversion life—persecuting the church—underscoring the seriousness of his former commitment to Jewish (Pharisaic) practice, a thematic counterpart to Acts 26:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
- They have known from the beginning—if they are willing to testify—that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Acts.26.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- νυν: ADV
- επ᾽ελπιδι: PREP+NOUN,dat,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- πατερας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- επαγγελιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- γενομενης: VERB,aor,mid,part,gen,sg,f
- υπο: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εστηκα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- κρινομενος: PART,pres,pass,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 13:32 (verbal): Paul elsewhere uses almost the same formula—'the promise which was made to the fathers'—to link the proclamation of the gospel directly to the promise given to Israel's ancestors.
- Acts 3:25 (thematic): Peter speaks of the covenant/promises made to the fathers (Abraham) as the basis for God's unfolding plan, paralleling Paul's appeal to the ancestral promise as his cause.
- Galatians 3:16 (allusion): Paul interprets the promises given to Abraham and 'his seed' as messianic and covenantal; this theological reading underlies his claim that his hope rests on the promises to the fathers.
- Romans 15:8–9 (thematic): Paul explains Christ's ministry as confirming the promises made to the patriarchs—the same promise-history that Paul invokes in his defense before Agrippa.
- Hebrews 6:13–18 (thematic): The writer cites God's promise and oath to Abraham to demonstrate the certainty of God's word and the resulting hope—paralleling the emphasis in Acts 26 on hope grounded in God's promises to the fathers.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now I stand on trial because of the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,
- And now I stand here on trial because of the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,
Acts.26.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δωδεκαφυλον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εν: PREP
- εκτενεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- νυκτα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ημεραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λατρευον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- ελπιζει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- καταντησαι·περι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- ελπιδος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εγκαλουμαι: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,sg
- υπο: PREP
- Ιουδαιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- βασιλευ·: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 26:6 (structural): Immediate continuation in Paul's defense — he links his present trial directly to 'the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,' the same hope referenced in v.7.
- Acts 24:14-15 (verbal): Paul's earlier defense before Felix: he affirms his hope in God and explicitly mentions a future resurrection of both righteous and wicked, echoing the theme and language of Acts 26:7.
- Acts 23:6 (verbal): Paul declares he is a Pharisee and stands on 'the hope and resurrection of the dead,' the same doctrinal point that provokes Jewish opposition in Acts 26:7.
- Daniel 12:2 (allusion): An Old Testament prophecy of a general resurrection ('many of those who sleep in the dust...'), which undergirds the Jewish hope Paul cites as the basis of his accusation.
- Isaiah 26:19 (allusion): Speaks of the dead living again and rising — an OT expression of hope in vindication and life after death that parallels the hope Paul attributes to the twelve tribes.
Alternative generated candidates
- to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. Concerning this hope, O king, I am accused by the Jews.
- of which our twelve tribes hope to attain—their worship and service night and day—hoping to attain that hope. For this hope, O King, I am accused by Jews.
Acts.26.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- απιστον: ADJ,gen,sg,n
- κρινεται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- παρ᾽υμιν: PREP+PRON,dat,pl,2
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- νεκρους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εγειρει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 24:15 (structural): In his earlier defense Paul explicitly states his hope in God and belief in a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked—same claim repeated here and part of the larger argumentative structure in Acts.
- Luke 20:27-38 (thematic): The Sadducees’ denial of resurrection and Jesus’ reply that God is God of the living (not the dead) addresses the same issue of disbelief about God’s raising of the dead that Paul challenges in Acts 26:8.
- 1 Corinthians 15:12-14 (thematic): Paul confronts those who say there is no resurrection and argues that Christ’s rising is essential—parallels the problem of incredulity about resurrection raised in Acts 26:8.
- Hebrews 11:17-19 (verbal): Abraham’s faith that God could even raise Isaac from the dead uses language and the conviction that God raises the dead, echoing Paul’s rhetorical question about God’s power to raise the dead.
- Isaiah 26:19 (allusion): An Old Testament promise that the dead will live and their bodies rise; this prophetic hope undergirds Jewish belief in resurrection and supports Paul’s claim that God raises the dead.
Alternative generated candidates
- Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
- Why is it thought incredible among you that God raises the dead?
Acts.26.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- μεν: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- εδοξα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εμαυτω: PRON,dat,sg,1
- προς: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ονομα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Ναζωραιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- πολλα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- εναντια: ADV
- πραξαι·: VERB,aor,act,inf,-,-
Parallels
- Acts 22:4 (verbal): Paul earlier recounts his own violent persecution of 'this Way,' binding and delivering both men and women to prison—same personal claim about opposing the followers of Jesus.
- Acts 9:1 (thematic): Describes Saul (Paul) 'breathing threats and murder' against the disciples of the Lord before his Damascus-road encounter, situating Acts 26:9 within the broader narrative of pre-conversion hostility to Jesus' followers.
- Galatians 1:13-14 (thematic): Paul's autobiographical summary that he once 'persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it' echoes the same thrust of Acts 26:9—active opposition to the name/people of Jesus prior to conversion.
- Philippians 3:6 (thematic): Paul speaks of his pre-conversion zeal as a 'persecutor of the church,' paralleling Acts 26:9's emphasis on his former antagonism toward Jesus' movement.
- 1 Corinthians 15:9 (thematic): Paul's admission 'I persecuted the church of God' reinforces the motif in Acts 26:9 of Paul having actively worked against the followers of Jesus before his transformation.
Alternative generated candidates
- “I myself thought that I had to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
- “I myself indeed thought that I ought to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts.26.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εποιησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- Ιεροσολυμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- πολλους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αγιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- φυλακαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- κατεκλεισα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- παρα: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αρχιερεων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- εξουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λαβων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- αναιρουμενων: VERB,pres,mid,ptcp,gen,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- κατηνεγκα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- ψηφον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 8:3 (verbal): Describes Saul ravaging the church, dragging off men and women and committing them to prison — parallels the claim ‘I imprisoned many of the saints.’
- Acts 22:4 (verbal): In Paul's earlier defense he repeats the same assertion that he persecuted the Way, imprisoned many of the saints and cast his vote against them — a near‑verbatim parallel to Acts 26:10.
- Acts 9:1–2 (structural): Reports Saul obtaining letters from the chief priests to arrest followers in Damascus — parallels Acts 26:10’s reference to having received authority from the chief priests.
- Acts 7:58–8:1 (thematic): Account of Stephen’s stoning, with witnesses laying down garments at Saul’s feet and Saul consenting to his death — connects to Paul’s role in approving executions mentioned in Acts 26:10.
- Galatians 1:13 (thematic): Paul’s autobiographical statement that he formerly persecuted the church and tried to destroy it echoes Acts’ depiction of him imprisoning and opposing Christians.
Alternative generated candidates
- This I did in Jerusalem. I shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were being put to death I gave my vote against them.
- And I did so in Jerusalem; I shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
Acts.26.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- κατα: PREP
- πασας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- συναγωγας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- πολλακις: ADV
- τιμωρων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ηναγκαζον: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,sg
- βλασφημειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- περισσως: ADV
- τε: CONJ
- εμμαινομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- εδιωκον: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,sg
- εως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- εξω: ADV
- πολεις: NOUN,acc,pl,f
Parallels
- Acts 9:1-2 (verbal): Pre-conversion account of Saul 'breathing threats and slaughter' and obtaining letters to Damascus to arrest followers of 'the Way'—a close narrative parallel to Acts 26:11's report of punishing in synagogues and pursuing believers to foreign cities.
- Acts 8:3 (thematic): Reports that 'Saul made havoc of the church, entering every house, and haling men and women to prison,' echoing the violent, synagogue-centered persecution described in Acts 26:11.
- Acts 22:4-5 (verbal): Paul's earlier defense recounts persecuting 'this way' unto death and binding men and women, a verbally and structurally parallel recounting of the same persecutions narrated in Acts 26:11.
- Galatians 1:13-14 (verbal): Paul's autobiographical summary—'I persecuted the church of God beyond measure'—parallels Acts 26:11 by affirming his former zealous persecution of Christians.
- 1 Corinthians 15:9 (thematic): Paul's self-description as 'the least of the apostles' because he persecuted the church relates thematically to Acts 26:11's depiction of his intense hostility and pursuit of believers before his conversion.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
- And I punished them often in all the synagogues and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them I pursued them even to foreign cities.
Acts.26.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- πορευομενος: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- Δαμασκον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μετ᾽εξουσιας: PREP,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- επιτροπης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αρχιερεων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 9:1–2 (verbal): Luke’s earlier narrative of Saul obtaining letters/authority from the high priest to go to Damascus to arrest Christians—near-verbal parallel to the wording in Acts 26:12.
- Acts 22:4–6 (verbal): Paul’s account before the Jerusalem crowd repeats the Damascus-journey motif, including travel to Damascus with authority/commission from the Jewish leaders—closely parallels Acts 26:12.
- Acts 8:1–3 (thematic): Describes Saul’s active persecution of the church (consent to Stephen’s death; ravaging the church), providing thematic background for his authorized mission to Damascus.
- Acts 23:12–15 (thematic): Records a Jewish conspiracy to kill Paul and involvement of Jewish leaders in plotting against him—thematic parallel showing the role of the chief priests/authorities in sanctioning hostile actions against Christians.
Alternative generated candidates
- “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
- “While thus engaged, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
Acts.26.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- μεσης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ειδον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- βασιλευ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ουρανοθεν: ADV
- υπερ: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- λαμπροτητα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ηλιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- περιλαμψαν: VERB,aor,act,part,acc,sg,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- συν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- πορευομενους·: VERB,pres,mid,part,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 9:3-9 (verbal): Direct parallel account of Paul's conversion: a light from heaven brighter than the sun surrounds him, he falls to the ground and hears a voice — same core details as in Acts 26:13.
- Acts 22:6-11 (verbal): Another near-verbatim retelling by Paul before a different audience; repeats the motif of a heavenly light and companions seeing the phenomenon.
- Matthew 17:2 (thematic): The Transfiguration: Jesus' face and garments become dazzlingly bright. The theme of supernatural radiance signaling divine presence parallels the heavenly light in Paul's vision.
- Exodus 34:29-35 (allusion): Moses' face shines after an encounter with God. The OT motif of radiance as the visible effect of divine presence provides a background for interpreting Paul's luminous vision.
Alternative generated candidates
- at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round about me and those with me.
- at midday, O King, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round about me and those who were with me.
Acts.26.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- καταπεσοντων: VERB,aor,act,ptc,gen,pl,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ηκουσα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λεγουσαν: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- Εβραιδι: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- διαλεκτω·Σαουλ: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- Σαουλ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- διωκεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- σκληρον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- προς: PREP
- κεντρα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- λακτιζειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 9:4-5 (verbal): Direct retelling of Paul's Damascus-road encounter with virtually the same words ('Saul, Saul... why do you persecute me?') and the 'kick against the goads' proverb.
- Acts 22:7-8 (verbal): Paul's earlier speech in Jerusalem recounts the same vision with the same vocabulary and the 'goads' image—another near‑verbatim account of the event.
- Luke 10:16 (thematic): Jesus teaches that rejecting his messengers is equivalent to rejecting him ('He who hears you hears me; he who rejects you rejects me'), paralleling the identification of persecuting Christians with persecuting Christ in Acts 26:14.
- Matthew 25:40 (thematic): The judgment scene links treatment of Christ's 'brothers' to treatment of Christ himself ('inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'), echoing the theme that persecuting followers = persecuting Jesus.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue, saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
- And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Acts.26.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- ειπα·Τις: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- κυριε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ειπεν·Εγω: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- διωκεις·: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- Acts 9:5 (verbal): Parallel account of Paul's Damascus-road encounter; virtually identical question-and-answer: 'Who are you, Lord?' — 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.'
- Acts 22:8 (verbal): Paul's third retelling of the Damascus-road vision in Jerusalem; repeats the same exchange and identification of Jesus as the one being persecuted.
- Galatians 1:15-16 (thematic): Paul recounts God's revelation of his Son and notes his former role in persecuting the church—connects the theme of persecuting Christ and being directly revealed to him.
- John 18:5-6 (thematic): Jesus' divine self-identification with the phrase 'I am' (Greek ego eimi); thematically related as a direct revelation of Jesus' identity to individuals confronted by him.
Alternative generated candidates
- “And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
- And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
Acts.26.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- αναστηθι: VERB,aor,mid,imp,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- στηθι: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- επι: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ποδας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- σου·εις: PRON,gen,sg,2
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- ωφθην: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- προχειρισασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- υπηρετην: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- μαρτυρα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- ειδες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- οφθησομαι: VERB,fut,pass,ind,1,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
Parallels
- Acts 9:15-16 (quotation): The Lord’s commission of Paul as a chosen instrument to carry his name before Gentiles, kings, and Israel and to suffer echoes the purpose language of Acts 26:16.
- Acts 22:14-15 (verbal): Paul’s later recounting of his call closely parallels Acts 26:16 almost verbatim—being chosen to know God’s will and to be a witness of what he has seen and heard.
- Acts 9:4-6 (structural): The Damascus‑road appearance includes the command to ‘get up’/‘arise’ and the directive to go where one will be told what to do, paralleling the imperative to stand and the commissioning in 26:16.
- Galatians 1:15-16 (thematic): Paul describes his divine calling and revelation, singled out by God to reveal his Son to him and to preach among the Gentiles—thematically parallel to being appointed a minister and witness.
- 1 Timothy 1:12-16 (thematic): Paul reflects on being appointed and shown mercy to be an example and a preacher of Christ to sinners, resonating with Acts 26:16’s emphasis on divine appointment and witness.
Alternative generated candidates
- But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you have seen me and of the things in which I will appear to you.
- But rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you as a servant and a witness of the things you have seen and of the things I will reveal to you.
Acts.26.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εξαιρουμενος: PART,nom,sg,m
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- λαου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εκ: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εθνων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- εις: PREP
- ους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- αποστελλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
Parallels
- Acts 22:21 (quotation): Paul again recounts the same divine commissioning—'Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles'—using language nearly identical to Acts 26:17.
- Acts 9:15 (verbal): Ananias is told that Saul is 'a chosen vessel...to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel,' paralleling the calling and sending to the Gentiles in Acts 26:17.
- Galatians 1:15-16 (thematic): Paul describes his divine calling 'to reveal his Son...that I might preach him among the Gentiles,' thematically aligning with being delivered and sent to the Gentiles.
- Isaiah 49:6 (allusion): The servant is commissioned to be 'a light to the nations'—an OT foundation for mission to the Gentiles that undergirds Acts' portrayal of Paul’s sending.
- Acts 13:47 (quotation): Paul and Barnabas cite Isaiah ('I have made you a light for the Gentiles') to justify mission to the Gentiles, directly relating to the sending motif in Acts 26:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- Delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,
- I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I now send you—
Acts.26.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ανοιξαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- οφθαλμους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- επιστρεψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- απο: PREP
- σκοτους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εις: PREP
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εξουσιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Σατανα: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- λαβειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- αφεσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αμαρτιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- κληρον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ηγιασμενοις: VERB,perf,pass,part,dat,pl,m
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- εμε: PRON,acc,sg,1
Parallels
- Colossians 1:13 (verbal): Speaks of God rescuing/transferring believers from the 'domain of darkness' into his kingdom—parallels 'turn from darkness to light' and from Satan's power to God.
- Ephesians 5:8 (thematic): Contrasts former state of darkness with present life as 'children of light,' echoing the conversion from darkness to light in Acts 26:18.
- John 12:46 (thematic): Jesus as light coming into the world so believers 'may not remain in darkness'—the light/darkness motif aligns with the verse's conversion imagery.
- Acts 10:43 (verbal): Declares that 'everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins,' directly paralleling the promise of 'receiving forgiveness of sins' in Acts 26:18.
- Romans 8:17 (structural): Describes believers as heirs with Christ—parallels the promise of an 'inheritance' among the sanctified mentioned in Acts 26:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in me.’
- to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
Acts.26.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οθεν: ADV
- βασιλευ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- Αγριππα: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εγενομην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- απειθης: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ουρανιω: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- οπτασια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 26:16-18 (structural): Immediate context: the risen Lord's commission to Paul (stand up, be a witness, send to Gentiles, open eyes) to which Paul here declares he was not disobedient.
- Acts 22:10-21 (verbal): Paul's earlier retelling of the Damascus revelation and commission to preach to the Gentiles; parallels in the vision, the Lord's instructions, and Paul's account of responding to that heavenly mandate.
- Acts 9:15-16 (allusion): The Lord's declaration to Ananias that Saul is a chosen 'vessel' to bear Christ's name to Gentiles and kings — the divine commissioning that explains why Paul was obedient to the heavenly vision.
- Galatians 1:15-16 (thematic): Paul emphasizes being set apart and called by revelation to reveal Christ to the Gentiles, echoing the theme of divine commissioning and his faithful response to that heavenly call.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
- “Wherefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
Acts.26.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εν: PREP
- Δαμασκω: PROPN,dat,sg,f
- πρωτον: ADV
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- Ιεροσολυμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- πασαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- τε: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χωραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Ιουδαιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εθνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- απηγγελλον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- μετανοειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- και: CONJ
- επιστρεφειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- επι: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αξια: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- μετανοιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εργα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- πρασσοντας: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 20:21 (verbal): Paul summarizes his ministry as “testifying to Jews and Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” closely matching Acts 26:20’s charge to preach repentance and turning to God to both Jews and Gentiles.
- Luke 3:8 (verbal): John the Baptist’s demand to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” parallels Acts 26:20’s call to perform “deeds worthy of repentance” (similar wording and ethical emphasis).
- Acts 3:19 (verbal): “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out” echoes the language of turning to God and repentance found in Acts 26:20.
- Acts 17:30 (thematic): “God...commands all people everywhere to repent” underscores the universal scope of the repentance summons in Acts 26:20, which includes proclamation to the nations.
- Joel 2:12-13 (allusion): The prophetic call to “return to me with all your heart” and to turn to the Lord provides an Old Testament background for the NT imperative to repent and turn to God reflected in Acts 26:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- but declared first to those at Damascus and at Jerusalem, and throughout all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of repentance.
- but declared first to those at Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds worthy of repentance.
Acts.26.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ενεκα: PREP
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- Ιουδαιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- συλλαβομενοι: PART,pres,mid,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ιερω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- επειρωντο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,pl
- διαχειρισασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
Parallels
- Acts 21:27-33 (structural): The narrative account of the same episode: Jews seize Paul in the temple, triggering a riot and his arrest.
- Acts 22:22-23 (verbal): Paul's prior defense recounts the crowd's violent reaction and their attempt to kill him—similar language and event.
- Acts 23:12-15 (thematic): A conspiracy by more than forty men to ambush and kill Paul—continuation of hostile efforts against him by Jewish opponents.
- John 11:53 (thematic): The Jewish leaders' decision to plot Jesus' death; thematically parallels Jewish authorities' resort to lethal plots against perceived threats to order.
Alternative generated candidates
- For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and attempted to kill me.
- For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
Acts.26.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επικουριας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ουν: CONJ
- τυχων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- απο: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αχρι: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ταυτης: DEM,gen,sg,f
- εστηκα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- μαρτυρομενος: PART,pres,mp,nom,sg,m
- μικρω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- μεγαλω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- εκτος: PREP
- λεγων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,m,sg
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- προφηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ελαλησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- μελλοντων: PART,pres,act,gen,pl,n
- γινεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- και: CONJ
- Μωυσης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 24:14-15 (thematic): Paul describes his belief in 'the way' and in what is written in the Law and the Prophets, and his hope in the resurrection — parallels his claim here that he has testified only what the prophets and Moses foretold.
- Acts 3:18 (allusion): Peter says that God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets that the Messiah would suffer; connects with Paul’s appeal to prophets’ predictions as the content of his witness.
- Luke 24:27 (structural): Jesus 'interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself,' showing the same pattern of deriving present events from the testimony of Moses and the Prophets that Paul asserts he has preached.
- Luke 24:44 (quotation): Jesus states that everything written in the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled concerning him, paralleling Paul's claim that his testimony aligns with what Moses and the prophets said would happen.
- Acts 26:20 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel: Paul summarizes the content of his proclamation—repentance, turning to God, and deeds in keeping with repentance—which he presents in 26:22 as consonant with what the prophets and Moses foretold.
Alternative generated candidates
- Having obtained help from God, I stand to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come,
- Having therefore obtained help from God, I continue to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said would come:
Acts.26.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- παθητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- πρωτος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εξ: PREP
- αναστασεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- νεκρων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μελλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- καταγγελλειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- λαω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εθνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
Parallels
- Acts 17:3 (verbal): Paul in Thessalonica uses virtually the same formula: explaining that the Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead (ὅτι ὁ Χριστὸς δεῖ παθεῖν καὶ ἀναστῆναι).
- Luke 24:46 (quotation): Jesus (to the disciples) summarizes fulfillment of Scripture: 'Thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,' paralleling the necessity of suffering and resurrection.
- 1 Corinthians 15:20 (verbal): Paul calls Christ the 'firstfruits' of those raised (Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται... ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων), paralleling Acts’ claim that Christ would be first from the dead.
- Acts 13:47 (quotation): Paul cites the Lord’s commission—'I have made you a light for the Gentiles'—directly paralleling Acts 26:23's promise to proclaim light to the people and the nations.
- Isaiah 49:6 (allusion): The prophecy of Zion as 'a light for the nations' underlies the Gentile mission language in Acts 26:23, providing the Old Testament basis for proclaiming light to the Gentiles.
Alternative generated candidates
- that the Christ must suffer, and that by reason of his resurrection from the dead he should be the first to proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.”
- that the Christ must suffer, and that by his resurrection from the dead he is the first to proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
Acts.26.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ταυτα: PRON,nom,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- απολογουμενου: VERB,pres,mid,part,gen,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Φηστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μεγαλη: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- φωνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- φησιν·Μαινη: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- Παυλε·τα: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- πολλα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- γραμματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- εις: PREP
- μανιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,fem
- περιτρεπει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 17:18 (thematic): In Athens Epicurean and Stoic listeners react to Paul's preaching with derision (calling him a 'babbler' etc.), a similar dismissive response to his message as 'madness'.
- Mark 3:21 (verbal): When Jesus' family thinks him out of his mind they say, 'He is beside himself' (Greek similar to being 'mad'), paralleling Festus' blunt charge of madness.
- 2 Corinthians 5:13 (verbal): Paul acknowledges that if he appears 'beside himself' it is for God—an explicit Pauline response to being regarded as mad for his ministry, thematically linked to Acts 26:24.
- 1 Samuel 21:13 (thematic): David's feigning of madness before Achish invokes the motif of perceived madness as a social/religious response or accusation, echoing the episode of being judged 'mad' in Acts 26.
Alternative generated candidates
- While he was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; much learning is driving you mad!”
- As he was saying these things in his defense, Festus shouted with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; too much learning is driving you mad!”
Acts.26.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Παυλος·Ου: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μαινομαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,1,sg
- φησιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κρατιστε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- Φηστε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- αληθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- σωφροσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ρηματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- αποφθεγγομαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Acts 26:24 (structural): Immediate context: Festus interrupts saying Paul is mad, to which Paul replies in 26:25 that he is not mad—direct conversational contrast.
- 2 Corinthians 11:16 (thematic): Paul defends against charges of folly or madness ('let no one think us fools'), parallel to his insistence here that he is not mad and speaks soberly.
- Galatians 1:11-12 (thematic): Paul asserts the divine origin and truth of his gospel (not from men), paralleling his claim in Acts 26:25 to be speaking truth rather than madness.
- Acts 24:25 (verbal): Felix listens to Paul 'speaking about righteousness and self-control (ἐγκράτεια)'—lexical/thematic overlap with Acts 26:25's claim to speak words of truth and σωφροσύνη (sobriety/self-control).
- Ephesians 4:15 (thematic): 'Speaking the truth in love' parallels the idea of conveying truth with proper demeanour—truth coupled with sober, measured speech as Paul claims in Acts 26:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Paul said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but I speak true and reasonable words.
- But Paul said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus; rather I speak words of sober truth and reason.
Acts.26.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επισταται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- περι: PREP
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- βασιλευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- παρρησιαζομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- λαλω·λανθανειν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ου: PART,neg
- πειθομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- ουθεν: ADV
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- γωνια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- πεπραγμενον: PART,perf,pas,nom,sg,n
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- Luke 12:2-3 (verbal): Same idea and similar wording: 'There is nothing covered that will not be revealed...what you have said in the dark will be heard in the light,' echoing Paul's claim that these things are not hidden.
- Matthew 10:26 (verbal): Parallel teaching: 'Nothing is covered that will not be revealed,' reflecting the theme of disclosure rather than secrecy found in Acts 26:26.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 (thematic): Paul's statement about hidden matters being revealed at the Lord's coming ('everything will be brought to light'), paralleling the conviction that nothing stays hidden.
- Acts 26:25 (structural): Immediate courtroom context and Paul's boldness before officials ('I am not mad... I speak the words of truth'), closely connected to his address to the king in v.26.
- Psalm 139:1-4 (thematic): Theme of full knowledge ('O Lord, you have searched me and known me; you discern my thoughts'), resonating with the assertion that the king already knows these matters.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the king knows of these things, to whom I speak boldly; for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner.
- For the king knows of these matters, before whom I also speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of this has been hidden from him, for this was not done in a corner.
Acts.26.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πιστευεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- βασιλευ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- Αγριππα: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- προφηταις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- οιδα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- πιστευεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- Luke 24:25-27 (verbal): Jesus rebukes the disciples for being slow to 'believe all that the prophets have spoken' and then explains how the Scriptures (the prophets) point to the Messiah—language and appeal to 'the prophets' and πιστεύειν echo Acts 26:27.
- Acts 3:18,24 (quotation): Peter declares that what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets was the coming days of the Messiah; like Paul, he appeals to the unified witness of the prophets to confront Jewish hearers.
- Romans 1:2 (thematic): Paul says the gospel was 'promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures,' linking belief in the prophets with acceptance of the gospel message he proclaims to Agrippa.
- 1 Peter 1:10-12 (allusion): Peter speaks of prophets who searched and prophesied about the grace to come (the sufferings and subsequent glories of Christ), reflecting the same conviction that the prophets bore witness to the Messiah Paul cites.
Alternative generated candidates
- King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.”
- King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
Acts.26.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Αγριππας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Παυλον·Εν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ολιγω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- πειθεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- Χριστιανον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 26:29 (structural): Immediate reply of Paul to Agrippa’s remark—continuation of the same exchange and clarifies Paul’s desire that Agrippa be truly persuaded.
- Acts 24:24-25 (thematic): Felix hears Paul speak about faith and righteousness and is 'trembled' but postpones decision—a magistrate’s emotionally moved yet noncommittal response parallels Agrippa’s near-persuasion.
- Luke 8:13 (thematic): The parable’s description of hearers who receive the word with joy but have no root and fall away resonates with the idea of being 'almost' persuaded but not genuinely converted.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 (verbal): Paul’s evangelistic self-understanding—'knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men'—connects to the theme of persuasion present in his defense before Agrippa.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.”
- And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time you have persuaded me to become a Christian.”
Acts.26.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Παυλος·Ευξαιμην: NOUN,nom,sg,m; VERB,opt,mid,1,sg
- αν: PART
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- ολιγω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- μεγαλω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ακουοντας: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- σημερον: ADV
- γενεσθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- τοιουτους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- οποιος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- παρεκτος: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- δεσμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (verbal): Paul's exhortation 'Be ye followers of me' mirrors his desire in Acts 26:29 that his listeners become like him.
- Philippians 3:17 (verbal): 'Brethren, be followers together of me' — another Pauline appeal for others to imitate his example, echoing the wish expressed to Agrippa and the audience.
- Romans 10:1 (thematic): Paul's 'heart's desire and prayer to God' for Israel's salvation parallels the earnest wish in Acts 26:29 that those hearing him would be saved/become like him.
- Romans 9:3 (thematic): An intense Pauline wish ('I could wish that I were accursed...') parallels the forceful 'Would to God' language expressing deep desire for others' benefit.
- Acts 21:13 (structural): Paul's readiness 'not to be bound only, but also to die' at Jerusalem relates to Acts 26:29's qualifying phrase 'except these bonds,' linking his imprisonment to his witness and wish for others.
Alternative generated candidates
- Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me this day, were such as I am—except for these chains.”
- Paul replied, “I wish to God that whether in a short or long time, not only you but all who hear me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Acts.26.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ανεστη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- βασιλευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ηγεμων: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- τε: CONJ
- Βερνικη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- συγκαθημενοι: PART,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
Parallels
- Acts 25:23 (structural): Same courtroom scene in Caesarea with King Agrippa and Bernice present — description of their arrival and seating prior to hearing Paul's case (same characters and setting).
- Acts 26:1 (structural): Immediate context: Paul begins his defense before Agrippa and the assembled officials — the same trial episode of which 26:30 is the conclusion.
- Acts 24:10 (thematic): Paul's defense before the Roman governor Felix — a parallel instance of Paul addressing Roman authorities and making a legal/defensive speech.
- Acts 12:21-23 (thematic): Herod appears before an assembled crowd and sits on the judgment-seat to address them — parallels the motif of a ruler presiding over a public audience and the formal standing/sitting of officials.
- Luke 23:13-16 (thematic): Pilate assembling the chief priests and the people to pronounce judgment on Jesus — another example of a Roman governor and civic/official assembly in a judicial setting, echoing the courtly context of Acts 26:30.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king rose, and the governor and Bernice, and those who sat with them;
- The king rose up, and the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them.
Acts.26.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- αναχωρησαντες: PART,aor,act,nom,pl,m
- ελαλουν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- προς: PREP
- αλληλους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- λεγοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,masc
- οτι: CONJ
- Ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- θανατου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δεσμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- αξιον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- πρασσει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 23:4 (verbal): Pilate's declaration that he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus parallels the officials' verdict here that Paul has done nothing deserving of death or chains (both deny legal guilt).
- John 18:38 (verbal): Pilate's statement 'I find no basis for a charge against him' echoes the same judicial judgement language of innocence found in Acts 26:31.
- Acts 18:14-16 (structural): Gallio's refusal to entertain the Jews' complaint against Paul (seeing it as a dispute about words) parallels the Roman/official conclusion that the case against Paul was not worthy of formal punishment.
- Acts 25:25 (structural): Festus' decision to send Paul to Caesar because there was no clear charge to write about reflects the same official uncertainty about condemning Paul seen in Acts 26:31.
- Matthew 27:24 (thematic): Pilate's protest of innocence ('I am innocent of this man's blood') thematically matches the motif of Roman officials distancing themselves from a condemned man and acknowledging lack of guilt or just cause.
Alternative generated candidates
- and when they had withdrawn, they conferred among themselves, saying, “This man has done nothing deserving of death or imprisonment.”
- And when they had withdrawn, they conferred with one another, saying, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or of imprisonment.”
Acts.26.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αγριππας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Φηστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- εφη·Απολελυσθαι: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg+VERB,perf,mid/pass,inf
- εδυνατο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- επεκεκλητο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- Καισαρα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 25:11 (verbal): Paul's explicit appeal to Caesar – the same legal act that Agrippa says prevented Paul's release ('I appeal to Caesar').
- Acts 25:12 (structural): Festus's response and decision to send Paul to Caesar ('to Caesar you shall go') is the immediate narrative parallel explaining the procedural outcome referenced by Agrippa.
- Acts 22:25-29 (thematic): Paul's invocation of his Roman citizenship to avoid scourging illustrates the broader theme of Roman legal rights and protections that underlie his appeal to Caesar.
- Acts 27:1-2 (structural): The account of Paul's subsequent transfer and voyage toward Rome shows the concrete consequence of the appeal to Caesar that Agrippa mentions as the reason Paul could not be released.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
- And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
On the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came in with great ceremony and entered the audience hall with the commanders and leading men of the city; and at Festus’s command Paul was brought in.
Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews appealed to Caesar—both by their petition and by their accusations against him, which they brought to me.
I resolved to send him to Rome, because I intended to have justice done in regard to these things; but I found it necessary to summon the king to hear the matter more exactly.” So Agrippa and Bernice entered, and having sat down in the place of judgment with Festus, Festus said, “King Agrippa, here are the facts. It is not a matter of sedition among your people or of a disturbance of the law; nor have I found this man guilty of any crime deserving death. But because he appealed to be tried before Caesar, I decided to send him, and I have nothing definite to write to the emperor about him.
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.
“I consider myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall make my defense before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews,
especially because you are expert in all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known to all the Jews.
They have known for a long time—if they are willing to testify—that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,
to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, earnestly serving God night and day. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
“I myself thought I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this I did in Jerusalem; I shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
“While thus engaged, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
at midday, King, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who were with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew tongue, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”
“And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things in which I will appear to you.
I will deliver you from your people and from the Gentiles, to whom now I send you,
to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
For these causes the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would come;
that the Christ must suffer, and that by reason of him, both first to the Jews and also to the Gentiles, repentance and remission of sins should be proclaimed.
While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus cried out with a loud voice, “You are mad, Paul! Much learning is driving you mad.” But Paul said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but I speak words of sober truth and reason.
For the king knows about these things; to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner.
King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.” But Paul said, “I would to God that whether quickly or slowly not only you but also all who hear me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
The king rose up, and the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them. And as they were going aside, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man is doing nothing that deserves death or imprisonment.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed to Caesar.”