They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.
Paul stood silent until given leave to speak, for the best speakers are not the most forward. Here Agrippa granted him what the Jews would scarcely allow: full liberty to answer for himself. His stretched hand showed no fear, only earnestness and command of himself; he needed no advocate, but only the chance to honour his cause by defending it plainly.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 26:1-11
Which knew me from the beginning,.... From his youth, from his first coming to Jerusalem: if they would testify; what they know, and speak out the truth of things, they must say, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee; there were three sects of religion among the Jews, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes; the first of these was the...
Verse 5. Which knew me. Who were well acquainted with me. From the beginning. ανωθεν. Formerly, or from the very commencement of my career. Who were perfectly apprized of my whole course. If they would testify. If they would bear witness to what they knew. That after the most straitest.