“My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
Paul first clears away the fog of false report and evil opinion so he can be heard with unprejudiced ears, when a sinister suspicion takes hold, men's minds shut tight against everything else. He does not dwell long on his own innocence but moves swiftly to what matters: the resurrection, and his standing as a Pharisee, which he reckoned the strictest sect not for piety but for doctrinal learning and the claim to Scripture's secret meaning.
AI summary
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
From youth onward his life was known to all, born in Tarsus but sent early to Jerusalem for education under Gamaliel, spending his formative years among the learned teachers and their disciples. His conduct was on open display, observable to any who knew him in that city.
AI summary