Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
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
Paul stretched out his hand as orators do, a natural gesture when the loose robe left his arm free. He spoke with three aims: to clear his name and win Agrippa's testimony against Jewish anger, to give the emperor a fair account of the case, and to defend his conversion and preach Christ itself, hoping his hearers might turn to God.
AI summary
God's providence opened Paul's mouth before a king trained in Scripture and law, giving him both liberty to speak and ability to persuade. The Holy Spirit worked so powerfully that Paul captivated not just their ears but their consciences, nearly turning Agrippa himself to Christ.
AI summary