I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Paul does not merely excuse himself but turns his speech toward doctrine, knowing Festus cares nothing for law and prophets. He appeals to Agrippa instead, hoping for a king attentive to Jewish religion and skilled to judge rightly in such matters. The more expert a man is in Scripture, the more careful he must be when religion itself is the question.
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
A handsome and artful opening, yet no mere flattery, his case had been lost on Lysias, Felix, and Festus, men ignorant of Jewish rites and questions of law. Agrippa is master of these things, and that circumstance favors the apostle greatly. Before such a judge, Paul could clear himself of every charge: violation, profanation, contempt, blasphemy, sedition.
AI summary