I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Paul repeats his conversion not to seem fickle but to prove God called him by a heavenly command. A wolf suddenly made sheep, such violence of change carries weight that no ordinary teaching could match. The contradiction itself is the proof: he was obstinate, inflamed, unmoved by man, yet changed his mind. God's hand alone tamed him.
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
I was in earnest about it, not half-hearted but convinced in my own conscience that I ought to oppose the name of Jesus in every way: blaspheming it, denying Him Messiah, condemning His religion as heresy, disputing His doctrines, persecuting His people. This was what I truly believed right.
AI summary