Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

ACTS 26:1KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 26:1 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:1 mean?

Acts 26:1 describes how King Agrippa gives Paul permission to speak for himself in his own defense, and Paul responds by stretching out his hand and beginning to answer. This verse sets the stage for Paul's speech before Agrippa, showing that Paul is allowed to present his case directly.

In this scene, King Agrippa is presiding over a hearing where Paul, who has been accused by Jewish leaders, is given a chance to explain himself. The verse highlights the formal atmosphere: Agrippa addresses Paul, and Paul responds with a gesture (stretching out his hand) that was common for speakers in public settings. This moment marks the beginning of Paul's defense speech, one of the most detailed accounts of his testimony in the book of Acts.

The Greek behind Acts 26:1

  • ἐξέτεινεν (exeteinen, "stretched forth"): This word describes Paul physically extending his hand, a gesture often used in ancient times to command attention or signal the start of a formal address. It adds a sense of dignity and readiness to Paul's response.
  • ἀπεκρίνατο (apekrinato, "answered"): The Greek word here often carries the sense of giving a considered or formal reply, not just a casual answer. It emphasizes that Paul is responding thoughtfully and officially to the charges against him.

Why Acts 26:1 matters

  • Acts 26:1 clarifies that Paul is not being silenced or judged without a chance to speak; he is given a fair opportunity to present his side before a king.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness and formality of the moment, showing Paul's respect for the setting and his readiness to defend his faith.
  • This opening sets up the rest of the chapter, where Paul shares his story and the message of Jesus, making it a key turning point in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“himself” Greek G626 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
  • Acts 24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
  • Acts 26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

“Agrippa” Greek G67 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • Acts 25:24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
  • Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

“forth” Greek G1614 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
  • Luke 6:10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

“permitted” Greek G2010 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
  • Luke 8:32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
  • Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.