Acts 26:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:22 mean?

Acts 26:22 means that Paul, with help from God, has continued to speak publicly up to the present day, sharing the same message with everyone—both those considered unimportant and those considered important. Paul insists that what he teaches is nothing new, but exactly what the Jewish prophets and Moses said would happen.

Paul is speaking here while on trial before King Agrippa, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. He stresses that his message about Jesus is not a break from Jewish tradition, but a fulfillment of the Scriptures. Paul’s point is that his teaching is rooted in the long-standing hopes and promises found in the Hebrew Bible.

The Greek behind Acts 26:22

• βοήθεια (boētheia, G1947): This word means "help" or "assistance." Paul credits his ability to keep going to God’s active help, not his own strength.
• μαρτυρόμενος (martyrómenos, G3140): Translated "witnessing," this word carries the sense of testifying or bearing witness, often in a legal or public setting. Paul is not just sharing opinions—he is giving formal testimony about what he believes to be true.
• μικρῷ τε καὶ μεγάλῳ (mikró te kai megalō, G3398, G3173): "Small and great" refers to people of all social ranks or importance. Paul is emphasizing that his message is for everyone, regardless of status.
• οὐδὲν ἐκτὸς (ouden ektos, G3762, G1622): This phrase means "nothing except" or "none other things than." Paul is stressing that he is not inventing new ideas, but sticking closely to what was already written by Moses and the prophets.

Why Acts 26:22 matters

• Acts 26:22 clears up the idea that Paul was starting a new religion; instead, he claims continuity with the Jewish Scriptures.
• The verse highlights Paul’s reliance on God’s help, not personal ability, for his endurance and boldness in difficult circumstances.
• By mentioning both "small and great," Paul shows the universal scope of his message, underlining that the gospel is not limited by social or religious boundaries.