Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

ACTS 26:3KJV
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Acts 26:3 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:3 mean?

Acts 26:3 shows Paul respectfully asking King Agrippa to listen carefully to his defense, because Paul knows Agrippa is well-versed in Jewish customs and debates. Paul appeals to Agrippa’s expertise, hoping for a fair and patient hearing as he explains his situation.

Paul is speaking to King Agrippa during his trial, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. Paul highlights Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish traditions and controversies, suggesting that Agrippa is qualified to understand the details of Paul’s case. This sets the tone for Paul’s speech, aiming for understanding rather than hostility.

The Greek behind Acts 26:3

  • "Expert" (γνώστης, gnōstēs): This word means someone who is knowledgeable or skilled, not just generally smart but specifically experienced in Jewish customs and questions. Paul is recognizing Agrippa’s background, which would make his defense more meaningful.
  • "Customs" (ἔθη, ethē): This refers to the traditional practices and ways of life among the Jews. Paul’s mention of this word shows that the issues at hand are deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, not just legal technicalities.
  • "Questions" (ζητήματα, zētēmata): This word points to debates or disputed matters, often about religious or legal issues. Paul knows Agrippa understands the kinds of controversies that have led to Paul’s trial.
  • "Patiently" (μακροθύμως, makrothymōs): This word carries the idea of listening with endurance or long-suffering. Paul is asking not just for attention, but for a willingness to hear him out fully, even if his explanation is lengthy or complex.

Why Acts 26:3 matters

  • Acts 26:3 clarifies that Paul is not just defending himself to any official, but to someone who understands the Jewish context, which is crucial for the fairness of the trial.
  • By appealing to Agrippa’s expertise, Paul sets a respectful tone and shows he values reasoned discussion over confrontation.
  • This verse helps the reader see that Paul’s defense is rooted in shared knowledge and tradition, not just personal opinion or emotion.

Where else these words appear

“questions” Greek G2213 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
  • Acts 18:15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
  • Acts 23:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

“Especially” Greek G3122 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
  • Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
  • 2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

“customs” Greek G1485 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
  • John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

“beseech” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.