Acts 26:1-3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Then Agrippa said unto Paul Agrippa was the most honourable person in the assembly, having the title of king bestowed upon him, though otherwise not superior to Festus, as only having the power of other governors under the emperor. But as Festus had opened the cause, and Agrippa, though not here superior, yet, was senior to Festus, therefore, as the mouth of the court, he intimates to Paul that liberty was given him to speak for himself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand Chained as it was: a decent expression of his own earnestness, and proper to engage the attention of his hearers; answered for himself Not only refuting the accusation of the Jews, but enlarging upon the faith of the gospel. I think myself happy I consider it as no small advantage to me and my cause; King Agrippa There is a peculiar force in thus addressing a person by name: Agrippa felt this; because I shall answer for myself before thee Though Agrippa was not sitting as judge in this place, yet his opinion and judgment could not but have much influence with Festus. Especially because I know thee to be expert, &c. Γνωστην οντα σε, to be knowing, or skilled, which Festus was not; in all customs In practical matters; and questions In speculative. This word Festus had used in the absence of Paul, (Acts 25:19,) who, by the divine leading, here repeats and explains it. Agrippa had peculiar advantages for an accurate knowledge of the Jewish customs and questions, from his education under his father Herod, and his long abode at Jerusalem. Nothing can be imagined more suitable, or more graceful, than this whole discourse of Paul before Agrippa, in which the seriousness of the Christian, the boldness of the apostle, and the politeness of the gentleman and the scholar, appear in a most beautiful contrast, or rather, a most happy union.