Bible Strands
Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King Agrippa tells Paul he has permission to speak for himself, after which Paul stretches out his hand and begins his defense.
The words — The Greek ἐπιτρέπεταί σοι (epitrepetai soi) literally means “it is permitted to you,” marking the official authorization for Paul to proceed.
The thread — The scene mirrors the legal standard in John 7:51 that a man must be heard before conviction, while Paul’s forthcoming address fulfills the commission in Acts 9:15 to speak before kings.
Why it lands — The text states that formal proceedings require a chance to speak before judgment, and it places a divine mandate within the structure of human legal process.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
Cross-references
- Acts 9:15 “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
- Proverbs 1:24 Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand,
- John 7:51 “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”
- Acts 26:2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,
- Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.
- Proverbs 18:17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
- Acts 22:1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”
- Acts 25:16 I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.
- Romans 10:21 But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
- Ezekiel 16:27 Therefore I stretched out My hand against you and reduced your portion. I gave you over to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed of your lewd conduct.