Bible Strands
Acts 26:3
especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses King Agrippa during his defense against Jewish accusations, noting the king’s familiarity with Jewish traditions to request a patient hearing.
The words — γνώστην (gnōstēn) translates literally as “acquainted,” describing Agrippa’s existing knowledge of Jewish customs that Paul cites to ground his request.
The thread — The text links royal knowledge of Jewish law to Deuteronomy 17:18, and Paul later confirms that Agrippa already knows these matters (Acts 26:26).
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to acknowledge that a defense must first establish common ground with the audience before presenting its claims.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 6:14 For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”
- Acts 26:26 For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
- Deuteronomy 17:18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.
- Acts 21:21 But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs.
- Acts 24:4 But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.
- Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.
- Acts 25:19 They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
- Acts 25:26 I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write.
- Acts 26:7 the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.
- Acts 28:17 After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.