ACC ~ Acts 26 v1 - 8

OVERVIEW:

This fifth and final defense speech serves as the finale of Luke’s theological presentation. It is probably based on notes from the occasion and shows Paul as a martyr (witness) and a prophet (in Acts 9 he was “the chosen instrument,” and in Acts 22 he was “the witness”). The analysis of the speech given here combines the remarks of several modern commentators. In this section, after making the gesture of an orator by stretching out his hand and giving a well-thought-out captatio benevolentiae (“winning of good will”), Paul gives a brief account of his early life as a Pharisee and then goes on to state the principal point of disagreement between himself and his Jewish accusers: the resurrection of the dead, Jesus’ resurrection and what follows from this fact. Chrysostom, in his analysis of Paul’s introduction, sees two things: Paul’s innocence in his boldness and the possibility that Paul be seen as a flatterer, which he denies by using Agrippa’s words. Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish customs is not intimidating but reassuring to an honest defendant with a clear conscience. Bede, although not defending Paul against flattery, draws on an introduction from one of Jerome’s epistles to praise Paul’s own introduction. Chrysostom’s third comment notes that the charge against Paul is senseless and without merit.

26:2 | I Think Myself Fortunate

A MARK OF PAUL’S INNOCENCE. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul speaks clearly with boldness. He calls himself fortunate, not to flatter Agrippa but because Agrippa knew everything. … And yet, if [Paul] had a guilty conscience, he ought to have been afraid to stand trial before one who knew everything. Instead, it is indicative of a clear conscience that he does not ask to be excused from a judge who has an accurate knowledge of everything. On the contrary, he rejoices and calls himself fortunate. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 52.

THE WISDOM OF PAUL. BEDE: Another text translates this verse as follows: “I consider myself fortunate before you, commencing to give a reckoning today.” It is put as follows by Saint Jerome in a certain place, along with his explanation: “‘I consider myself fortunate, O King Agrippa, since before you today I am to be defended concerning all those things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies.’ For he had read that saying of Ben Sira, ‘Fortunate is he who speaks in the ears of those who will hear,’ and he recognized that the words of a speech will only be successful to the extent that the wisdom of the judge has come to acknowledge the facts of the case.” COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 26.2.

PAUL NOT A FLATTERER. CHRYSOSTOM: He did not say those words in order to adulate him—God forbid—but because he wanted to profit from gentleness; and to some extent, he did profit, since he, assumed to be guilty, won over even the judge. The judge, upon being defeated, confessed the victory with his preeminent words to all those present: “You persuade me in so short a time to become a Christian.” CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 26.2.

26:8 | Why Is It Thought Incredible?

AN ARGUMENT FOR THE RESURRECTION. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul lays down two arguments for the resurrection. One of them comes from the prophets. He does not bring forward any prophet in particular but the doctrine itself as held by the Jews. The other argument, the stronger because it comes from facts, is that Christ conversed with him. He further prepares the ground for this with other arguments, describing his former madness accurately. Then, along with a praise of the Jews, “as they worship night and day,” he says, expecting “to attain.” “So even if I had not led an unblemished life, King Agrippa, I should not be tried for the belief that God raises the dead.” HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 52.