ACC ~ Acts 26 v2

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.

Acts