Paul doesn't just say he's happy to be before Agrippa; he calls it a fortunate circumstance. This isn't mere politeness; he recognizes Agrippa's deep knowledge of Jewish customs and beliefs, which means Paul can finally explain himself to someone who will truly understand the heart of the accusations against him, unlike previous Roman officials.
“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Agrippa has just granted Paul permission to speak, and Paul immediately seizes this opportunity to address the court. He expresses gratitude for being able to present his defense before Agrippa, who is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and beliefs, unlike previous Roman governors. This sets the stage for Paul to recount his life and conversion story, directly refuting the accusations brought against him by the Jewish leaders.
Paul finds himself on trial, but he doesn't see his accusers as his primary audience. Who does he really want to reach, and why?
Paul's statement, 'I consider myself fortunate... I am going to make my defense today before you, King Agrippa,' isn't just politeness. It's strategic.
A Shift in Audience
Previously, Paul faced Roman governors like Felix and Festus. These men had little understanding of Jewish customs, beliefs, or the deep-seated religious fervor driving the accusations against Paul. Their perspective was often one of confusion or dismissiveness towards Jewish matters.
Agrippa's Expertise
King Agrippa, however, was different. He was well-versed in Jewish law and tradition. Paul recognized that Agrippa could grasp the nuances of the accusations – the core issues about the resurrection, the Law, and the Messiah – in a way the Roman officials couldn't. This knowledge meant Agrippa could potentially understand Paul's defense and even help clarify the situation for Festus, who would ultimately report to Caesar.
Paul isn't just trying to convince a judge; he's seizing an opportunity to present the truth to someone who can understand and appreciate the context.
The word Paul uses for 'defense' has layers of meaning. What does it reveal about his purpose in speaking to Agrippa?
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The Greek word Paul uses here, often translated as 'defense' or 'answer,' is 'apologia.' This word doesn't just mean saying 'sorry' or offering excuses.
A Reasoned Explanation
An 'apologia' is a formal, reasoned defense or explanation. It's about presenting a case, clarifying misunderstandings, and setting the record straight. Paul isn't just responding to accusations; he's actively presenting his beliefs and actions in a clear, logical manner.
The Heart of His Message
Given Agrippa's background, Paul knows he can move beyond the superficial charges and address the core of his message: the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it offers. He sees this as a chance to not just defend himself but to explain the very foundation of his faith to a potentially influential listener.
Understand the original words
ethos · Greek Noun
Practices, traditions, or habits of life, especially those associated with religious or community observance. In a biblical context, it often refers to the Mosaic Law and the traditions inherited by the Jewish people.
zētēma · Greek Noun
Disputes, arguments, or questions, often concerning doctrine, interpretation of the Law, or theological matters.
Paul's statement is strategic. He expresses genuine relief at addressing King Agrippa, who is uniquely positioned to understand the theological nuances of the accusations, unlike the Roman governors before him. This isn't mere flattery; it's a wise appeal to an informed audience who could grasp the core of his message: the resurrection of Jesus and its connection to the ancient promises of God.
c. AD 57-59— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
After his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul was held for over two years in Roman custody in Caesarea Maritima, facing various hearings before governors like Felix and Festus. During this time, he appealed to Caesar to avoid further trials by the Jewish leadership.
c. AD 59
Festus Arrives in Judea
Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor of Judea. He soon encountered pressure from the Jewish high priests and leaders, who sought to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for trial, likely intending to ambush and kill him.
c. AD 59
Agrippa and Bernice Visit Festus
King Herod Agrippa II, along with his sister Bernice, paid a courtesy visit to the new governor, Festus, in Caesarea. Agrippa was a client king of Rome, deeply knowledgeable about Jewish law and customs.
c. AD 59
Festus Presents Paul to Agrippa
Eager to find a basis for Paul's charges to send to Rome, Festus took the opportunity of Agrippa's visit to present Paul's case. He hoped Agrippa's expertise would help clarify the accusations.
c. AD 59
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
In the presence of Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, and Roman officials, Paul delivered his powerful defense, recounting his life and conversion, focusing on the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of Israel.
This passage directly parallels Paul's situation, calling believers to always be ready to give a defense for the hope they have, echoing Paul's opportunity to explain his faith before King Agrippa.
Acts 24:10In this earlier defense before Felix, Paul also expresses eagerness to make his case, highlighting his consistent pattern of boldly testifying before authorities when given the chance.
Philippians 1:7Paul's sentiment here mirrors his affirmation in Philippians that his imprisonment actually served to advance the gospel, similar to how he views this public defense before Agrippa as a positive opportunity.
Romans 1:16Paul's statement to Agrippa is a prime example of his declaration in Romans that he is not ashamed of the gospel, as he bravely presents his life and beliefs to a royal audience.
2 Timothy 4:16This verse speaks of Paul's first defense where no one stood with him, underscoring the significance of this defense before Agrippa where he felt more understood and confident due to Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish customs.
ellicottActs 26:2: "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:"
(2) I think myself happy, king Agrippa. —We note the characteristic union of frankness and courtesy. He will not flatter a prince whose character, he must have known, did not deserve praise, but he recognises that it was well for him that he stood before one who was not ignorant of the relations of Sadducees and Pharisees on the great…
gillActs 26:2: "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:"
I think myself happy, King Agrippa,.... This was an handsome and artificial way of introducing his defense, and of gaining the affection and attention of the king, and yet was not a mere compliment; for it had been his unhappiness hitherto, that his case was not understood; neither Lysias the chief captain, nor the governors Felix and…
Paul doesn't just say he's happy to be before Agrippa; he calls it a fortunate circumstance. This isn't mere politeness; he recognizes Agrippa's deep knowledge of Jewish customs and beliefs, which means Paul can finally explain himself to someone who will truly understand the heart of the accusations against him, unlike previous Roman officials.
King Agrippa has just granted Paul permission to speak, and Paul immediately seizes this opportunity to address the court. He expresses gratitude for being able to present his defense before Agrippa, who is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and beliefs, unlike previous Roman governors. This sets the stage for Paul to recount his life and conversion story, directly refuting the accusations brought against him by the Jewish leaders.
King Agrippa has just granted Paul permission to speak, and Paul immediately seizes this opportunity to address the court. He expresses gratitude for being able to present his defense before Agrippa, who is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and beliefs, unlike previous Roman governors. This sets the stage for Paul to recount his life and conversion story, directly refuting the accusations brought against him by the Jewish leaders.
"“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefor…" — Paul doesn't just say he's happy to be before Agrippa; he calls it a fortunate circumstance. This isn't mere politeness; he recognizes Agrippa's deep knowledge of Jewish customs and beliefs, which me…
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Last reviewed October 2026
