For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul isn't just saying Agrippa might know a few things; he’s pointing out that the entire foundation of Christianity – Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and the explosive spread of the gospel – was so public and impactful that it was impossible for anyone in that region, especially a king, to be genuinely ignorant of it. This bold assertion directly challenges Agrippa to confront the undeniable reality of what Paul is describing.
For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, Festus the Roman governor, and other dignitaries, recounting his dramatic conversion and subsequent mission. Having just explained his vision of Jesus calling him to preach to the Gentiles, Paul directly appeals to Agrippa's knowledge, emphasizing that the events surrounding Jesus and the spread of his message were not secret affairs.
Paul faces powerful rulers, yet speaks with an unwavering boldness. What gives him such confidence when his life is on the line?
Paul's defense before King Agrippa isn't just a legal strategy; it's a masterclass in courageous proclamation.
Speaking Freely
Paul declares, "before whom also I speak freely." This isn't recklessness, but a profound conviction. He's not trying to manipulate Agrippa but to present the truth plainly. The original Greek word for 'freely' or 'boldly' suggests openness, confidence, and a lack of inhibition.
Confidence in the Facts
His boldness stems from the nature of the events he describes. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the subsequent explosion of the Christian movement, were not secret whispers. They were public spectacles, debated, and witnessed by many. Paul knows Agrippa, a Jewish king, has access to the same historical and prophetic context. Therefore, Paul's bold speech is an appeal to shared knowledge and undeniable realities.
Why does Paul emphasize that these events 'were not done in a corner'? What does the public nature of the gospel story reveal?
Paul's assertion that these events "has not been done in a corner" is a crucial defense. It means the foundational events of Christianity weren't obscure or clandestine.
Not Hidden, but Notorious
Think about it: Jesus' ministry, miracles, crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, and His resurrection were public knowledge, debated and reacted to by Jewish leaders, Roman authorities, and ordinary people.
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Impact and Awareness
The early spread of Christianity, even to the point where Paul himself was a prominent persecutor and then a fervent advocate, was impossible to hide. The movement caused significant stir, even prompting rulers like Agrippa to be aware of its existence and impact.
A Foundation of Evidence
This public nature provides a tangible basis for belief. It wasn't based on secret teachings or hidden knowledge, but on events that unfolded in the public square, leaving a historical footprint.
Understand the original words
basileus · Greek Noun
A term used to describe those who hold political authority over a region, often in the Roman imperial context. In the New Testament, it refers to rulers like Agrippa II who held delegated power under Rome.
parrēsiazomai · Greek Verb
Speaking with confidence, openness, and lack of fear. In the context of the apostles, it refers to the divinely granted courage to proclaim the Gospel publicly despite opposition.
peithō · Greek Verb
To be fully convinced or assured of the truth of something. In a biblical context, it often refers to a settled conviction regarding the truths of God or the Gospel.
Paul's bold assertion to King Agrippa highlights that the core events of the Christian faith—Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and the subsequent spread of the gospel—were public knowledge, not secret affairs, making Agrippa's potential understanding and reaction a crucial element of the defense.
c. AD 30-33
Public Ministry of Jesus
Jesus' public ministry, miracles, teachings, and crucifixion in Judea were widely known events, not hidden occurrences.
c. AD 30-50s
Spread of Christianity
The early Christian movement, including reports of Jesus' resurrection and the ministry of his followers, began to spread throughout Judea and beyond.
c. AD 35
Paul's Conversion
Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus was a significant event, though its details were not universally known, it was the catalyst for his later ministry and defense.
c. AD 58-59
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Paul had been imprisoned in Caesarea for two years, giving him ample time to understand his legal situation and for rumors of his case to circulate.
c. AD 60
Appeal to Caesar
After years of imprisonment and facing potential threats from Jewish leaders, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case directly to Emperor Nero in Rome.
c. AD 60— this verse
Hearing before Agrippa
Paul is brought before King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice in Caesarea Maritima to present his defense, at the request of the Roman governor Festus.
Jesus himself stated that his teaching was not done in secret but openly in the temple and synagogues, underscoring the public nature of his ministry which Paul is referencing.
Acts 4:13Peter and John's boldness before the Sanhedrin, who recognized they had been with Jesus, mirrors Paul's appeal to Agrippa's likely awareness of the events surrounding Jesus and his followers.
1 Corinthians 15:3-7This passage lists the foundational events of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, which Paul implies Agrippa would have knowledge of, as these were widely known occurrences.
Matthew 12:42Jesus spoke of the Queen of the South coming to hear Solomon's wisdom, implying that significant events and truths are widely known and draw attention, similar to how Paul asserts the events of Christianity were not hidden.
barnesActs 26:26: "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner."
For the king - King Agrippa. Knoweth - He had been many years in that region, and the fame of Jesus and of Paul's conversion were probably well known to him. These things - The things pertaining to the early persecutions of Christians; the spread of the gospel; and the remarkable conversion of Paul. Though…
gillActs 26:26: "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner."
For the king knoweth of these things,.... Something of them, of the sufferings and resurrection of the Messiah, and of his showing light to Jews and Gentiles, as they are spoken of by Moses and the prophets, whose writings Agrippa was conversant with, and of these things as fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth;…
Paul isn't just saying Agrippa might know a few things; he’s pointing out that the entire foundation of Christianity – Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and the explosive spread of the gospel – was so public and impactful that it was impossible for anyone in that region, especially a king, to be genuinely ignorant of it. This bold assertion directly challenges Agrippa to confront the undeniable reality of what Paul is describing.
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, Festus the Roman governor, and other dignitaries, recounting his dramatic conversion and subsequent mission. Having just explained his vision of Jesus calling him to preach to the Gentiles, Paul directly appeals to Agrippa's knowledge, emphasizing that the events surrounding Jesus and the spread of his message were not secret affairs.
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, Festus the Roman governor, and other dignitaries, recounting his dramatic conversion and subsequent mission. Having just explained his vision of Jesus calling him to preach to the Gentiles, Paul directly appeals to Agrippa's knowledge, emphasizing that the events surrounding Jesus and the spread of his message were not secret affairs.
"For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner." — Paul isn't just saying Agrippa might know a few things; he’s pointing out that the entire foundation of Christianity – Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and the explosive spread of the gospel – was…
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Last reviewed October 2026