Acts 26:26
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)
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Paul isn't just stating facts; he's directly challenging Agrippa by pointing out that the gospel's explosive growth and the events surrounding Jesus weren't secret occurrences. He's implying the king, as a man of influence and awareness in the region, must have at least heard of these seismic shifts, making his ignorance or inaction a matter of deliberate choice.
Paul is in the midst of a defense before King Agrippa, attempting to explain his conversion and ministry. Having already addressed Festus' accusation of madness, Paul now directly appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish history and the recent events surrounding Jesus and the early church, emphasizing that these events were public and widely known.
Ever feel like your faith is too quiet, too private? Paul confronts King Agrippa by reminding him that the core events of Christianity weren't secret whispers.
Paul’s defense hinges on the undeniable public nature of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and the explosive spread of the gospel. He tells Agrippa, 'this thing was not done in a corner.'
Not a Secret Cult
Paul is essentially saying, 'Your Majesty, these aren't obscure rumors. These are world-shaking events that have impacted this entire region and beyond. You can't have missed them.'
Paul speaks to King Agrippa with incredible confidence. What’s the secret to his boldness when facing such powerful opposition?
Paul’s freedom to speak ('I speak freely') isn't arrogance; it's born from deep conviction. He's 'persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him.'
The Source of Confidence
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 appeal to King Agrippa hinges on the king's familiarity with the broader events surrounding Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, as well as the subsequent public spread of the Christian movement. These were not secret occurrences but events that had captured public attention across Judea and the Roman world.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem under the authority of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. This event becomes a cornerstone of Christian belief.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Spread of Christianity
Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, his followers begin to preach the gospel message, leading to the formation of early Christian communities in Judea and surrounding areas.
c. 35 AD
Paul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus, a zealous persecutor of Christians, has a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, transforming him into a fervent follower.
c. 44-50 AD
Herod Agrippa I's Reign
Herod Agrippa I, who was king over a portion of the ancient Israelite territory, likely heard reports of the growing Christian movement during his rule.
Luke begins his Gospel by stating that many had attempted to write about Jesus, but he was meticulously researching to provide an accurate and orderly account for Theophilus, demonstrating a desire for clear, public knowledge of these events.
John 18:20Jesus himself testifies that his teaching and ministry were done openly, in public places and the temple courts, not in secret, echoing Paul's assertion that the events were not 'done in a corner'.
Acts 1:8Jesus promised his disciples they would be witnesses to him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, indicating the public and far-reaching nature of the gospel message Paul is defending.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8Paul recounts the core events of Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and appearances to hundreds of witnesses, emphasizing the public and verifiable nature of these foundational events of the faith.
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 stating facts; he's directly challenging Agrippa by pointing out that the gospel's explosive growth and the events surrounding Jesus weren't secret occurrences. He's implying the king, as a man of influence and awareness in the region, must have at least heard of these seismic shifts, making his ignorance or inaction a matter of deliberate choice.
Paul is in the midst of a defense before King Agrippa, attempting to explain his conversion and ministry. Having already addressed Festus' accusation of madness, Paul now directly appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish history and the recent events surrounding Jesus and the early church, emphasizing that these events were public and widely known.
Paul is in the midst of a defense before King Agrippa, attempting to explain his conversion and ministry. Having already addressed Festus' accusation of madness, Paul now directly appeals to Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish history and the recent events surrounding Jesus and the early church, emphasizing that these events were public and widely known.
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This isn't just about hoping the king knows; it’s about Paul’s unwavering belief that the core truths of the gospel are undeniable and, with God’s help, will resonate with those who hear them.
c. 50-60 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing churches and encountering both believers and opposition. His ministry and its impact become widely known.
c. 60 AD
Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and subsequently imprisoned in Caesarea for about two years. During this time, he makes appeals that lead to his eventual transport to Rome.
c. 62 AD— this verse
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
Paul stands trial before King Herod Agrippa II, his sister Bernice, and the Roman governor Festus in Caesarea. He recounts his conversion and ministry, arguing that his message is based on well-known events and prophecies.
"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 stating facts; he's directly challenging Agrippa by pointing out that the gospel's explosive growth and the events surrounding Jesus weren't secret occurrences. He's implying the king…
