They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul points out that if his accusers were willing to speak truthfully, they would have to admit he lived by the strictest rules of their own religious party, the Pharisees. This isn't just about following rules, but about a commitment to a precise, rigorous understanding of their religious practices and teachings that he upheld.
They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, Festus, and other dignitaries. He's explaining that his current troubles stem from his unwavering belief in the resurrection of Jesus, a belief he holds because it’s the fulfillment of God’s promise to their ancestors. He’s trying to show them that his faith isn't some radical departure but is rooted in their own heritage, appealing to his own past as a devout Pharisee to establish his credibility.
Before Paul was an apostle, he was a Pharisee. Those who knew him then are still around. What does that tell us about his transformation?
Paul emphasizes that his past life as a Pharisee was well-known. He lived among his own people and was part of the strictest religious sect. This wasn't a hidden life; it was public and observable.
Paul wasn't just any Jew; he was part of the 'straitest sect.' What made this group so significant, and why did Paul highlight it?
The Pharisees represented the most rigorous and dedicated approach to Jewish law and tradition at the time. Paul wasn't just a nominal follower; he was deeply immersed in this stricter path.
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Understand the original words
martyreō · Greek Verb
A formal statement or witness given to establish the truth of a matter, especially regarding facts one has personally observed or experienced.
thrēskeia · Greek Noun
Refers to the system of belief, worship, and service directed toward God; in this context, the Jewish faith and its adherence to the Torah.
Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A member of a prominent Jewish sect known for their rigorous, meticulous adherence to both the written Law of Moses and the oral traditions of the elders.
Paul's defense before King Agrippa highlights his past as a strict Pharisee. This is crucial because many in the Jewish leadership at the time would have known Paul's history and could attest to his former zeal, making his transformation and current beliefs all the more significant and, to Paul, a testament to the gospel's power.
c. 20 BC - AD 30— this verse
Saul's Upbringing and Pharisaic Zeal
Saul (later Paul) grows up in Tarsus and Jerusalem, becoming a devout Pharisee known for his strict adherence to the Law and Jewish traditions.
c. AD 30-33
Early Persecution of Christians
Saul actively participates in the persecution of early Christians, viewing them as a threat to Judaism. This includes the stoning of Stephen.
c. AD 33-34
Conversion on the Road to Damascus
Saul experiences a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion to Christianity.
c. AD 40s - 50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and spreading the gospel, often facing opposition from Jewish authorities.
c. AD 57
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem after being accused by Jewish crowds of bringing Gentiles into the Temple and speaking against the Law.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Imprisonment and Trials
Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea and undergoes several trials before Roman governors (Felix and Festus) and King Agrippa II.
c. AD 59
Voyage to Rome
Paul appeals to Caesar and is sent to Rome for trial, enduring a shipwreck and eventually arriving in Rome to continue his ministry under house arrest.
Paul himself recounts his Pharisaic background here, stating he was 'circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee.' This passage directly supports his claim in Acts about his strict adherence to the Pharisaic way of life.
Acts 22:3In a similar defense before the Jerusalem crowd, Paul describes his upbringing and education under Gamaliel, a renowned Pharisee. This highlights his deep roots in Pharisaic tradition and scholarly pursuit from a young age, reinforcing his claim of living 'after the strictest sect.'
Matthew 23:1-3Jesus addresses the Pharisees, acknowledging that they 'sit on Moses' seat.' While Jesus strongly condemns their hypocrisy, he also recognizes the authoritative position and the established teachings of the Pharisaic sect itself, providing context for Paul's claim of adhering to its 'strictest' interpretation.
Galatians 1:14Paul mentions his 'progress in Judaism beyond many of my own age,' indicating his extreme zeal and advancement in the Jewish religion, particularly within the Pharisaic movement. This complements his statement in Acts by showing the intensity of his former commitment.
gillActs 26:5: "Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee."
Which knew me from the beginning,.... From his youth, from his first coming to Jerusalem: if they would testify; what they know, and speak out the truth of things, they must say, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee; there were three sects of religion among the Jews, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes; the first of these…
henryActs 26:1-11: "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:"
26:1-11 Christianity teaches us to give a reason of the hope that is in us, and also to give honour to whom honour is due, without flattery or fear of man. Agrippa was well versed in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, therefore could the better judge as to the controversy about Jesus being the Messiah. Surely ministers may expect, when they preach…
Paul points out that if his accusers were willing to speak truthfully, they would have to admit he lived by the strictest rules of their own religious party, the Pharisees. This isn't just about following rules, but about a commitment to a precise, rigorous understanding of their religious practices and teachings that he upheld.
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, Festus, and other dignitaries. He's explaining that his current troubles stem from his unwavering belief in the resurrection of Jesus, a belief he holds because it’s the fulfillment of God’s promise to their ancestors. He’s trying to show them that his faith isn't some radical departure but is rooted in their own heritage, appealing to his own past as a devout Pharisee to establish his credibility.
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, Festus, and other dignitaries. He's explaining that his current troubles stem from his unwavering belief in the resurrection of Jesus, a belief he holds because it’s the fulfillment of God’s promise to their ancestors. He’s trying to show them that his faith isn't some radical departure but is rooted in their own heritage, appealing to his own past as a devout Pharisee to establish his credibility.
"They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee." — Paul points out that if his accusers were willing to speak truthfully, they would have to admit he lived by the strictest rules of their own religious party, the Pharisees. This isn't just about foll…
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Last reviewed October 2026