Acts 26 26

Acts 26:26 kjv

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.

Acts 26:26 nkjv

For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.

Acts 26:26 niv

The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.

Acts 26:26 esv

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.

Acts 26:26 nlt

And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner!

Acts 26 verses

Acts 26 26 Meaning

In Acts 26:26, Paul boldly declares to King Agrippa that the pivotal events concerning Jesus Christ—His life, crucifixion, resurrection, and the subsequent spread of His message—are not obscure or secret happenings but publicly known facts. Paul asserts that Agrippa, due to his position and knowledge of Jewish matters, is well-acquainted with these historical occurrences. The apostle's confidence stems from the verifiable and visible nature of the gospel narrative, which transpired openly for all to witness, not covertly "in a corner."

Acts 26 26 Context

Acts 26:26 is part of Paul's defense before Governor Festus, King Agrippa II, and Bernice in Caesarea Maritima. Paul is appealing his case to Caesar, but Festus, unsure how to articulate the charges, consults Agrippa, who is known to be knowledgeable in Jewish customs and religion. Paul, seizing the opportunity, eloquently presents his testimony, detailing his Jewish background, his zealous persecution of Christians, his Damascus road conversion experience, and his subsequent mission to preach to both Jews and Gentiles. Verse 26 comes after Paul has laid out the central facts of the gospel, particularly Christ's death and resurrection according to the Scriptures (Acts 26:22-23). He is directly challenging Agrippa to acknowledge the publicly verifiable nature of these events, forming a pivotal moment in his apologetic argument. The historical context underscores that these events occurred in the Roman province of Judea, within the lifetime of many people present, including the royal court members.

Acts 26 26 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): Connective particle, meaning "for" or "because," introducing a reason for Paul's preceding statement (Acts 26:25). It bridges his denial of madness to the grounded, publicly known facts.

• the king (τὸν βασιλέα - ton basilea): Refers specifically to King Agrippa II. This highlights the respect Paul accords his audience, but also emphasizes Agrippa's authoritative position and implied informed background regarding Jewish affairs and the events unfolding in his dominion.

• knows (ἐπίσταται - epistatai): Signifies a deep, well-informed, or skilled understanding, not just a passing acquaintance. It suggests knowledge gained from observation or detailed reports, attributing intellectual comprehension to Agrippa.

• about these things (περὶ τούτων - peri toutōn): Refers to the whole sweep of events Paul has been recounting: the life, death, resurrection of Jesus, the emergence of the Christian movement, and Paul's mission. These are the historical bedrock of his gospel.

• to whom also (πρὸς ὃν καὶ - pros hon kai): "To whom also" (or "even to him"). The "also" emphasizes that Paul directs his free speech precisely to Agrippa, who has this intimate knowledge. It highlights a personal, direct address.

• I speak freely (παρρησιαζόμενος λαλῶ - parrhesiazomenos lalō): Parrhesia (παρρησία) in Greek refers to speaking boldly, openly, or without inhibition, often with confidence and lack of fear. It implies honesty and directness, particularly concerning sensitive or challenging truths, typical of apostolic proclamation.

• for I am persuaded (πείθομαι γὰρ - peithomai gar): Paul states his profound personal conviction, indicating his absolute certainty about what he is saying. This persuasion is not mere opinion but a deep, unshakeable conviction based on truth.

• that none of these things (οὐ πείθομαι γὰρ λανθάνειν αὐτόν τι τούτων - ou peithomai gar lanthanein auton ti toutōn): Lit. "for I am not persuaded that any of these things escape his notice." This is a strong double negative (not persuaded, nothing hidden) affirming the absolute visibility of the events.

• is hidden from him (λανθάνειν αὐτόν τι - lanthanein auton ti): Meaning to "escape notice" or "be unknown to." Paul is confident Agrippa has not been able to overlook or ignore these events.

• for this has not been done in a corner (οὐ γὰρ ἐν γωνίᾳ πεπρακταί - ou gar en gōnia pepraktai): This powerful idiom (literally "not been done in a corner") signifies that these events were not performed in secret, obscurely, or privately. It stresses the public, undeniable, and conspicuous nature of Jesus' ministry and the origins of Christianity.

• "For the king knows about these things": This phrase asserts Agrippa's factual awareness of the significant historical events Paul is referencing. It forms the logical basis for Paul's forthcoming bold speech, acknowledging that Agrippa is an informed listener.

• "to whom also I speak freely": This group of words emphasizes Paul's unreserved and courageous proclamation, directly addressing the highest authority present, confident that his message resonates with known truths. His boldness comes from the gospel's inherent truth and visibility.

• "for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him": This explains why Paul speaks freely. His persuasion stems from the public nature of the events; they were so widely known that Agrippa, a ruler conversant in Jewish affairs, simply must know about them. This highlights Paul's certainty about the factual basis of Christianity.

• "for this has not been done in a corner": This conclusive idiom metaphorically declares the universal publicity and prominence of Christ's work and the rise of Christianity. It implies visibility, accountability, and the inescapable presence of the events, challenging any attempt to dismiss them as fringe or obscure.

Acts 26 26 Bonus section

The phrase "done in a corner" (en gōnia) is a striking metaphor. While common in some ancient legal and philosophical rhetoric to denote something secret or conspiratorial, its usage here by Paul turns the accusation on its head. He's not defensively saying nothing happened in a corner, but affirmatively saying the most important things (Christ's life and the birth of the Church) happened in broad daylight, witnessed by multitudes. This rhetorical move challenges any notion that the events of Christianity are cultish or based on hidden knowledge. This open-display characteristic resonates with Jesus' own declaration in John 18:20 that He spoke openly to the world and nothing in secret. It also implicitly refutes common Roman charges against early Christians, who were often suspected of engaging in illicit and secretive practices due to their exclusive worship and rejection of pagan norms. Paul's statement elevates the gospel story above mere rumors, placing it squarely within verifiable public history.

Acts 26 26 Commentary

Acts 26:26 represents a powerful moment in Paul's defense, moving from apologetic to evangelistic exhortation. Paul skillfully uses Agrippa's assumed knowledge to his advantage, transforming a judicial inquiry into a gospel appeal. The verse highlights several crucial aspects of early Christian proclamation: the historical, verifiable nature of Christ's life, death, and resurrection; the apostles' characteristic parrhesia (boldness) in communicating truth, even before authorities; and the universal scope of the gospel, which was never meant to be a secret cult but a world-changing movement visible to all. Paul's conviction that "none of these things is hidden from him" underscores the evidential strength of the gospel. The striking idiom "this has not been done in a corner" serves as a robust defense against any charge of secrecy or obscurity, affirming that God's greatest acts of salvation occurred on the open stage of human history, inviting scrutiny and demanding a response. This verse implicitly calls Agrippa, and by extension all listeners, to acknowledge the reality and implications of these well-attested facts.