Acts 26:3

Verse

especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

American Standard Version (1901)

especially because thou art expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Bible in Basic English

The more so, because you are expert in all questions to do with the Jews and their ways: so I make my request to you to give me a hearing to the end.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Especially as thou knowest all, both customs and questions that are among the Jews: Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Free Bible Version

particularly because you are an expert in all Jewish issues and customs. I beg your patient indulgence as you listen to what I have to say.

Geneva Bible 1599

Chiefly, because thou hast knowledge of all customes, and questions which are among the Iewes: wherefore I beseech thee, to heare me patiently.

King James (Authorized) Version

Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Translation for Translators

I am really fortunate, because you (sg) know all about the customs of us Jews and the questions that we (exc) argue about. So I ask you, please listen patiently to what I say.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

especially, because you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and questions. So I ask you to hear me patiently.

Noah Webster Bible

Especially, because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

World English Bible

especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

Young's Literal Translation

especially knowing thee to be acquainted with all things — both customs and questions — among Jews; wherefore, I beseech thee, patiently to hear me.

Context

Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa

²“King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,³especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

Summary

In Acts 26:3, Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, emphasizing his Jewish background and strict adherence to the Pharisaic traditions. This verse highlights Paul's commitment to upholding the law of Moses and his dedication to the customs of his ancestors. By mentioning his upbringing and education under Gamaliel, a renowned Jewish teacher, Paul establishes his credibility and knowledge of Jewish law. This defense sets the stage for Paul to later share his testimony of encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion and mission to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

I know thee to be expert, &c.--His father was zealous for the law, and he himself had the office of president of the temple and its treasures, and the appointment of the high priest [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 20.1.3]. hear me patiently--The idea of "indulgently" is also conveyed.

John Gill Bible Commentary

Especially, because I know thee to be expert in all customs,.... Rites and ceremonies of the Jews, whether enjoined by the law of Moses, or by the elders, fathers, and wise men: and questions which are among the Jews; concerning angels, spirits, and the resurrection of the dead; which were moved and agitated between the Sadducees and Pharisees; and a multitude of others, which were disputed between the schools of Hillell and Shammai, of which their Misna and Talmud are full, and with these Agrippa was well acquainted; and to their rites and customs he conformed, of which we have some instances recorded in their writings: when they went with their firstfruits to Jerusalem (w), "a pipe sounded before them till they came to the mountain of the house, and when they came to the mountain of the house (the temple), even King Agrippa carried the basket upon his shoulder, and went in till he came to the court.'' So concerning the reading of the law by a king, they give this following account (x): "a king stands and takes (the book of the law), and reads sitting; King Agrippa stood and took it, and read standing, and the wise men praised him; and when he came to that passage, Deu 17:15 "Thou mayest not set a stranger over thee", his eyes flowed with tears; they said unto him, fear not, Agrippa, thou art our brother.'' Some of their writers say (y), this was a piece of flattery in them: they also elsewhere commend him for his modesty and humility (z); "according to the tradition of the doctors, when persons attending a funeral met a bride (with her retinue), the former gave way, and both to a king of Israel, when they met him; but they say concerning King Agrippa, that he met a bride, and gave way, and they praised him.'' And whereas it was forbidden to eat on the eve of the passover, before the Minchah, though ever so little, that they might eat the unleavened bread with appetite (a); it is observed, that even King Agrippa, who was used to eat at the ninth hour, that day did not eat till it was dark (b): so that from hence it appears, that King Agrippa was famous for his exact knowledge and observance of the customs and manners of the Jews, and which was well known, and was by the apostle: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently; since he was charged with a breach of the laws and customs of the Jews; and his defence would proceed upon things which Agrippa was not altogether ignorant of. (w) Misn. Biccurim, c. 3. sect. 4. (x) Misn. Sota, c. 7. sect. 8. (y) Maimon. in ib. & Moses Kotsensis Mitzvot Tora, pr. neg. 221. (z) T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 17. 1. (a) Maimon. Chametz Umetza, c. 6. sect. 12. (b) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 107. 2.