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Book of Acts - Chapter 26 - Verse 1

26:1
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Meaning

When Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak for himself, it marked a significant moment in the trial that Paul was going through. Paul had been accused of various crimes, and now he had the opportunity to defend himself before King Agrippa and others who were present. By stretching forth his hand and answering for himself, Paul was exercising his right to speak and present his case. This moment showcased Paul's courage, intelligence, and determination to explain his beliefs and actions. It also demonstrated his commitment to standing up for his faith despite facing opposition and persecution. By allowing Paul to speak, Agrippa gave him a chance to articulate his perspective and share his message with those in the courtroom. This verse captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Paul's trial, highlighting the power of speech and the importance of being able to defend oneself in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Book of Acts, King Agrippa grants Paul permission to speak in his defense during a legal hearing. The act of Paul stretching forth his hand before answering symbolizes his readiness and boldness to present his defense. From a theological perspective, this gesture could be seen as a sign of Paul's reliance on God for strength and guidance as he speaks. Additionally, this act may also symbolize Paul's willingness to engage in dialogue and truth-seeking, in fulfillment of his ministry to spread the Gospel. The word "answered" in the verse carries the connotation of a deliberate and thoughtful response, indicating Paul's intention to present a well-reasoned defense. This moment showcases Paul's gift of communication and his commitment to sharing the message of Christ with those in positions of power. Overall, this verse exemplifies the importance of courage, wisdom, and faith in navigating challenging circumstances and proclaiming the truth.

American Standard Version

And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence:
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