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PAUL SPEAKS OF EARLY LIFE

Act 26:4 "My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my
own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know.

Paul’s life will be divided into his youth (verses 4-5) and his present life as a minister of the
gospel (verse 6). Paul is telling them that everything he is about to say can be confirmed by the
Jews who are accusing him.

Act 26:5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the
strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after (according to) the most
straitest (strictest) sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Paul is saying the Jews will not testify against him on legal grounds in a court of law. They will
accuse him from outside based on accusations and hearsay. Paul’s testimony before salvation
is not only taught in Acts 9, but in Galatians 1:13-14, and Philippians 3:4-6.

PAUL SPEAKS OF PRESENT LIFE AS A MINISTER

Act 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our
fathers.

Paul is saying, “The same ones who knew me then condemn me now.” The “hope of the
promise” is the sending of their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Every author and book of the Old
Testament prophesied on his coming. Many of these promises are covenants.

There are four unconditional covenants given to Israel and now for those who are born again.
The foundation of each covenant is personal faith in Jesus Christ, the promised One of the Old
Testament. This is what Paul came to preach.

Act 26:7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain.
For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

Unto which promise our twelve tribes (all Israel), instantly (earnestly) serving God day and
night, hope to come (arrive). For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

All the rituals still being observed by Israel still look forward to the coming of Messiah. Their
rituals in the temple and court go on day and night at the very time Paul is speaking. Yet Jesus
has already come, being crucified, and resurrected, they are expressing their rejection of Jesus
by offering animal sacrifices. They do this in hope of a coming, yet the coming has already
occurred. The Jews accuse Paul of preaching something they are looking forward to
themselves.

Act 26:8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?