26:1 extended his hand Paul takes on the posture of an orator, which implies he had training in classical rhetoric and was well educated.

26:5 Pharisee See note on John 7:32.

26:6 of hope Paul is on trial for claiming that the hope of Israel is fulfilled in Jesus. Paul proclaims that the promises made to the Jewish people have now been fulfilled.

26:7 our twelve tribes Paul claims that his hope is shared by every Jew, including himself as a Jew.

26:8 God raises the dead The source of controversy is Jesus’ death and resurrection (see v. 23). Paul understands it as the fulfillment of what Jews hoped for (see Dan 12:1–4; Ezek 37; Isa 53:10 and note).

26:10 cast my vote This reference to vote-casting may be literal, perhaps indicating that Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin, or it may simply be a way of saying that he endorsed the execution of Christians. See Acts 7:58–59.

26:14 kick against the goads Like a stubborn animal attempting to fight the sticks used as prods, Paul cannot succeed in fighting against God.

26:16 witness Compare 1:8.

26:18 from the power of Satan to God Articulates the idea that those who do not belong to Christ are in many ways influenced by evil and as such opposed to God’s purposes (compare note on 2 Cor 6:15).

sanctified by faith in me See note on Acts 20:32.

26:21 On account of these things Paul is being persecuted for following Jesus’ command to spread the gospel.

26:22 the prophets and Moses Throughout Acts, the good news about Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of promises made by God in the ot Scriptures (e.g., 2:24–36; 3:22–26; 13:32–39; compare Luke 24:25–27).

Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy Table

26:23 Christ was to suffer Paul could be referencing a variety of ot passages (e.g., Isa 52:13–53:12; Psa 22). Paul has explained this message in his earlier speeches in Acts and used a variety of passages to do so (see Acts 13:26–41).

as the first of the resurrection Jesus was not raised from the dead temporarily, as other people were (e.g., Mark 5:42; Luke 7:11–17; John 11:43–44). He was the first who absolutely conquered death and was the guarantee that others would as well (Acts 2:24; 1 Cor 15:20; Col 1:18; Rev 1:5).

26:24 out of your mind To Festus, Paul’s reasoning seemed foolish (compare 1 Cor 1:23).

26:27 I know that you believe Paul makes it personal: He knew that Agrippa knew the ot Scriptures, so he should believe the fulfillment of ot promises.

26:28 Christian See note on Acts 11:26.

26:32 if he had not appealed Roman citizens had the right to appeal to Caesar for judgment. Apparently this appeal could not be overturned or ignored by local governors, likely so that citizens could be tried in official courts for their own protection. Compare 25:11 and note.