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Acts 26:5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />knowing me from the first, if they would be willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived <i>as</i> a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived <i>as</i> a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />since they have known about me for a long time previously, if they are willing to testify, that I lived <i>as</i> a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived <i>as</i> a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify to it, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I have lived as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They had previously known me for quite some time, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, how that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They've known me for a long time and can testify, if they're willing, that I followed the strictest party of our religion. They know that I lived my life as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They have always known, if they are willing to testify, that from the very first I have lived as a member of the strictest party of our religion, the Pharisees. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They have known for a long time, if they would but testify to it, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the standards of our strictest religious party.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They know, because they have known me from time past, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who knew me from the beginning, (if they would testify) that after the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For they all know me of old--if they would but testify to the fact--how, being an adherent of the strictest sect of our religion, my life was that of a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />knowing me before from the first (if they may be willing to testify), that after the most exact sect of our worship, I lived a Pharisee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />knowing me from the first, if they would be willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived <i>as</i> a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> knowing me before from the first, (if they may be willing to testify,) that after the most exact sect of our worship, I lived a Pharisee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Knowing me beforehand, from a former period, if they would testify, that according to the most strict sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Having known me from the beginning (if they will give testimony) that according to the most sure sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They knew me well from the beginning, (if they would be willing to offer testimony) for I lived according to the most determined sect of our religion: as a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They have known about me from the start, if they are willing to testify, that I have lived my life as a Pharisee, the strictest party of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For they have been acquainted with me a long time, and know that I was brought up with the excellent doctrine of the Phar’i-sees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Because for a long time they have been persuaded concerning me, for they know that I was living in the official doctrine of the Pharisees.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />who, knowing me from the first, could testify, if they would, that, according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />knowing me originally, if they may be willing to testify, that according to the most rigid sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />who previously knew me a long while ago, (if they chose to bear testimony,) that according to the most precise sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />they can testify, if they will, that I early profess'd myself a Pharisee, a member of the most rigorous sect of our religion:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For they all know me of old--if they would but testify to the fact--how, being an adherent of the strictest sect of our religion, my life was that of a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />having known me from the beginning, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />knowing me before, (if they would testify <i>it,</i>) that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/26-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=8572" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Paul's Testimony to Agrippa</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from the earliest days of my youth, among my own people and in Jerusalem. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4267.htm" title="4267: proginōskontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To know beforehand, foreknow. From pro and ginosko; to know beforehand, i.e. Foresee.">They have known</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/509.htm" title="509: anōthen (Adv) -- From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.">for a long time</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: martyrein (V-PNA) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">and can testify,</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelōsi (V-PSA-3P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">they are willing,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: ezēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">I lived as</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaios (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">a Pharisee,</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">adhering to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/196.htm" title="196: akribestatēn (Adj-AFS-S) -- Most exact, strict. Superlative of akribes; most exact.">strictest</a> <a href="/greek/139.htm" title="139: hairesin (N-AFS) -- From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. a party or disunion.">sect</a> <a href="/greek/2251.htm" title="2251: hēmeteras (PPro-GF1P) -- Our, our own. From thnetos; our.">of our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2356.htm" title="2356: thrēskeias (N-GFS) -- From a derivative of threskos; ceremonial observance.">religion.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">6</span>And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a></span><br />circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13-14</a></span><br />For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3</a></span><br />“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Acts 23:6</a></span><br />Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-3.htm">Matthew 23:3</a></span><br />So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-22.htm">2 Corinthians 11:22</a></span><br />Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Luke 18:11-12</a></span><br />The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. / I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20</a></span><br />For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Romans 9:31-32</a></span><br />but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-5.htm">Mark 7:5-9</a></span><br />So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” / Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-28.htm">John 9:28-29</a></span><br />Then they heaped insults on him and said, “You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses. / We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a></span><br />I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most strait sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.</p><p class="hdg">if.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/22-5.htm">Acts 22:5</a></b></br> As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.</p><p class="hdg">that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Acts 23:6</a></b></br> But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men <i>and</i> brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5,6</a></b></br> Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, <i>of</i> the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; … </p><p class="hdg">sect.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5,14</a></b></br> For we have found this man <i>a</i> pestilent <i>fellow</i>, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/26-2.htm">Able</a> <a href="/acts/24-4.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/acts/25-10.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">First</a> <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/21-16.htm">Party</a> <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Pharisee</a> <a href="/acts/19-39.htm">Regular</a> <a href="/acts/25-19.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Sect</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/acts/25-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/25-20.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/27-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/acts/26-20.htm">First</a> <a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/acts/26-8.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Party</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Pharisee</a> <a href="/genesis/47-22.htm">Regular</a> <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Sect</a> <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/27-43.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/26-12.htm">and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/26-31.htm">The whole company pronounces him innocent.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This emphasizes the transparency and consistency of his life before his conversion. His long-standing reputation among the Jews is significant, as it establishes his credibility and the authenticity of his testimony.<p><b>and can testify, if they are willing</b><br>Paul challenges his accusers to speak the truth about his past. This implies that the Jewish leaders are aware of his former zeal and dedication to Judaism. The phrase suggests that their unwillingness to testify might be due to their reluctance to acknowledge the truth of his transformation and the implications of his message.<p><b>that I lived as a Pharisee</b><br>The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. Paul’s identification as a Pharisee highlights his deep commitment to Jewish law and customs before his conversion. This background is crucial in understanding his initial opposition to the Christian faith and his subsequent transformation.<p><b>adhering to the strictest sect of our religion</b><br>The Pharisees were known for their rigorous observance of the Law of Moses and additional oral traditions. Paul’s statement underscores his former life of strict religious observance, which adds weight to his testimony of conversion. This strict adherence is also seen in other scriptures, such as <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5-6</a>, where Paul describes his zeal for the law.<p><b>our religion</b><br>Paul refers to Judaism, the faith of the Jewish people, which is rooted in the covenantal relationship with God as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures. This term connects his past life with the shared heritage of his audience, emphasizing continuity and fulfillment in Christ rather than a break from tradition.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)</a></b><br>The apostle who is giving his defense before King Agrippa. He recounts his past as a Pharisee to establish his credibility and transformation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>A Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses and traditions. Paul identifies himself as having been part of this group to highlight his deep roots in Jewish tradition.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_agrippa.htm">King Agrippa</a></b><br>The ruler before whom Paul is making his defense. Agrippa is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and controversies, making him a significant audience for Paul's testimony.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where Paul was well-known and where his life as a Pharisee was centered. It is the hub of Jewish religious life and the backdrop for much of Paul's early life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jewish_religion.htm">Jewish Religion</a></b><br>The context in which Paul lived and practiced as a Pharisee, emphasizing the strict observance of the Law and traditions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_past.htm">Understanding Our Past</a></b><br>Recognize the importance of acknowledging our past, as Paul does, to testify to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_tradition.htm">The Role of Tradition</a></b><br>Evaluate the role of religious traditions in our lives, ensuring they do not overshadow the core message of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/credibility_in_witnessing.htm">Credibility in Witnessing</a></b><br>Use personal history and experiences to establish credibility when sharing the Gospel, as Paul does with his audience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation Through Christ</a></b><br>Emphasize the radical transformation that occurs when one encounters Christ, moving from a life of legalism to one of grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_testimony.htm">Courage in Testimony</a></b><br>Be bold in sharing your testimony, even before those who may be skeptical or hostile, trusting in God's power to work through your words.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_judaism's_sects.htm">What are the different sects of Judaism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_sadducees_differ_from_pharisees.htm">What distinguishes Sadducees from Pharisees?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/external_proof_of_paul's_5_floggings.htm">2 Corinthians 11:24 – Where is external evidence that Paul was flogged five times by Jewish authorities, since such punishments were well-documented elsewhere? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_paul_use_pharisee_status_to_divide.htm">Acts 23:6-7 - Did Paul use his Pharisee identity just to create division, and is there historical evidence supporting such a reaction from the council?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">After the most straitest sect.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">most rigid, </span>or <span class= "ital">most precise.</span> The Greek does not contain anything answering to the double superlative of the English. The word for "sect" is the same as that used in <a href="/acts/24-5.htm" title="For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:">Acts 24:5</a>, and translated "heresy" in <a href="/acts/24-14.htm" title="But this I confess to you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:">Acts 24:14</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="accented">Having knowledge of me from the first</span> for <span class="accented">which knew me from the beginning</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">be willing to</span> for <span class="accented">would</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">how that</span> for <span class="accented">that</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">straitest</span> for <span class="accented">most straitest</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Straitest</span> (<span class="greek">ἀκριβεστάτην</span>); see <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3</a>; <a href="/acts/18-26.htm">Acts 18:26</a>, etc. <span class="cmt_word">Sect</span> (<span class="greek">αἵρεσις</span>); see <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Acts 24:14</a>, note. He does not disclaim being still a Pharisee. On the contrary, in the next verse (ver. 6) he declares, as he had done in <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Acts 23:6</a>, that it was for the chief hope of the Pharisees that he was now accused. He tries to enlist all the good feeling that <span class="accented">ye</span>t remained among the Jews on his side. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/26-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">They have known</span><br /><span class="grk">προγινώσκοντές</span> <span class="translit">(proginōskontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4267.htm">Strong's 4267: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know beforehand, foreknow. From pro and ginosko; to know beforehand, i.e. Foresee.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a long time</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄνωθεν</span> <span class="translit">(anōthen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_509.htm">Strong's 509: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] can testify,</span><br /><span class="grk">μαρτυρεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(martyrein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> </span><span class="str2">To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐὰν</span> <span class="translit">(ean)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they are willing,</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλωσι</span> <span class="translit">(thelōsi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I lived as</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔζησα</span> <span class="translit">(ezēsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a Pharisee,</span><br /><span class="grk">Φαρισαῖος</span> <span class="translit">(Pharisaios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">adhering to</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strictest</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκριβεστάτην</span> <span class="translit">(akribestatēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular - Superlative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_196.htm">Strong's 196: </a> </span><span class="str2">Most exact, strict. Superlative of akribes; most exact.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sect</span><br /><span class="grk">αἵρεσιν</span> <span class="translit">(hairesin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_139.htm">Strong's 139: </a> </span><span class="str2">From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. a party or disunion.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of our</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμετέρας</span> <span class="translit">(hēmeteras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2251.htm">Strong's 2251: </a> </span><span class="str2">Our, our own. From thnetos; our.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">religion.</span><br /><span class="grk">θρησκείας</span> <span class="translit">(thrēskeias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2356.htm">Strong's 2356: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of threskos; ceremonial observance.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/26-5.htm">Acts 26:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/26-5.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 26:5 Having known me from the first if (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/26-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 26:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 26:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/26-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 26:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 26:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>