Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 26:22
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
22. Having therefore obtained help of God [ R. V. the help that is from God.] The “therefore” implies that against such attempts the help which alone could deliver him was divine. The word for “help” means the succour of an ally, and recalls God’s promise “Surely I will be with thee.”
I continue [ R.V. stand] unto this day ] The Apostle has in mind the many attempts to cast him down which had been made by Jews, and Gentiles too, during his missionary journeys. He has been rescued in many ways, and is still there standing safe and sound through the help which God hath sent him. He does not forget human agency, but this, whatever it was, was all sent of God.
witnessing [ R. V. testifying] both to small and great ] He was now before two who would be named great, and he knew that God had declared that he should testify “before kings” (Act 9:15).
the prophets and Moses ] i.e. the whole Old Testament Scriptures. The form of the phrase is usually “Moses and the prophets” according to the order of the O.T. books. Sometimes we have “the Law and the prophets,” and once (Luk 24:44) “the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms.”
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Having therefore obtained help of God – Paul had seen and felt his danger. He had known the determined malice of the Jews, and their efforts to take his life. He had been rescued by Lysias, and had made every effort himself to avoid the danger and to save his life; and at the end of all; he traced his safety entirely to the help of God. It was not by any power of his own that he had been preserved; it was because God had interposed and rescued him. Those who have been delivered from danger, if they have just views, will delight to trace it all to God. They will recognize his hand, and will feel that whatever wisdom they may have had, or whatever may have been the kindness of their friends to them, yet that all this also is to be traced to the superintending providence of God.
Witnessing – Bearing testimony to what he had seen, according to the command of Christ, Act 26:16.
To small – To those in humble life; to the poor, the ignorant, and the obscure. Like his Master, he did not despise them, but regarded it as his duty and privilege to preach the gospel to them.
And great – The rich and noble; to kings, princes, and governors. He had thus stood on Mars Hill at Athens; he had declared the same gospel before Felix, Festus, and now before Agrippa. He offered salvation to all. He passed by none because they were poor; and he was not deterred by the fear of the rich and the great from making known their sins and calling them to repeatance. What an admirable illustration of the proper duties of a minister of the gospel!
Saying none other things … – Delivering no new doctrine, but maintaining only that the prophecies had been fulfilled. As he had done this only, there was no reason for the opposition and persecution of the Jews.
Should come – Should come to pass, or should take place. Paul here evidently means to say that the doctrine of the atonement, and of the resurrection of Christ, is taught in the Old Testament.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 22. Having – obtained help of God] According to the gracious promise made to him: see Ac 26:17.
Witnessing both to small and great] Preaching before kings, rulers, priests, and peasants; fearing no evil, though ever surrounded with evils; nor slackening in my duty, notwithstanding the opposition I have met with both from Jews and Gentiles. And these continual interpositions of God show me that I have not mistaken my call, and encourage me to go forward in my work.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
I continue unto this day: that Paul, continued till then alive, notwithstanding all the fraud and force of his enemies, is acknowledged by him to be from God; from whence he infers towards his justification, that what he had done was but in a becoming gratitude towards that God who had maintained him in life unto that very day.
Witnessing both to small and great; witnessing to all sorts, princes or people; implying, that the truths of the gospel, and the things of God, concerned Agrippa as well as the meanest of his auditors; and indeed with God there is no respect of persons, and that we are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal 3:28.
The prophets and Moses; Moses was himself also a prophet, but he is here made especial mention of, because of his excellency above the other prophets, (unto whom God spoke face to face), as also because he was the lawgiver to the Jews, and to whom, upon all occasions, they pretended to yield obedience.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
22, 23. having obtainedhelp“succor.”
from God“that[which cometh] from God.”
I continue“stand,””hold my ground.”
unto this day, witnessing,c.that is, This life of mine, so marvellously preserved, in spiteof all the plots against it, is upheld for the Gospel’s saketherefore I “witnessed,” &c.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Having therefore obtained help of God,…. Both to preach the Gospel, and escape danger; for he had delivered him many a time both from Jews and Gentiles, according to his promise, Ac 26:17 and particularly from the Asiatic Jews, when they were about to kill him, by the means of Lysias the chief captain, who rescued him out of their hands; and also from the lying in wait of the Jews to take away his life, and the various methods they used both with Felix and Festus to get him into their power: but the Lord appeared for him, and saved him from all their pernicious designs against him; and therefore he could say as follows,
I continue unto this day: in the land of the living, though in bonds:
witnessing both to small and great; to kings and subjects, as now to Agrippa, Festus, the chief captains and principal inhabitants of Caesarea, and to the common people assembled; to high and low, rich and poor, bond and free, male and female, young and old; to persons of every state, age, and sex:
saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. This he mentions in opposition to the charge against him, as that he spoke against the law of Moses, as well as against the temple, and the people of the Jews; whereas his doctrine was perfectly agreeable to the writings of Moses, and the prophets, concerning the Messiah, they speak of in many places, and the Jews expected. There is an entire harmony and agreement between the writings of Moses, and the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New, in all the doctrines of the Gospel revelation; in the doctrine of a trinity of persons in the unity of the divine essence, and of the proper deity of each person; in the doctrines respecting the person, offices, and work of Christ; that he is the Son of God, God and man in one person, and the only Mediator between God and man; and that he is prophet, priest, and King; and that the great work he was appointed to, undertook, and came about, and has fulfilled, is the redemption of his people; and in the several doctrines of grace concerning the choice of men to salvation, the covenant made with Christ on account of them, their redemption, justification, and pardon, their repentance and good works, the resurrection of the dead, and a future state: the particular things instanced in, the apostle preached, and Moses and the prophets said should be, and in which they agreed, are as follow.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Having therefore obtained ( ). Second aorist active participle of old verb .
The help that is from God ( ). Old word from , to aid, and that from , ally, assister. Only here in N.T. God is Paul’s ally. All of the plots of the Jews against Paul had failed so far.
I stand (). Second perfect of , to place, intransitive to stand. Picturesque word (Page) of Paul’s stability and fidelity (cf. Phil 4:1; Eph 6:13).
Both to small and great ( ). Dative singular (rather than instrumental, taking middle, not passive) and use of links the two adjectives together in an inclusive way. These two adjectives in the singular (representative singular rather than plural) can apply to age (young and old) or to rank (Re 11:18) as is specially suitable here with Festus and Agrippa present. In Ac 8:10 (Heb 8:11) the phrase explains (all).
Saying nothing but what ( ). “Saying nothing outside of those things which.” The ablative relative is attracted into the case of the unexpressed antecedent and so ablative after (adverbial preposition common in LXX, the papyri. In N.T. here and 1Cor 6:18; 1Cor 15:27; 2Cor 12:2). Cf. Lu 16:29 about Moses and the prophets.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Help of God [ ] . Lit., “help that is from God.” The article defines the nature of the help more sharply than A. V. The word for help originally meant alliance.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Having therefore obtained help of God,”(epikourias oun tuchon tes apo tou theou) “Therefore having obtained or secured the help that is from God,” by His word, His spirit, and His providential care, Heb 13:5; Heb 4:15-16.
2) I continue unto this day,” (achri tes hemerastautes hesteka) “I stand (continue to take a stand) until this day,” cared for by Him whom I try to serve,
3) “Witnessing both to small and great,” (marturomenos mikro te kai megalo) “Continually witnessing, testifying to both small and to great ones,” to the learned and the unlearned, the rich and the poor, the high and the low, to those of all classes of life, of all ranks. 1Co 9:20-23,
4) “Saying none other things than,” louden ektos hon) “Saying not one thing apart from the things which,” those holy men of God spoke and wrote concerning Jesus, Act 10:43; 2Pe 1:20-21.
5) “Those which the prophets,” (te hoi prophetoi) “Both the things which the prophets,” of the Old Testament Law before Christ, spoke, Luk 16:16; Luk 24:44-45.
6) “And Moses did say should come: (elalesan mellonton ginesthai kai Mouses) And Moses said were about to, or should occur,” Luk 24:25-27; Deu 18:17-19. This was the gospel story of life and hope thru the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1Co 15:1-4; Rom 8:11; Joh 5:46 reads, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me,” Gen 3:15; Joh 1:45.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(22) Having therefore obtained help of God.The Greek noun for help is not used elsewhere in the New Testament. It implies the kind of assistance which one friend or ally gives to another of inferior power. It is found in the Greek of Wis. 13:18. Here the word seems used as being more intelligible to those who are outside the kingdom of God than the more spiritual, more theological, grace of which the Apostle habitually spoke.
Witnessing both to small and great.The English version gives the right rendering of the best supported reading. Some MSS., however, have witnessed to by small and great; but this, besides the want of authority, and its involving an unusual construction, is at variance with the context. It was true that St. Pauls life was spent in bearing witness that Jesus was Christ. It was not true that he had a good report of all men. The words small and great were significant as spoken when he was standing before two men like Festus and Agrippa. The phrase may be noted as occurring in Act. 8:10, and again in Rev. 11:18; Rev. 13:16; Rev. 19:5; Rev. 19:18; Rev. 20:12.
The prophets and Moses.The more natural order of Moses and the prophets (Luk. 16:29; Luk. 16:31), and the order of the words in the Greek, which the prophets said should come, and Moses, suggests the thought that the sentence would have stopped naturally at come, and that the name of Moses was added by an instantaneous after-thought to meet the case of those among the hearers who, like the Sadducees, placed the Pentateuch on a higher level of authority than the Prophets.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
22. Help A military term signifying the aid a warrior receives from auxiliary or allied forces. The warrior was the apostle; the enemy the Jews; the auxiliary was God.
Witnessing According to his apostolic office. (See note on Act 26:16.)
Small and great Whether of rank, stature, or age.
Prophets and Moses Hence Christianity is true Old Testament religion, and Paul has not by forsaking his national religion incurred the penalty of death.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
“Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand, to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come, how that the Christ must suffer, and how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.”
And central to all this is Jesus the Christ and the resurrection (compare Act 17:18). That is why he has received help from God. It was in order that he might proclaim to both small and great the hope of Israel as revealed by Moses and the prophets, namely that the Messiah must come, and that He must suffer, and that through His resurrection He would proclaim light to both Jews and Gentiles. For it is finally His resurrection that is the proof of what God has done and which therefore brings light to all (compare 1Co 15:14; 2Ti 1:10).
And he wants them to recognise that in teaching these things he is saying nothing other than the prophets have already said. Scriptures he has in mind would included Deu 18:18, of the coming Prophet; Isa 53:10-12 which could only be fulfilled by the resurrection of the Servant; Isa 52:13, where the One Who had been humiliated is exalted high; both halves of Psalms 22, expressing humiliation and triumph; the triumph of the Messiah in Psa 16:8-11; Psa 110:1; Moses teaching on the sacrifices which are fulfilled in Christ (1Co 5:7) and are for the forgiveness of sins; Isa 42:6; Isa 49:6 where the Servant is shown to be for the light to the Gentiles.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Act 26:22. Having therefore obtained help of God, &c. “I impute it therefore to an extraordinary providence that I am yet alive, and publicly declare it with all thankfulness, that it is by having obtained help from God that I continue until this day; and I endeavour to employ my life to the purposes for which it is prolonged, resolutely and courageously testifying, both to small and great, as what is really a matter of the greatest concern both to the meanest and the most exalted of mankind, the way of salvation by Christ Jesus my Lord, &c.”
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 1812
PAULS TESTIMONY
Act 26:22-23. Having obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
EVEN to this moment, the Gospel, when faithfully preached, is called A new doctrine [Note: Act 17:19.]. But it is the very same that it was from the beginning. We know no other Gospel than that which was preached to Abraham, or than that which was delivered to man in Paradise. The only difference between the Apostles and the Prophets was, that the one foretold the Saviour who should come, and the other proclaimed the Saviour who had come. As for us, we have only to follow the steps of the Apostles, and to bear the same testimony as was uniformly borne by them.
In the words before us, we have the entire substance of the Apostles ministrations. Let us notice,
I.
The testimony which he bore
This related both to the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and to the manifestation of him to the world
[He was not ashamed to declare, that the Lord Jesus Christ had suffered on the accursed tree, and been put to death as a malefactor. But he bore witness, that God had raised him from the dead, and that in and by his resurrection his claims to the Messiahship were established beyond all reasonable doubt [Note: Rom 1:4.] Others, indeed, had been raised by the prophets, and by the Lord Jesus Christ himself: but, though raised, they had died at last, like all others of the children of men: but Christ was risen to die no more [Note: Rom 6:9.]: so that in that, as in all other things, he had the pre-eminence, and was indeed the first-born from the dead [Note: Col 1:18.].
Being now ascended into the highest heavens, he had sent the Holy Spirit to testify of him, and to make known that salvation which was henceforth to be proclaimed in his name; and to be proclaimed, not to the Jews only, but unto Gentiles also, even to the ends of the earth
With these general statements he entered, of course, into all the ends and purposes of this great mystery; and shewed, that by it the salvation of man was affected, since it was for our sins that Christ died, and for our justification that he rose again [Note: Rom 4:25.] ]
In the whole of it he insisted on nothing but what Moses and the prophets had declared before him [Note: 1Co 15:3-4.]
[Exceeding full is the testimony which they have borne to the work and offices of the Lord Jesus. Of his death, Moses in fact spake, in all the sacrifices which were offered; as did the prophets also, in the most express terms [Note: Isa 53:5. Dan 9:26. Zec 12:10.] The resurrection of our Lord, too, was plainly shadowed forth by Moses in the ordinance of the scape-goat, and in the entrance of the high-priest within the vail with the blood of the sacrifices: and with equal plainness was it foretold by David [Note: Psa 16:10.], and exemplified in Jonah [Note: Jon 1:17.]
The manifestation of him, also, both to Jews and Gentiles, alike occupied their attention; the one exhibiting him as the Shiloh, to whom the gathering of the people should be [Note: Gen 49:10.]; and the other, as given for a light to lighten the whole world [Note: Isa 42:6; Isa 49:6.].]
But in our text we are particularly called to notice,
II.
The circumstances under which he bore it
Truly his labours and his sufferings had been such as no human being could have sustained, if he had not been aided and upheld by Almighty power
[His labours were more abundant than those of any other Apostle; and his trials, beyond measure, great [Note: Compare Rom 15:19 and Act 20:34. with 2Co 6:4-5; 2Co 11:23-29.] But he obtained help of God, and therefore was enabled to proceed without weariness or dismay God had promised to succour him [Note: ver. 17.]; and this promise was fulfilled in a variety of ways. Sometimes God averted trials from him [Note: Act 9:24-25; Act 18:9-10; Act 18:12; Act 18:17; Act 23:12-31.]; sometimes upheld him under them [Note: 2Co 4:8-10. 2Ti 4:16-18.]; and sometimes delivered him out of them, when it seemed as if his career had already been brought to a close [Note: Act 14:19-20; Act 21:31-32; Act 23:27.]. Hence the Apostle thankfully acknowledged his obligations both to the providence and grace of God; to the one, as fortifying his mind; and to the other, as strengthening his body, for all that he was called to endure.]
To the same Almighty power must every faithful minister ascribe his continuance in the free discharge of his duty
[The labours or sufferings of ministers, at this, day, are as nothing, in comparison of those which were sustained by the Apostle. But the continuance of life, and health, and liberty, should be regarded as the special gift of God: and more particularly should we acknowledge our preservation from sin and from apostasy, as the very work of God; without whose gracious aid we should never be able to withstand the assaults of our great adversary one single hour. Even the being kept steadfast in the faith is no small mercy: and if we are enabled simply to adhere to the doctrines of the Apostles and prophets without being led aside into any pernicious error or vain conceit, we may well acknowledge, with devoutest gratitude, our obligations to Almighty God.]
We may see, in this passage,
1.
What is the real ground of that hatred which faithful ministers have to encounter
[Many reasons were assigned by Pauls enemies for their inveteracy against him: but the true reason was, that he bore a faithful testimony to those very truths which they themselves professed to believe. They could not endure the fidelity with which he called them to receive the testimony of Moses and the prophets. And is not similar fidelity a ground of offence at this day? Yes: there is no man who boldly maintains the authority of Christ, and demands unlimited subjection to him, but the men of this world will cry out against him, as fanatical or righteous overmuch. But, if only we can say that we speak nothing but what the prophets and Apostles have declared before us, we need not regard either the calumnies or opposition of the whole world. The same God that helped Paul will help us also, and will richly recompense into our bosoms whatsoever we may suffer for his sake.]
2.
What reason we have for thankfulness, if a faithful ministry be continued to us!
[Satan is ever on the watch, to rob us of it. Innumerable are the efforts which he makes to intimidate or ensnare the servants of the Lord Jesus. There are no persons in the world against whom he directs his efforts with more subtlety or venom. Surely they greatly need the prayers of their people in their behalf. If Paul said so frequently, Brethren, pray for us, much more may they, whose attainments are so inferior to his. Let us, then, be thankful to God for the ministry we still enjoy; and whilst it is continued to us, let us improve it with all our might.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
Ver. 22. Saying none other thing ] Truth is one and the same in all ages; it is also ancient, and ever at agreement with itself. As on the other side, error is new, manifold, dissonant, and contradictory to itself, and much more to the truth. Paul delivered no new truths, but stood in the good old way of Moses and the prophets, and followed them, . Those that stumble from the ancient ways, to walk in “new paths, in a way not cast up,” they are people that “forget God,” Jer 18:15 , to sacrifice to new gods, that came newly up,Deu 32:17Deu 32:17 ; they are none of God’s ancient people,Isa 44:7Isa 44:7 , but an upstart generation that knew not Joseph.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
22. ] The refers to the whole course of deliverances which he had had from God, not merely to the last. It serves to close the narrative, by shewing how it was that he was there that day, after such repeated persecutions, crowned by this last attempt to destroy him.
] The mere love of paradox and difficulty, as it seems to me, has led De Wette and Meyer to prefer the ordinary reading – , although very weakly supported by MSS., and yielding hardly any appropriate sense. must be passive , and signify (see reff. below) ‘ testified to ,’ ‘ borne witness of :’ the datives and must be the agents, ‘ by small and great ’ (to which there is no objection grammatically, but every objection analogically, see ch. Act 10:22 ; Act 16:2 ; Act 22:12 , in all which is followed by ), and must be predicative, ‘ as saying :’ i.e., ‘ that I say .’ But this would be contrary to the fact: Paul was not thus borne witness of by all , but on the contrary accused of being a despiser of the law by a great majority of his own countrymen. There can, I think, be no question either critically or exegetically of the correctness of the other reading , bearing witness , as directly appropriate to the office to which Paul was appointed, that of a witness ( Act 26:16 ); and then , to small and great , so flat and meaningless on the other interpretation, admirably suits the occasion, standing as he was before an assembly of the greatest of the land.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 26:22 . ( ) : “the help that is from God,” R.V., i.e. , the help which cometh from God only; only here in N.T., cf. Wis 13:18 ( , 2 ), for the use of the same phrase cf. instances in Wetstein from Polybius; the word is found in Josephus, but also frequently in classical Greek, of succour against foes. : no idea of chance, cf. 2Ti 2:10 ; the aid was divine, not human. , see Wendt, and references, Blass, Gram. , p. 267, Winer-Moulton, liii., 10, 4. : sto salvus , Bengel, after these repeated dangers. The A.V. hardly gives the force of the word; it is a Pauline expression, cf. Eph 6:13-14 , Col 4:12 , so Knabenbauer, subsisto incolumis . : “testifying,” A.V., yet , see critical note, would rather signify “testifying,” so R.V., see on Act 6:3 . Grimm-Thayer, if the reading in T.R. is retained, evidently considers that it should be rendered as passive, “testified to both by small and great”. But marks most appropriately the office of bearing testimony to which Paul was appointed. : if taken to mean “both small and great,” the words would have a special force in thus being spoken before Festus and Agrippa, but if = young and old, i.e. , before all men, cf. Act 8:10 , Heb 8:11 ; cf. Gen 19:4 ; Gen 19:11 , etc., but in Rev 11:18 ; Rev 13:16 ; Rev 19:5 , reference is made rather to rank than to age, and the latter meaning may well be included here; cf. Deu 1:17 , Job 3:19 , Wis 6:7 . . . = , cf. Rev 17:8 Simcox, Language of the N.T. , p. 135. . ., cf. Luk 21:36 ; , cf. 1Co 15:27 ; the word is only used by St. Paul elsewhere in N.T. (except Mat 23:26 ), cf. 1Ki 10:13 , 2Ch 9:12 ; 2Ch 17:19 . . .: more naturally Moses and the prophets, Luk 16:29 ; Luk 16:31 , and cf. Act 28:23 , but Moses may have been mentioned to influence the Sadducean element in the audience: the historical Christ was always the subject of St. Paul’s preaching “Jesus is the Christ,” and the historical Christ was also the ideal Christ; cf. Act 3:13 , 1Co 15:3 . See on this verse critical note, and Wendt (1899), p. 397, note.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
obtained. Greek. tunchano. See Act 19:11; Act 24:2.
help. Greek. epikouria. Only here. A medical word.
of = frorn. Greek. para. App-104. But the texts read apo.
continue = stand. Greek. histemi. Same as Act 26:16. See the Structure.
unto = until. Greek. achri.
witnessing. Same word as “testify” (Act 26:5).
small and great. Compare Act 8:10. Rev 11:18; Rev 13:16; Rev 19:5, Rev 19:18; Rev 20:12.
none, &c. = nothing (Greek. oudeis) except the things which.
the prophets, &c. Usually “Moses and the prophets”. See Act 28:23. Luk 16:29, Luk 16:31. Joh 1:45.
prophets. See Exo 4:16 and App-82.
Moses. See Act 3:22.
did say = spake. Greek. laleo. App-121.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
22.] The refers to the whole course of deliverances which he had had from God, not merely to the last. It serves to close the narrative, by shewing how it was that he was there that day,-after such repeated persecutions, crowned by this last attempt to destroy him.
] The mere love of paradox and difficulty, as it seems to me, has led De Wette and Meyer to prefer the ordinary reading -, although very weakly supported by MSS., and yielding hardly any appropriate sense. must be passive, and signify (see reff. below) testified to, borne witness of: the datives and must be the agents, by small and great (to which there is no objection grammatically, but every objection analogically, see ch. Act 10:22; Act 16:2; Act 22:12, in all which is followed by ), and must be predicative, as saying: i.e., that I say. But this would be contrary to the fact: Paul was not thus borne witness of by all, but on the contrary accused of being a despiser of the law by a great majority of his own countrymen. There can, I think, be no question either critically or exegetically of the correctness of the other reading , bearing witness, as directly appropriate to the office to which Paul was appointed,-that of a witness (Act 26:16); and then , to small and great, so flat and meaningless on the other interpretation, admirably suits the occasion,-standing as he was before an assembly of the greatest of the land.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 26:22. , help) Ammonius observes; is said of the assistance given by one who is with another; , of that of one who comes from without to the help of another. When all the Jews were either attacking, or else not defending Paul, God suddenly sent Romans to his help from the camp. Thus the promise which Jesus had given in Act 26:17 was fulfilled.-) In relation to us, not in relation to GOD, such things are fortuitous [ properly implies chance].-, I have stood, I stand [continue]) safe and uninjured.-, to great) as in the present instance.-) The Genitive depends on .-) and, in particular, Moses, an extraordinary prophet.-) whether. Elegantly used. The fact was clear: the Jews had called it in question; Act 26:3, questions among the Jews.-, is liable to-capable of-suffering) The Jews had denied that Messiah can suffer.-, the first) 1Co 15:23.-, a light) Act 26:13; Act 26:18.- , is about to show) by the Gospel, as was foretold.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Convincing His Inquisitors
Act 26:22-32
Paul was in his element. He was delivering to kings and governors the testimony which it was the constant object of his life to give, when suddenly he was stopped by Festus, who, on hearing of the resurrection of the dead, accused Paul of madness. Paul addressed him with perfect respect, and then turned to King Agrippa for justification. But Agrippa did not choose to be entrapped in the discussion of these deep religious truths. With the contempt of a man of the world he smiled at the enthusiastic earnestness of this man who fancied that a wearer of purple would embrace faith in a crucified Messiah. It was as if he said, In a little while youll be making me-a Christian!
Paul immediately caught up his words. With evident sincerity he broke in with, I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am (here he must have raised his fettered hands) except these bonds. He was no common criminal, as his judges were fain to admit, and the proceedings of that day probably, under God, saved Pauls life, for Nero could hardly condemn to death a man who had been pronounced innocent by such hearers as these.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
obtained: Act 26:17, Act 14:19, Act 14:20, Act 16:25, Act 16:26, Act 18:9, Act 18:10, Act 21:31-33, Act 23:10, Act 23:11, Act 23:16-22, 1Sa 7:12, Ezr 8:31, Psa 18:47, Psa 66:12, Psa 118:10-13, Psa 124:1-3, Psa 124:8, 2Co 1:8-10, 2Ti 3:11, 2Ti 4:17, 2Ti 4:18
witnessing: Act 20:20-27, Rev 11:18, Rev 20:12
none: Act 26:6, Act 3:21-24, Luk 24:27, Luk 24:44, Luk 24:46
the prophets: Act 24:14, Act 28:23, Mat 17:4, Mat 17:5, Luk 16:29-31, Joh 1:17, Joh 1:45, Joh 3:14, Joh 3:15, Joh 5:39, Joh 5:46, Rom 3:21, Rev 15:3
Reciprocal: Deu 11:2 – And know Deu 26:9 – he hath 2Ki 23:2 – both small and great 1Ch 15:26 – God 1Ch 17:16 – that thou hast 2Ch 15:13 – whether small 2Ch 26:7 – God helped Neh 2:8 – the king Psa 115:13 – both small Mat 26:24 – Son of man goeth Luk 22:22 – truly Joh 8:31 – If Joh 9:29 – know Act 3:18 – those Act 8:25 – when they had Act 8:35 – began Act 10:43 – him Act 13:27 – they have Act 18:28 – convinced Act 19:8 – went Act 20:27 – I have Act 24:24 – he sent Act 25:19 – which Act 26:27 – believest Rom 16:26 – and by 1Co 15:3 – according 1Co 15:4 – according 1Ti 4:16 – continue Jam 1:25 – and 1Pe 1:11 – the glory Rev 13:16 – both
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
STEADFASTNESS
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day.
Act 26:22
Continuancesteadfastnesswhat an important question it is! Let us spend a little time in looking at
I. Its nature.What sort of continuance do we want? In what directions have we to continue?
(a) A Christian must continue in the faith. In the faith, viewed objectively.
(b) There must be also continuance in practice. We must be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving our own selves.
(c) Christian continuance is continuance in prayer. As writes the Apostle: Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Col 4:2).
(d) Christian continuance is continuance in fellowship. In one sense it is sadly true that we are all solitaries, but in another we must never forget that we are members of a society.
II. Its necessity.But we go on to ask why this continuance is so necessary. The answer is
(a) It is necessary for sincerity. It is much to begin well, but can you continue? There is no such proof of strength as endurance.
(b) It is necessary for success.
III. How it is to be secured.But now we come to the all-important question, How is this continuance to be secured? What is its secret? There are two ways of looking at the questiona Divine side and a human sideand neither of them must be forgotten.
(a) The Divine side. (1) The promises of God; (2) the intercession of Christ; and (3) the indwelling of the Holy Ghost secure continuance.
(b) The human side. How are we to continue? The answer is
(a) By faith. The just shall live by faiththat is, shall go on living by faith, by faith, by faithall our journey through.
(b) The secret of continuance is the Presence of the continuing Christ.
(c) Finally, if we would continue we must look forward as well as upwards. Hope as well as faith has her appropriate sphere in Christian continuance. We look for a city which hath foundations
Rev. E. W. Moore.
Illustrations
(1) How is it that you get through so much? said a visitor one day to the great missionary, William Carey. I do not know, he answered, except it is that I keep on doing.
(2) Who has not heard of Bernard Palissy, the Huguenot potter, who made firewood of the chairs and tables and rafters of his houseto the consternation of his wife, who regarded him as a visionary dreamer, while his children were wanting bread, but who at last discovered the great secret of enamel ware, which had been lost for centuries, and which has made his name famous while the world goes round? Continuance will ultimately be rewarded. Witness the lives of missionaries like Moffat, Judson, David Livingstone, Alexander Mackaywho waited long before the fruits of their labour were seen, but whose successors have reaped an abundant harvest.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
2
Act 26:22. Paul again declared that his preaching was according to the predictions of the very writings that the Jews professed to believe. It is good to hear him give God the glory for his endurance, as he stood in the hearing of this mixed judicial court.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 26:22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day. Never without Divine protection had he stood alive before that brilliant court and King Agrippa. Had not the invincible guards of the great King stood around him these past years, that frail life of his would have been long since sacrificed. The memories of Lystra and the rain of cruel stones, the guerdon of his kindly deeds done there; the persecutions of Philippi, of Corinth, and of Beraea; the danger in the theatre of Ephesus, and the later deadly perils he had escaped at Jerusalem,the thoughts which crowded round him when he penned the fourth and eleventh chapters of the second Corinthian letter (see chap. Act 4:7-12 and Act 11:23-27),prompted this expression of sure trust, of calm, unruffled confidence in the arm of the Lord stretched ever out before him to guard and keep His faithful servant. Paul seemed ever to hear the rustle of the Almighty wings as they moved in solemn guardianship above his head.
Witnessing both to small and great. Rank, not age, is here meant. It is one of the distinguishing characteristics of Christianity that, as regards the future life, it ignores all present class distinctions. That there will be degrees in glory in the eternal kingdom is more than probable, just as there are, we know, grades in the hierarchy of heaven. Thrones, principalities, archangels, angels, with a stammering tongue faintly express our conception of these. But the teaching of Christ as expounded by His chosen servants, such as James, and John, and Paul, shows us that to win this prize of our high calling all stand equally wellthe learned and unlearned, high-born and low-born, bond and free, rich and poor. The great teachers of Christianity of the first days, while specially careful, even anxious to avoid disturbing class privileges here on earth, at the same time taught that all these distinctions in society were merely temporary, enduring at most only during the short space of human life; and that in the timeless existence which was to succeed this vanishing and uncertain earth-life, entirely new conditions would regulate position and work in the City of God. This was a glorious onlook for the slave, and for all the heavy-laden, sorely-tried sons and daughters of men, and one that urged individual generosity and self-denial, while it forbade discontent and repining. So Paul tells the magnificent Jewish king and his haughty sister, that during that long career of restless work he had with equal alacrity and patient care spoken to the poorest slave and proudest noble.
The phrase is one often used in the New Testament. See chap. Act 8:10; Rev 11:18; Rev 13:16; Rev 19:5; Rev 19:18; Rev 20:12.
Saying none other things than those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come. Before delivering the message which the One who appeared to him on the Damascus road had entrusted to him, Paul was in the habit of simply relating the well-known story of the arrest, trial, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. He then out of the Old Testament Scriptures showed that this was exactly what Moses and the prophets had foretold of the coming Messiah, viz. that He should suffer, die, and rise from the dead. Paul in his argument used none of the traditions and expository additions which had long been growing round the law and the prophets, but simply for his grand purpose quoted the words of the old inspired men, and they were enough.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
22, 23. That the Jews had not succeeded, with all their mobs, and conspiracies, and corruption of rulers, in destroying his life, was a matter of astonishment, and Agrippa might well admit that it was owing to the protecting providence of God. (22) “Having, however, obtained help from God, I have stood until this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing else than those things which Moses and the prophets did say should be, (23) that the Christ should suffer, and that he first, by his resurrection from the dead, should show light to the people and to the Gentiles.” Here he assumes that, instead of dishonoring Moses, he and his brethren alone were teaching the things which both Moses and the prophets had foretold; that it was required, by their writings, that the Messiah should suffer and rise from the dead.
By the statement that Christ first showed light to the people and the Gentiles by his resurrection, he must mean that he was the first to bring the subject into clear light, by an actual resurrection to glory; for there had already been some light upon it, as is proved by Paul’s previous statement in reference to the hope to which the twelve tribes had been, in all their worship, seeking to attain.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
22. Therefore having received help from God, I stand unto this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing else than those things which the prophets and Moses said would come to pass,
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 22
To small and great; to high and low.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
26:22 {7} Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to {f} small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
(7) Christ is the end of the Law and the Prophets.
(f) To everyone.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
God had stood by Paul and had helped him, as He had promised (Act 26:22; cf Act 26:17). Paul preached a message thoroughly in harmony with Israel’s faith (cf. Act 3:18; Act 17:3). Act 26:23 may be Luke’s condensation of Paul’s exposition of many Old Testament messianic prophecies that Jesus fulfilled (e.g., Isa 42:6; Isa 49:6; Isa 53:10; Isa 60:3). Many of the Jews rejected the ideas of a suffering Messiah, His resurrection from the dead, and direct ministry to Gentiles, but Paul found support for these in the Old Testament.
"Here in substance is the Gospel that Paul preached and that believers ought always to proclaim, ’that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures’ (1Co 15:3-4)." [Note: The New Scofield . . ., p. 1204.]