Acts 26:5
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
knowing me from the first, if they would be willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

King James Bible
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
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.

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
since they have known about me for a long time previously, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
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.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
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.

International Standard Version
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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who knew me from the beginning, (if they would testify) that after the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

Weymouth New Testament
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.

World English Bible
having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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;

Berean Literal Bible
knowing me from the first, if they would be willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

Young's Literal Translation
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;

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“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.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
who, knowing me from the first, could testify, if they would, that, according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

Godbey New Testament
knowing me originally, if they may be willing to testify, that according to the most rigid sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Haweis New Testament
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.

Mace New Testament
they can testify, if they will, that I early profess'd myself a Pharisee, a member of the most rigorous sect of our religion:

Weymouth New Testament
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.

Worrell New Testament
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.

Worsley New Testament
knowing me before, (if they would testify it,) that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a pharisee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Testimony to Agrippa
4Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from the earliest days of my youth, among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5They 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. 6And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,…

Cross References
Philippians 3:5
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;

Galatians 1:13-14
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.

Acts 22:3
“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.

Acts 23:6
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.”

Matthew 23:3
So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Romans 10:2
For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.

2 Corinthians 11:22
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

Luke 18:11-12
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.’

Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 9:31-32
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,

Mark 7:5-9
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.’ ...

John 9:28-29
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.”

1 Timothy 1:13
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
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.

Isaiah 29:13
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.


Treasury of Scripture

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most strait sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

if.

Acts 22:5
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.

that.

Acts 23:6
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Philippians 3:5,6
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; …

sect.

Acts 24:5,14
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: …

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Acts 26
1. Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;
12. and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.
24. Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.
28. Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.
31. The whole company pronounces him innocent.














They have known me for a long time
Paul is speaking to King Agrippa and others present, referring to the Jewish leaders who have been aware of his background and life. 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.

and can testify, if they are willing
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.

that I lived as a Pharisee
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.

adhering to the strictest sect of our religion
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 Philippians 3:5-6, where Paul describes his zeal for the law.

our religion
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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)
The apostle who is giving his defense before King Agrippa. He recounts his past as a Pharisee to establish his credibility and transformation.

2. Pharisees
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.

3. King Agrippa
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.

4. Jerusalem
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.

5. Jewish Religion
The context in which Paul lived and practiced as a Pharisee, emphasizing the strict observance of the Law and traditions.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Past
Recognize the importance of acknowledging our past, as Paul does, to testify to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

The Role of Tradition
Evaluate the role of religious traditions in our lives, ensuring they do not overshadow the core message of the Gospel.

Credibility in Witnessing
Use personal history and experiences to establish credibility when sharing the Gospel, as Paul does with his audience.

Transformation Through Christ
Emphasize the radical transformation that occurs when one encounters Christ, moving from a life of legalism to one of grace.

Courage in Testimony
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.(5) After the most straitest sect.--Better, most rigid, or most precise. 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 Acts 24:5, and translated "heresy" in Acts 24:14.

Verse 5. - Having knowledge of me from the first for which knew me from the beginning, A.V.; be willing to for would, A.V.; how that for that, A.V.; straitest for most straitest, A.V. Straitest (ἀκριβεστάτην); see Acts 22:3; Acts 18:26, etc. Sect (αἵρεσις); see Acts 24:14, 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 Acts 23:6, that it was for the chief hope of the Pharisees that he was now accused. He tries to enlist all the good feeling that yet remained among the Jews on his side.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They have known
προγινώσκοντές (proginōskontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4267: To know beforehand, foreknow. From pro and ginosko; to know beforehand, i.e. Foresee.

me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

for a long time
ἄνωθεν (anōthen)
Adverb
Strong's 509: From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.

[and] can testify,
μαρτυρεῖν (martyrein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

they are willing,
θέλωσι (thelōsi)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I lived as
ἔζησα (ezēsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

a Pharisee,
Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

adhering to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

strictest
ἀκριβεστάτην (akribestatēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular - Superlative
Strong's 196: Most exact, strict. Superlative of akribes; most exact.

sect
αἵρεσιν (hairesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 139: From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. a party or disunion.

of our
ἡμετέρας (hēmeteras)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2251: Our, our own. From thnetos; our.

religion.
θρησκείας (thrēskeias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2356: From a derivative of threskos; ceremonial observance.


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NT Apostles: Acts 26:5 Having known me from the first if (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 26:4
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