John Bengel Commentary - Acts 26:29 - 26:29

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John Bengel Commentary - Acts 26:29 - 26:29


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Act 26:29. Εὐξαίμην ἂν τῷ Θεῷ, I would wish before GOD) Agrippa speaks of it as a thing at his own pleasure, as if he could at will admit human persuasion, such as he ascribed to Paul: Paul courteously corrects this error; for it is the gift and work of GOD.-καὶ ἐν ὀλίγῳ καὶ ἐν πολλῷ, both almost and altogether) Paul retorts the expression almost upon the king; and by a kind of parody adds, and altogether: both of which designate (imply) both the time and the easiness of the thing: Those things which are easy, are for the most part quickly done; those things which are difficult, are slowly done. The ἐν πολλῷ [implying slowness and difficulty in the accomplishment] appertains to Festus, and other hearers like Festus, whom he invites to faith: the ἐν ὀλίγῳ (in a little, easily, quickly, almost), or both expressions, apply to Agrippa.-οὐ μόνον σὲ, not only thou) Paul intimates that he is ready, not only to bestow (devote) τὸ ὄλιγον, that which is little and easy, the labour of speaking, but also that which is much and hard, τὸ πολὺ, viz. great labour, endurance, and life itself.-πάντας, all) It is the part of modesty, that Paul does not name and address all these; yet he looks at them and marks them.-σήμερον, this day) This is construed by most interpreters with the preceding participle; by Chrysostom and others, with the subsequent verb. And, indeed, it has remarkable force with the verb.-γένεσθαι, might become) The word of Agrippa (“to become a Christian”) is repeated. The antithesis is εἰμι, I am, presently.-τοιούτους, such) Christians, not merely by profession, but in reality. An elegant periphrasis.-κἀγὼ, even I myself) Paul speaks from a sense of his own blessedness, with the widest (most comprehensive) love. Comp. 1Co 7:7.-παρεκτὸς, with the exception of) A most sweet ἐπιθεραπεία (after-correction.-See Append.) and exception.