The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Resurrection in the light of revelation.

"Why should it be thought," etc.? Grounds of the incredible. Contradiction of reason. Contradiction of experience. Absolute isolation of a fact. A statement is credible because it is rational, because it has been predicted, because it is analogous to and harmonious with experience, because it is morally and practically serviceable to humanity.

I. THE APPEAL TO FAITH. You believe so much; why not this? The Jewish Scriptures contained the doctrine of resurrection. Enoch. Abraham's anticipation of Isaac's resurrection. Moses. Elijah. The teaching of the Psalms and prophets. The growth of the doctrine through the post-Exilian times. Even the heathen not without much that prepared the way for the truth. Doctrine of the dead and of the future life. Longing for the perfection of humanity. Moral helplessness.

II. THE CHALLENGE OF CHRISTIANITY TO PERSONAL ACCEPTANCE.

1. The credible ought to be accepted, if it comes with the evidence of fact.

2. The real root of unbelief is personal and moral. Paul refers to himself, "I was once as you are; but the facts were too much for me."

3. The resurrection is not a mere speculative doctrine or unpractical mystery, but it is the root of the whole system of Christianity; it stands at the entrance of the new way, into which we are all invited, both as sealing the testimony of Christ, and as opening the new world to our faith and setting our affection on things above.—R.

More for Acts 26:8

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Acts 26:1-11Acts 26:1-11 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryChristianity teaches us to give a reason of the hope that is in us, and also to give honour to whom honour is due, without flattery or fear of man. Agrippa was well versed in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, therefo…Paul's Fifth DefenceActs 26:1-11 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BiblePAUL'S FIFTH DEFENCE. Agrippa was the most honourable person in the assembly, having the title of king bestowed upon him, though otherwise having only the power of other governors under the emperor, and, though not here…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-26Acts 26:1-26 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe apology. We are struck with a contrast between the conduct of our Lord when he stood before the bar of Caiaphas and of Pontius Pilate, and that of St. Paul when he was brought before Festus and Agrippa. It is writte…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-32Acts 26:1-32 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-32Acts 26:1-32 · The Pulpit CommentaryPaul before Festus and Agrippa. His address may be divided as follows:— I. THE REMARKABLE STORY OF HIS LIFE. (Acts 26:1-18.) 1. His life in Judaism. He had been brought up, as all knew, in the strictest sect of his reli…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-32Acts 26:1-32 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe apostolic defense in the presence of Festus and Agrippa. I. THE BEARING OF THE MAN. Dignity, gentleness, courtesy—a true Christian gentleman. II. THE APPEAL TO FACTS. The incontrovertible evidence. "Once I was a per…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Acts 26:1-11Christianity teaches us to give a reason of the hope that is in us, and also to give honour to whom honour is due, without flattery or fear of man. Agrippa was well versed in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, therefo…Matthew Henry commentaryPaul's Fifth DefencePAUL'S FIFTH DEFENCE. Agrippa was the most honourable person in the assembly, having the title of king bestowed upon him, though otherwise having only the power of other governors under the emperor, and, though not here…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-32Paul before Festus and Agrippa. His address may be divided as follows:— I. THE REMARKABLE STORY OF HIS LIFE. (Acts 26:1-18.) 1. His life in Judaism. He had been brought up, as all knew, in the strictest sect of his reli…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-26The apology. We are struck with a contrast between the conduct of our Lord when he stood before the bar of Caiaphas and of Pontius Pilate, and that of St. Paul when he was brought before Festus and Agrippa. It is writte…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-32EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:1-32The apostolic defense in the presence of Festus and Agrippa. I. THE BEARING OF THE MAN. Dignity, gentleness, courtesy—a true Christian gentleman. II. THE APPEAL TO FACTS. The incontrovertible evidence. "Once I was a per…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:6-8The hope of the promise. It is a thing of deepest interest and significance that we can note so clearly, so repeatedly, what it was ever lay so close to the heart that craved the better, that was not dead, that reached…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 26:8Why is it judged incredible with you, if for why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that, A.V.; doth for should, A.V. Why is it judged, etc. The use of d is somewhat peculiar. It cannot stand for ὅτι, b…Joseph S. Exell and contributors