Acts 26

stretching out
The phrase “stretching out” rather than “he stretched out” helps to indicate that the underlying Greek word is a participle and not a finite verb. Participles play a supporting role to the main verb of a sentence, and are thus intentionally translated in such a way that readers can clearly recognize the main idea of a verse and how the modifying words like participles support that idea. Here, the main verb is “make [his] defense” (ἀπελογεῖτο; apelogeito), modified by the participial phrase “stretching out [his hand]” (ἐκτείνας; ekteinas). Thus the main idea of this verse is Paul’s defense, but Luke includes that he made his defense as he stretched out his hand, which was a common gesture to motion for silence as one began a speech (cf. 12:17; 13:16; 19:33).

Concerning
“Concerning” translates the preposition περὶ (peri). This is the consistent way this translation renders this preposition when it opens a Pauline section of argument or explanation (cf. 1 Cor 7:1, 25; 8:1, 4; 12:1; 16:1, 12; etc.).

unbelievable
This word (ἄπιστος; apistos) primarily has the sense of “disbelieving” or “unbelievable.” The translation here brings out Paul’s desire that Agrippa would believe what he is saying (cf. v. 27).

Hebrew language
Although the word διάλεκτος; (dialektos) can simply be transliterated as “dialect,” the modern idea of a dialect is not the same as what the word meant at the time Luke wrote. At that time, it was used to refer to the entire language, not just a regional branch of it (cf. Acts 1:19; 2:6; 2:8; 26:14). Furthermore, “Hebrew” translates Ἑβραϊστί (Hebraisti), which refers to a language and not a dialect spoken by Hebrew people. Luke’s purpose in saying this is to emphasize its distinction from Greek, the lingua franca of the time. Whether Ἑβραϊστί (Hebraisti) was meant to indicate the Hebrew language proper, or the language of the Hebrews at that time (Aramaic), to the Jews, hearing a stranger speak their own lesser-known tongue was irregular and surprising. Here, Paul heard his native language spoken to him by God Himself.

servant
“Servant” translates the word ὑπηρέτης (hypēretēs), which speaks of a worker who is a subordinate or underling. In other words, it designates a very lowly position of servitude. Thus, “servant” more clearly communicates the idea intended here than something like “minister.” Paul was saved to become a humble servant of the Lord, simply carrying out His cause by bearing witness of the things Jesus would show him.

practicing
The word “practicing” translates the verb πράσσω (prassō), which means to be engaged or occupied with doing something, especially regarding action or behavior. Thus, “practicing” brings the sense out well. Paul recounts how he was declaring that true repentance should be characterized by the continual practice of righteous deeds which would demonstrate the genuineness of the repentance.

are you persuading
This retort by Agrippa is better seen as a question than a statement (most English translations concur). While not specified grammatically, it is more obvious contextually. This is somewhat of a startled defense by Agrippa. Confronted with a very direct question from Paul in v. 27, he seeks to lessen its blow with a question of his own, putting the burden of reply back on Paul.

pray
The word for “pray” here is the verb εὔχομαι (euxomai), which refers to a request made specifically to God expressing a wish or desire. This verb is also used here in the optative mood, which expresses the desire for something to be possible. The translation “pray” helps to bring this out more clearly than “wish,” as prayer to God communicates more serious desire than a simple wish. Paul is matching Agrippa’s retort regarding the shortness of time, saying that if it were possible that Agrippa would come to salvation at all, that would be his desire and his prayer to God, regardless of whether it took short or long time.

could
“Could” is a better translation than “might” here because it reflects the meaning of the word δύναμαι (dynamai) used here, which expresses the idea of power or ability (i.e., whether something “can” happen). Because of Paul’s innocence before the law, he could have been set free. However, in God’s providence, Paul had appealed to Caesar, so he would be sent to Rome to witness also in this prominent city in accordance with God’s strategic plan for the gospel to spread further through Paul.