“I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:”
'King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews. - Paul addresses Agrippa with deference ('consider myself fortunate,' hēgeomai emauton makarian, hēgeomai emauton makarian), acknowledging the king's status. His framing ('stand before you today') marks this as a privilege, not a trial in the ordinary sense. He positions himself not as criminal but as defendant facing 'accusations' (kategoría, kategoría)-plural, indicating their multiplicity and their weakness when enumerated.
Church Fathers on Acts 26:2
Agrippa said to Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself. Acts 26:1 From his great desire to hear, the king permits him to speak. But Paul speaks out immediately with boldness, not flattering, but for this reason saying that he is happy, namely, because (Agrippa) knew all. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself. I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before you touching all the things whereof I am accused of…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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