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.
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 superior, yet senior, to Festus; and therefore, Festus having opened the cause, Agrippa, as the mouth of the court, intimates to Paul a licence given him to speak for himself, Act 26:1.
Commenting on Acts 26:1-11
Which knew me from the beginning,.... From his youth, from his first coming to Jerusalem: if they would testify; what they know, and speak out the truth of things, they must say, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee; there were three sects of religion among the Jews, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes; the first of these was the...
Verse 5. Which knew me. Who were well acquainted with me. From the beginning. ανωθεν. Formerly, or from the very commencement of my career. Who were perfectly apprized of my whole course. If they would testify. If they would bear witness to what they knew. That after the most straitest.