Act 26:5 | RWP | e4.org | Having knowledge of me from the first ( προγινωσκοντες με ανωθεν ). Literally, "knowing me beforehand" (both προ and ανωθεν ), from the beginning of Paul's public education in Jerusalem (Knowling). Cf. . If they be willing to testify ( εαν θελωσιν μαρτυρειν ). Condition of third class ( εαν and subjunctive). A neat turning of the tables on the distinguished audience about Paul's Jerusalem reputation before his conversion. After the straitest sect ( την ακριβεστατην αιρεσιν ). This is a true superlative (not elative) and one of the three (also αγιωτατος , , τιμιωτατος ; ) superlatives in -τατος in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar , pp. 279f., 670), though common enough in the LXX and the papyri. Hαιρεσιν (choosing) is properly used here with Pharisees (Josephus, Life , 38). Religion ( θρησκειας ). From θρησκευω and this from θρησκος ( ), old word for religious worship or discipline, common in the papyri and inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary ) for reverent worship, not mere external ritual. In N.T. only here, .; . I lived a Pharisee ( εζησα Φαρισαιος ). Emphatic position. Paul knew the rules of the Pharisees and played the game to the full ( ; .). The Talmud makes it plain what the life of a Pharisee was. Paul had become one of the leaders and stars of hope for his sect.

‏ Acts 26:5

Having knowledge of me from the first ( προγινωσκοντες με ανωθεν ). Literally, "knowing me beforehand" (both προ and ανωθεν ), from the beginning of Paul's public education in Jerusalem (Knowling). Cf. 2Pe 3:17.

If they be willing to testify ( εαν θελωσιν μαρτυρειν ). Condition of third class ( εαν and subjunctive). A neat turning of the tables on the distinguished audience about Paul's Jerusalem reputation before his conversion.

After the straitest sect ( την ακριβεστατην αιρεσιν ). This is a true superlative (not elative) and one of the three (also αγιωτατος, Jude 1:20, τιμιωτατος Re 18:12; 21:11) superlatives in -τατος in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 279f., 670), though common enough in the LXX and the papyri. Hαιρεσιν (choosing) is properly used here with Pharisees (Josephus, Life, 38).

Religion ( θρησκειας ). From θρησκευω and this from θρησκος (Jas 1:26), old word for religious worship or discipline, common in the papyri and inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary) for reverent worship, not mere external ritual. In N.T. only here, Jas 1:26f.; Col 2:18.

I lived a Pharisee ( εζησα Φαρισαιος ). Emphatic position. Paul knew the rules of the Pharisees and played the game to the full (Ga 1:14; Php 3:5f.). The Talmud makes it plain what the life of a Pharisee was. Paul had become one of the leaders and stars of hope for his sect.