Acts 26:22 – “But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is standing before King Agrippa, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. He acknowledges that the only reason he is still alive and able to testify is that God has helped him. His survival and ministry are not due to his own strength but to God’s power and protection.

Paul makes two key points:

1. God has sustained him – Despite many attempts to kill him, God has preserved him for His purpose.
2. His message is consistent with Scripture – Paul is not inventing a new religion or opposing Jewish teaching. Instead, he is proclaiming what Moses and the prophets foretold—that the Messiah would come, suffer, and bring salvation.

This verse highlights both God’s faithfulness and the consistency of the gospel with the Old Testament. Paul’s mission was to share this truth with everyone, whether “small or great”—meaning from the lowest in society to the highest rulers.

Historical Context

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem after being falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple (Acts 21:27-30). Since then, he had faced multiple trials before Jewish and Roman authorities, including Felix, Festus, and now King Agrippa.

His claim that God has helped him “to this very day” is significant because Paul had endured:

• Attempts on his life (Acts 23:12-15)
• Imprisonment (Acts 24:27)
• Legal battles (Acts 25:7-12)
• A dangerous sea voyage and shipwreck (Acts 27)

Yet, he remained faithful and bold, seeing all these experiences as part of God’s plan. His defense before Agrippa was not just about clearing his name—it was an opportunity to testify about Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications

1. God preserves His people for His purpose. Paul was not protected for his own comfort but to fulfill God’s mission. (Psalm 46:1)
2. The gospel is rooted in the Old Testament. Paul emphasizes that Jesus’ coming was the fulfillment of prophecy, not a new idea. (Luke 24:27)
3. The gospel is for all people. Paul’s testimony before both rulers and common people shows that God’s truth is for everyone, not just the religious elite. (Romans 1:16)

This verse reminds us that God’s plans cannot be stopped, no matter how much opposition comes.

Literary Analysis

Acts 26 is structured as Paul’s testimony, and verse 22 serves as a transition between his defense and his proclamation of the gospel.

• The phrase “God has helped me to this very day” reflects Paul’s dependence on God’s strength.
• The phrase “I stand here and testify” shows his unwavering commitment to sharing the truth, regardless of the audience.
• The phrase “I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen” emphasizes that his message is deeply rooted in Jewish Scriptures.

Paul is not trying to create a new religion, but rather, he is showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan revealed in the Old Testament.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Paul’s survival is because of God’s help.)
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (God sustains His people.)
• Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Jesus Himself showed how the Old Testament pointed to Him.)
• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Paul shared the gospel with both “small and great.”)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Paul’s words remind us that God is our help, just as He was for Paul. This means:

1. We can trust God to sustain us. Even in hard times, God’s help is constant.
2. Our faith is based on truth, not human ideas. The gospel is built on God’s promises in the Bible.
3. We should boldly share our faith. Paul testified without fear, even before rulers—so we should not be afraid to share Jesus with those around us.

If God could give Paul the strength to stand firm in the face of opposition, He can help us be faithful too.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love in several ways:

• God is our protector. Even when Paul was in danger, God kept him alive for His purpose.
• God’s truth is for all people. Paul’s message was for both “small and great,” showing that God does not play favorites.
• God keeps His promises. Paul’s confidence in Scripture shows that God’s plan of salvation was in motion long before Jesus came.

God’s love is seen in His faithfulness to His people and His commitment to bringing salvation to the world.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s testimony is ultimately about Jesus because:

1. Jesus is the fulfillment of what Moses and the prophets foretold. (Luke 24:44)
2. Jesus also stood before rulers and testified about the truth. (John 18:36-37)
3. Jesus is the reason Paul was willing to suffer and keep going. (Philippians 3:8)

Paul’s life was fully dedicated to sharing the gospel of Christ, just as Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How have you experienced God’s help in your own life?
2. In what ways does Paul’s boldness challenge you to share your faith?
3. Why is it important that Paul based his message on the Old Testament?
4. How does this verse encourage you to trust God in difficult situations?
5. If Paul could stand before rulers and testify about Jesus, how can you be bolder in your own witness?

This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s help is constant, His truth is reliable, and His message is for everyone. No matter where we find ourselves, we can stand firm in our faith, just as Paul did.