| 1. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the nominative subject Agrippas {Ἀγρίππας | A-gríp-pas} followed by the connective de {δὲ | de}, linking this episode to the prior proceedings while marking a step in the narrative. The prepositional phrase pros ton Paulon {πρὸς τὸν Παῦλον | pros ton Paû-lon} uses pros with the accusative to specify the direction of Agrippa’s words toward Paul as the defendant. The speech verb ephe {ἔφη | É-phē} introduces direct discourse, which begins with the impersonal present epitrepetai {Ἐπιτρέπεταί | e-pi-TRÉ-pe-tai} “it is permitted,” a formal legal expression that foregrounds the king’s authority to grant or withhold permission. The infinitival clause huper seautou legein {ὑπὲρ σεαυτοῦ λέγειν | hy-PÉR se-au-TOÛ LÉ-gein} functions as the content of what is permitted: huper plus genitive frames Paul as speaking “on behalf of” himself, and the infinitive legein captures the authorized act of addressing the assembly. The adverb tote {τότε | TO-te} then marks a temporal shift from royal authorization to Paul’s response. The new subject ho Paulos {ὁ Παῦλος | ho Paû-los} is accompanied by the circumstantial aorist participle ekteinas {ἐκτείνας | ek-TEI-nas} with its object ten kheira {τὴν χεῖρα | ten KHEI-ra}, describing the preliminary gesture—stretching out his hand—as a conventional rhetorical signal preceding speech. This participial action sets the scene for the main imperfect verb apologeito {ἀπελογεῖτο | a-pe-lo-GEI-to}, whose imperfect aspect suggests the initiation and unfolding of a considered legal defense rather than a brief remark. Together, the structures move from permission, to rhetorical posture, to ongoing formal defense, highlighting both Agrippa’s authority and Paul’s composed response. |