Acts 26:7

Unto which promise. That is, the blessing promised to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3) and repeated to his descendants from generation to generation. To Paul, Jesus was the personification, the instrument, and the realization of this blessing (Rom. 4:12, 13; 1 Cor. 1:30).

Twelve tribes. Though ten of the tribes were largely scattered among the nations whither they had been driven as captive migrants, nevertheless they were still considered as inheritors of the promises. No doubt a remnant from these tribes had remained faithful to God (cf. 1 Kings 19:18). James addressed his epistle “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1). Anna the prophetess was of the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36). Through the years after the restoration many of the exiles must have drifted back to their homeland. In the Talmud (Berakoth 20a, Soncino ed., p. 120) Rabbi Johanan is said to be “from the seed of Joseph.”

Instantly. Gr. en ekteneia, “earnestly.” The word “instantly” no longer conveys the meaning expressed by the Greek.

Day and night. This expression intensifies the idea of the zeal and earnestness with which devout Jews practiced their religion.

Agrippa. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of this word.

Iam accused. Paul has been challenged for two basic aspects of the Messianic hope: (1) that Jesus is the Messiah, and (2) that the Messiah has risen from the dead (see on v. 6). Paul, a Jew of the Jews and a Pharisee of the Pharisees, is thus charged by his fellow countrymen on the grounds of the very hope in which Judaism centers. He, the strictest of the strict, branded an apostate—the most ardent patriot declared a traitor!

Of the Jews. That is, by the Jews. They of all people should have championed his cause before the Gentiles, instead of appearing in the role of accusers!