854. The Hand Stretched Forth

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

Acts 26:1¹Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: (Acts 26:1). Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself.

This was a customary form of dignified oratory, designed to show the earnestness of the speaker. The orator stretched forth the right hand, having the two lowest fingers shut in on the palm of the hand, while the other fingers were extended. It is said that Demosthenes often used this gesture.

This is not to be confounded with the “beckoning” mentioned in Acts 13:16¹⁶Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. (Acts 13:16). That was simply a motion of the hand for the purpose of gaining attention. See also Acts 12:17¹⁷But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. (Acts 12:17).

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