As is indicated by the particle with which Luke introduces this section (see 1.6), he indicates that this is the real beginning of Paul’s defense. This paragraph points out that Paul is, in fact, on trial for what is one of the very basic beliefs in Judaism, that is, the belief in the resurrection from the dead.

Although the phrase rendered from the beginning in this verse and from the very first in the following verse are different, it is not likely that any difference in meaning is to be sought in them. The same two expressions appear in Luke 1.2, 3 and there have been rendered by the Good News Translation from the beginning and from their beginning. The use of different terms in the present context is merely for stylistic effect.

In my own country (that is, Cilicia) is the meaning that most see in this phrase, though some few understand it to mean “in my own province” (that is, in Judea).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .