Strong’s Greek 1947 identifies the single New Testament noun Paul uses in Acts 26:22 to describe the sustaining assistance he has received from God. The term conveys not a casual favor but decisive aid supplied at the very moment it is needed, enabling the recipient to persevere in God-given mission.

Biblical Usage

Acts 26:22 is the only occurrence: “But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here and testify to small and great alike”. Paul, under arrest and facing a royal hearing, attributes his continued life, liberty to speak, and prophetic witness entirely to this divine assistance. The word choice implies ongoing, active reinforcement rather than a single past rescue.

Context in Acts 26

1. Setting: Paul defends himself before King Agrippa and Governor Festus in Caesarea Maritima.
2. Progression: He recounts his Damascus-road encounter, his commission, and his evangelistic labors.
3. Pivot: Verse 22, centered on ἐπικουρία, marks the hinge between Paul’s narrative of conversion and his appeal to Scripture. The help from God validates both the messenger and the message, showing continuity with “what the prophets and Moses said would happen.”

Historical Background: Imperial Custody and Divine Aid

Paul has endured plots in Jerusalem, two years’ imprisonment under Felix, and political maneuvering by Festus. From a human standpoint his survival is improbable. Yet he stands alive and eloquent before Agrippa. Luke’s record highlights the paradox: Roman chains cannot silence an apostle upheld by heavenly reinforcement.

Old Testament Echoes

Paul’s testimony resonates with a rich scriptural chorus:

• Psalms 54:4 – “Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul”.
• Psalms 118:13-14 – “I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song…”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Thus Acts 26:22 unites apostolic experience with longstanding covenant promises of divine succor.

Theological Themes

1. Providence and Mission: God’s timely assistance preserves His servants until their appointed work is finished (Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:17-18).
2. Continuity of Revelation: The same God who aided Israel aids the church, confirming that the gospel fulfills rather than contradicts the Law and the Prophets.
3. Witness Under Trial: Spirit-supplied help turns legal hearings into evangelistic platforms (Luke 21:12-15; Acts 23:11).

Practical Implications for Ministry

• Confidence in Adversity: Modern believers facing opposition may appeal to God for the same reinforcing aid (Hebrews 4:16).
• Humble Dependence: Paul’s acknowledgment guards against attributing endurance to personal resilience.
• Persevering Testimony: As long as God supplies help, servants must continue “to testify to small and great alike,” refusing to tailor the message to audience status.

Doctrinal Reflections

The single use of the term prevents doctrinal over-systematization yet underscores a consistent biblical truth: God intervenes personally and effectively for His witnesses. This help is neither mechanical nor impersonal but covenantal, rooted in His character and promises, and mediated through Christ, “our helper and our shield” (Psalms 33:20).

Summary

ἐπικουρία in Acts 26:22 captures the decisive, sustaining aid God grants His servants to fulfill their calling. Paul’s life illustrates that such help is timely, sufficient, and directed toward the advance of the gospel, anchoring believers’ confidence across every generation.