Acts 25:20-26:11

New International Version

²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.^{(A) 21} But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”^(B)

²² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”^(C)

Paul Before Agrippa^(D)

²³ The next day Agrippa and Bernice^(E) came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. ²⁴ Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community^(F) has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.^{(G) 25} I found he had done nothing deserving of death,^(H) but because he made his appeal to the Emperor^(I) I decided to send him to Rome. ²⁶ But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. ²⁷ For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”^(J)

So Paul motioned with his hand^(K) and began his defense: ² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you^(L) today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,^{(M) 3} and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs^(N) and controversies.^(O) Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

⁴ “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child,^(P) from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. ⁵ They have known me for a long time^(Q) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect^(R) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.^{(S) 6} And now it is because of my hope^(T) in what God has promised our ancestors^(U) that I am on trial today. ⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes^(V) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.^(W) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.^{(X) 8} Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?^(Y)

⁹ “I too was convinced^(Z) that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose^(AA) the name of Jesus of Nazareth.^{(AB) 10} And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people^(AC) in prison,^(AD) and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.^{(AE) 11} Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished,^(AF) and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.