²² My God sent his angel^(A) and shut the lions’ mouths; and they haven’t harmed me, for I was found innocent before him. And also before you, Your Majesty, I have not done harm.”

²⁶ They were not able to catch him in what he said in public, and being amazed at his answer, they became silent.^(A)

¹⁴ and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who misleads the people.^(A) But in fact, after examining him in your presence, I have found no grounds^(B) to charge this man with those things you accuse him of.

¹⁵ so that you may be blameless^(A) and pure,^(B) children of God who are faultless^(C) in a crooked^(D) and perverted^(E) generation,^(F) among whom you shine like stars in the world,

¹² Conduct^(A) yourselves honorably among the Gentiles,^[a] so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.^(B)

¹⁶ Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience,^(A) so that when you are accused,^[a] those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.