1 "Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense."
2
When they heard him address them in Aramaic, they became even more quiet.
3
Paul continued, “I'm a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia but raised in this city. Under Gamaliel's instruction, I was trained in the strict interpretation of our ancestral Law. I am passionately loyal to God, just like you who are gathered here today.
4
I harassed those who followed this Way to their death, arresting and delivering both men and women into prison.
5
The high priest and the whole Jerusalem Council can testify about me. I received letters from them, addressed to our associates in Damascus, then went there to bring those who were arrested to Jerusalem so they could be punished.
6
“During that journey, about noon, as I approached Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven encircled me.