17
I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,
18
to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
19
"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
20
Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.
21
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple complex and were trying to kill me.
22
Since I have obtained help that comes from God, to this day I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses said would take place-
23
that the Messiah must suffer, and that as the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles."
Not Quite Persuaded
24 As he was making his defense this way, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You're out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad!"
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But Paul replied, "I'm not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I'm speaking words of truth and good judgment.
26
For the king knows about these matters. It is to him I am actually speaking boldly. For I'm not convinced that any of these things escapes his notice, since this was not done in a corner!
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King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe."