Paul Makes His Defense Before King Agrippa
1 So Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to speak for yourself." Then Paul extended [his] hand [and] began to defend himself:
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"Concerning all [the things] of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate [that] before you I am about to defend myself today,
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[because] you are especially acquainted with both all the customs and controversial questions with respect to the Jews. Therefore I beg [you] to listen to me with patience.
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"Now all the Jews know my manner of life from [my] youth, that had taken place from the beginning among my [own] people and in Jerusalem,
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having known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that in accordance with the strictest party of our religion I lived [as] a Pharisee.
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And now I stand here on trial on the basis of hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,
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to which our twelve tribes hope to attain as [they] earnestly serve [him] night and day. Concerning this hope I am being accused by the Jews, O king!
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Why is it thought incredible by you [people] that God raises the dead?
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Indeed, I myself thought it was necessary to do many [things] opposed to the name of Jesus the Nazarene,