9
The Judeans also joined in the accusation and alleged that these were the facts.
10
When the governor motioned for Sha'ul to speak, he replied, "I know that you have been judge over this nation for a number of years, so I am glad to make my defense.
11
As you can verify for yourself, it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Yerushalayim;
12
and neither in the Temple nor in the synagogues nor anywhere else in the city did they find me either arguing with anyone or collecting a crowd.
13
Nor can they give any proof of the things of which they are accusing me.
14
"But this I do admit to you: I worship the God of our fathers in accordance with the Way (which they call a sect). I continue to believe everything that accords with the Torah and everything written in the Prophets.
15
And I continue to have a hope in God - which they too accept - that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
16
Indeed, it is because of this that I make a point of always having a clear conscience in the sight of both God and man.
17
"After an absence of several years, I came to Yerushalayim to bring a charitable gift to my nation and to offer sacrifices.
18
It was in connection with the latter that they found me in the Temple. I had been ceremonially purified, I was not with a crowd, and I was not causing a disturbance.
19
But some Jews from the province of Asia - they ought to be here before you to make a charge if they have anything against me!