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Agrippa said to Sha'ul, "You have permission to speak on your own behalf." Then Sha'ul motioned with his hand and began his defense:
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"King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that it is before you today that I am defending myself against all the charges made against me by Jews,
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because you are so well informed about all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
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"So then! All Jews know how I lived my life from my youth on, both in my own country and in Yerushalayim.
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They have known me for a long time; and if they are willing, they can testify that I have followed the strictest party in our religion - that is, I have lived as a Parush.
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How ironic it is that I stand on trial here because of my hope in the promise made to our fathers!
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It is the fulfillment of this very promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they resolutely carry on their acts of worship night and day; yet it is in connection with this hope, your Majesty, that I am being accused by Jews!
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Why do you people consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
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"I used to think it was my duty to do all I could to combat the name of Yeshua from Natzeret;
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and in Yerushalayim I did so. After receiving authority from the head cohanim, I myself threw many of God's people in prison; when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.
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Often I went from one synagogue to another, punishing them and trying to make them blaspheme; and in my wild fury against them, I even went so far as to persecute them in cities outside the country.