4
"So then! All Jews know how I lived my life from my youth on, both in my own country and in Yerushalayim.
5
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.
6
How ironic it is that I stand on trial here because of my hope in the promise made to our fathers!
7
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!
8
Why do you people consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
9
"I used to think it was my duty to do all I could to combat the name of Yeshua from Natzeret;
10
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.
11
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.
12
"On one such occasion, I was traveling to Dammesek with the full authority and power of the head cohanim.
13
I was on the road, and it was noon, your Majesty, when I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my traveling companions.
14
We all fell to the ground; and then I heard a voice saying to me, in Hebrew, 'Sha'ul! Sha'ul! Why do you keep persecuting me? It's hard on you to be kicking against the ox-goads!'