7
This is the promise that the twelve tribes of our people hope to receive as they serve God day and night. My king, the Jews have accused me because I hope for this same promise!
8
Why do any of you people think it is impossible for God to raise people from the dead?
9
"I, too, thought I ought to do many things against Jesus from Nazareth.
10
And that is what I did in Jerusalem. The leading priests gave me the power to put many of God's people in jail, and when they were being killed, I agreed it was a good thing.
11
In every synagogue, I often punished them and tried to make them speak against Jesus. I was so angry against them I even went to other cities to find them and punish them.
12
"One time the leading priests gave me permission and the power to go to Damascus.
13
On the way there, at noon, I saw a light from heaven. It was brighter than the sun and flashed all around me and those who were traveling with me.
14
We all fell to the ground. Then I heard a voice speaking to me in the Jewish language, saying, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are only hurting yourself by fighting me.'
15
I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' The Lord said, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.
16
Stand up! I have chosen you to be my servant and my witness -- you will tell people the things that you have seen and the things that I will show you. This is why I have come to you today.
17
I will keep you safe from your own people and also from those who are not Jewish. I am sending you to them