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examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
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The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
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When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.
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You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
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My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.
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And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
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However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,
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and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
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So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
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“After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings.
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I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.