1
Agrippa spoke directly to Paul: "Go ahead - tell us about yourself."
2
"I can't think of anyone, King Agrippa, before whom I'd rather be answering all these Jewish accusations than you,
3
knowing how well you are acquainted with Jewish ways and all our family quarrels.
4
"From the time of my youth, my life has been lived among my own people in Jerusalem.
5
Practically every Jew in town who watched me grow up - and if they were willing to stick their necks out they'd tell you in person - knows that I lived as a strict Pharisee, the most demanding branch of our religion.
6
It's because I believed it and took it seriously,
7
committed myself heart and soul to what God promised my ancestors - the identical hope, mind you, that the twelve tribes have lived for night and day all these centuries - it's because I have held on to this tested and tried hope that I'm being called on the carpet by the Jews. They should be the ones standing trial here, not me!
8
For the life of me, I can't see why it's a criminal offense to believe that God raises the dead.
9
"I admit that I didn't always hold to this position. For a time I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might.